Ayous Wood Product Overview
Ayous round logs are premium lightweight hardwood logs celebrated globally for their exceptional workability, pale creamy-white hue, and straight, uniform grain. Sourced from lush tropical forests in Central and West Africa—with Nigeria and Ghana as key origins—these round logs offer unique advantages: their cylindrical shape is ideal for crafting curved components, rustic architectural elements, or decorative features, while their ultra-light density balances ease of handling with reliable structural performance. Unlike denser hardwoods, Ayous’ combination of light weight, smooth texture, and neutral color makes it a top choice for projects that demand maneuverability, versatility, and a clean, adaptable aesthetic.
African Ayous Timber Trees Physical Properties
– Density: 380–480 kg/m³ (at 12% moisture content) – Delivers an ultra-light yet sturdy feel, prioritizing easy handling and weight reduction without compromising basic structural reliability—perfect for applications where heavy materials are impractical.
– Janka Hardness: 410 lbf (1,820 N) – Offers moderate resistance to everyday wear, maintaining its smooth surface in low to medium-traffic settings. It is also easily sanded and refinished if minor scratches occur.
– Color: Heartwood ranges from pale creamy-white to light yellowish-tan, with subtle warm undertones; sapwood is nearly identical to heartwood (no distinct color contrast), creating a uniform appearance. Over time, minimal light exposure may add a soft golden tint, enhancing its natural warmth.
– Grain: Typically straight with a very fine, even texture and a subtle natural luster that becomes more noticeable after finishing. The consistent grain pattern simplifies machining, ensures smooth cuts, and allows for seamless integration into detailed designs.
– Durability: Exhibits moderate resistance to decay and insect infestations when used in indoor or protected outdoor environments. For unprotected outdoor applications, applying water-resistant sealants is recommended to extend its service life.
– Shrinkage: Radial shrinkage of 3.5%, tangential shrinkage of 6.2%, and volumetric shrinkage of 9.6% – These low shrinkage rates ensure minimal dimensional changes, making the round logs highly predictable and stable for long-term installations.
Obeche Hardwood Workability
– Machining: Ayous’ straight grain and fine texture make it one of the easiest hardwoods to machine. It cuts cleanly with standard woodworking tools (no specialized equipment needed), produces minimal tear-out, and shapes smoothly—ideal for intricate designs, curved cuts, or detailed joinery.
– Gluing: Bonds exceptionally well with all types of wood glues, requiring only basic surface cleaning (to remove dust) for strong adhesion. Its smooth texture ensures uniform glue distribution, creating long-lasting joints for both structural and decorative assemblies.
– Nailing and Screwing: Performs reliably with nails and screws, needing little to no pre-drilling (even for thicker log sections) to avoid splitting. The wood’s light density holds fasteners securely without requiring excessive force during installation.
– Finishing: Takes stains, paints, and clear finishes (e.g., varnish, lacquer, or wax) exceptionally well. It accepts color evenly (no blotching) and retains a smooth, consistent finish—clear coats amplify its subtle luster, while paints adhere tightly for long-lasting color.
Ayous (African Whitewood) Applications
– Artisanal Crafts & Furniture: Ideal for crafting lightweight furniture (e.g., chairs, bookshelves, side tables), wooden toys, and decorative items (e.g., carved accents, log centerpieces). Its easy workability suits both hobbyists and professional craftsmen.
– Interior Design & Millwork: Used for decorative log columns, wall paneling, ceiling beams, and door frames in residential and commercial spaces. Its neutral color complements modern, rustic, and minimalist design styles, brightening interiors naturally.
– Curved Architectural Components: Perfect for crafting curved beams, arches, and window trim—its light weight simplifies transportation and installation of large curved elements, reducing labor costs.
– Packaging & Industrial Uses: Suitable for manufacturing large wooden crates, lightweight pallets, and industrial frames. Its low density lowers shipping costs and eases handling for logistics and manufacturing operations.
– Sound & Acoustic Elements: Valued for making musical instrument parts (e.g., guitar soundboards, drum shells) and acoustic panels, as its light density and fine texture enhance sound resonance and absorption.
Ayous Wood Sustainability
– Conservation Status: Ayous is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but its natural populations in some West African regions face pressure from unregulated logging and habitat loss. Countries like Nigeria and Ghana have implemented sustainable forest management programs to protect Ayous habitats and ensure long-term resource availability.
– Environmental Considerations: We prioritize sourcing Ayous round logs from sustainably managed forests in Central and West Africa—including those accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or local certification schemes (e.g., Nigeria’s Forest Management Certification Program). This ensures responsible harvesting practices that safeguard biodiversity, support local communities, and maintain the ecological balance of native forests.
Why Choose Ayous Round Logs?
– Unmatched Workability: Ayous’ straight grain and fine texture make it easier to machine, shape, and finish than most hardwoods—saving time, labor, and equipment costs for projects of all sizes.
– Ultra-Light & Versatile: Its low density makes it ideal for applications where weight matters (e.g., large curved components, portable furniture) while still delivering reliable performance.
– Neutral, Adaptable Aesthetic: The pale creamy color and uniform grain blend seamlessly with any design style, from modern to rustic, eliminating the need for extensive color modification.
– Ethical Sourcing: Our focus on FSC-certified and locally managed forests ensures you get high-quality Ayous while supporting environmental conservation and fair livelihoods for local forest communities.
