Africa is known as one of the continents with a diverse source of rare and economically valuable woods. This is especially true for countries like Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, etc. However, despite being on the same continent, each country has different climatic conditions. Therefore, the quality of wood from each country has its unique features and properties. For instance, the Iroko wood from Nigeria has a light color and relatively uniform grain. Meanwhile, Iroko wood from Angola usually has a darker color and smoother grain, reflecting the differences in ecological and climatic conditions between the two countries. In the following article, let’s join K-TIMBER to explore in detail the characteristics and properties of the types of wood in each African country and see what differences there are.
Table of Contents
Angolan Wood
Angola is a country located in the subtropical climate zone, characterized by its mild climate. As a result, trees grow rapidly, strong, and have a high durability. Teak and Iroko wood from Angola are highly valued for their resistance to termites and durability, making them top choices for outdoor furniture and construction.
The Angolan Mahogany has a reddish-brown color with even and smooth grain. Mahogany is highly durable and resistant to warping thanks to its solid cellular structure, thriving under Angola’s mild climate conditions.
In Angola, wood is slowly dried to achieve a moisture content of 18-20% over a period of 2-3 weeks, depending on the quantity of wood. Therefore, the wood always maintains high durability, avoiding cases of warping and cracking.
Cameroonian Wood
Cameroon, with its vast tropical forests, is a producer of high-quality Ebony and Mahogany wood. Ebony wood from Cameroon is renowned for its hardness and distinctive black color, making it one of the rarest and most expensive woods in the world. Meanwhile, Mahogany is characterized by its bright reddish-brown color and fine grain, making it suitable for the production of high-end furniture and decorative items.
However, Padauk wood from Cameroon has a darker color than that of Angola due to Cameroon’s humid tropical climate. Padauk wood ranges from orange to deep reddish-brown and darkens over time with use.
Ghanaian Wood
Unlike Angola or Cameroon, Ghana is located in a semi-tropical climate zone with heavy rainfall, leading to rapid growth of vegetation and affecting the internal structure of the wood, making its quality inferior to countries in tropical climates. Wood from Ghana typically has a higher natural moisture content, requiring a thorough drying process to ensure quality. However, in practice, wood in this country is often dried too quickly, about just one week at a low cost, compromising the wood quality and making it prone to warping and cracking.
Nigerian Wood
Nigeria has a desert and semi-desert climate, limiting forest growth and, therefore, the wood source from Nigeria is not as abundant as other countries in Africa. However, in areas with more temperate climates, vegetation that has adapted to arid conditions can still be found. Wood from these areas is typically hard and dry, suitable for specific applications such as crafts or decorations, but it is not the main source for the wood industry.
The difference in quality and characteristics of each type of wood from each country is not only the basis for selection and application in various fields from furniture to construction. The diversity of natural conditions and climate is also an important factor determining the quality and color of wood in each country in Africa. Through this article, I hope you have gained a more comprehensive view of the features and properties of different types of wood in each African country.
