ACAJOU

Family : MELIACEAE
Scientific name : KHAYA ANTHOTHECA – IVORENSIS – GRANDIFOLIOLA

WOOD DESCRIPTION

  • Reference colour: reddish brown
  • Sapwood: quite distinct
  • Grain: medium
  • Thread: counter-thread
  • Counter grain: light

Tension wood and soft heartwood may be present. Pinkish brown to dark red wood with copper highlights.

PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

These properties can vary significantly depending on the origin and growing conditions of the wood.

  • Density*: 0.57 (12% moisture content)
  • Monnin hardness: 2.5
  • Volume shrinkage coefficient: 0.39
  • Stability in service: moderately stable
  • Total radial shrinkage: 3.7
  • Fibre saturation point: 28
  • Total tangential shrinkage: 5.5

NATURAL DURABILITY AND IMPREGNABILITY OF WOOD

  • Fungi: class 3 – moderately durable
  • Dry wood insects: durable; sapwood distinct (risk limited to sapwood)
  • Termites: class S – sensitive
  • Impregnability: 4 – not impregnable
  • Biological risk class: 2 – out of contact with the ground, sheltered (risk of wetting)

African mahogany cannot be used without appropriate preservative treatment in applications corresponding to risk class 3, except for certain parts of the structure, such as windows, which are less exposed than others (entrance doors, shutters, etc.).

SAWING AND MACHINING

  • Sharpening effect: normal
  • Saw teeth: ordinary or alloy steel
  • Machining tools: ordinary
  • Tendency to lint (tension wood) when sawing. Risk of tearing (counter-threading) when planed. Ribboned appearance on quartering.

ASSEMBLY

  • Nailing – Screwing: good hold
  • Gluing: correct

END-USES

Pores sometimes filled with black deposits. Dust can cause irritation. Plugging recommended to obtain a better finish.

  • Furniture
  • Panelling
  • Shipbuilding
  • Light craft
  • Exterior and interior joinery
  • Light carpentry

The main known uses should be validated by using the product in accordance with the rules of the trade. Important note: some uses are listed for information only.

REACTION TO FIRE

  • Conventional French classification :
    – thickness > 14 mm: M.3 (moderately flammable)
    – thickness < 14 mm: M.4 (highly flammable)
  • Classification according to Euroclasses: D s2 d0

This default classification applies to solid wood meeting the requirements of standard NF EN 14081-1 annex C (May 2006), used in vertical walls. In other words, classified structural timber with a minimum average density of 0.35 and a minimum thickness of 22 mm.

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