Are you an architect, furniture manufacturer, or timber wholesaler looking for the next premium material to elevate your portfolio? While Oak and Walnut have their place, the global market is increasingly turning to African Hardwood Species for their superior density, unmatched durability, and exotic aesthetics.
From the deep red hues of Padauk to the structural might of Ekki, African timber offers a diversity that temperate woods simply cannot match. At YYW Timber, we specialize in sourcing and exporting these premium logs and sawn timber directly from the heart of West Africa’s forests.
In this guide, we rank the top 10 most commercially valuable African wood species available for export in 2025, breaking down their properties, uses, and why they deserve a place in your inventory.
Why Choose African Hardwood for Your Project?
Before diving into the list, it is crucial to understand why African timber commands such respect in the B2B market:
- Extreme Durability: Many African species (like Iroko and Tali) have natural oils that repel termites and fungi, making them ideal for outdoor use without chemical treatment.
- Massive Dimensions: Unlike European trees, African logs (Round Logs) are available in massive diameters, perfect for live-edge slabs and quarter-sawn boards.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Species like Sapele and Iroko offer high-end aesthetics similar to Mahogany and Teak but often at a more competitive price point.
Top 10 African Timber Species
Here are the top performers in the international market, categorized by their commercial application.
1. Bubinga (The “Jewel” of African Hardwoods)
If there is one wood species that defines luxury in the African timber trade, it is Bubinga. Often referred to commercially as African Rosewood, it is globally revered not just for its durability, but for its breathtaking aesthetics. The heartwood ranges from a pinkish-red to a darker reddish-brown with purple streaks. While the standard grain is straight or interlocked, premium Bubinga logs are hunted for their rare figure patterns—including Waterfall, Pommele, and Quilted grain—which command astronomical prices in the veneer and slab markets.
For manufacturers, Bubinga offers a challenge that is worth the effort. It is dense and heavy, requiring sharp carbide-tipped tools to process effectively. However, it finishes to a high lustrous sheen without the need for fillers. It is the preferred choice for high-end architectural woodwork, massive conference tables (live-edge slabs), and premium musical instruments like harps and guitars. Note on CITES: Since 2017, Bubinga is listed under CITES Appendix II. YYW Timber provides full documentation to ensure your import is 100% legal and compliant.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Guibourtia demeusei / Guibourtia tessmannii
- Other Names: Kevazingo, African Rosewood, Essingang, Waka.
- Average Dried Weight: 800-960 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~2,410 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability: Moderately Durable to Durable; resistant to termites.
- Best For: Luxury furniture, veneers, knife handles, heavy-duty flooring.
2. Bilinga (The Structural Giant)
Often confused with Bubinga due to the similar-sounding name, Bilinga is a completely different beast structurally and aesthetically. It is a heavy, golden-yellow construction timber that is exceptionally dense. Freshly cut, the heartwood is a vibrant yellow or orange, which gradually darkens to a reddish-brown upon exposure to light. Bilinga is famous for its interlocked grain, which can make it challenging to season without checking (surface cracks), so proper drying techniques are essential.
The primary commercial value of Bilinga lies in its incredible natural resistance to marine borers and fungi. It is a cost-effective alternative to Azobe (Ekki) for heavy hydraulic works. It is widely used in Europe for railway sleepers, harbor fenders, and heavy-duty outdoor decking. Because of its high density and interlocked grain, it has a blunting effect on cutting tools, so pre-drilling is mandatory for nailing or screwing. If you need a wood that can survive harsh outdoor environments for decades without treatment, Bilinga is the top contender.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Nauclea diderrichii
- Other Names: Opepe, Badi, Kusia, Aloma, Nugu.
- Average Dried Weight: 750-780 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,630 lbf
- Durability: Class 1 (Very Durable); Marine borer resistant.
- Best For: Marine piling, heavy decking, railway sleepers, bridges.
3. Padauk (The Vibrant Red)
African Padauk is instantly recognizable by its vivid reddish-orange heartwood, which has earned it the nickname “Vermilion.” Beyond its stunning color, Padauk is one of the most mechanically stable African hardwoods available. Once dried, it has exceptionally low movement, making it a favorite for flooring manufacturers and joiners who require precision. The texture is coarse and open, often requiring a sealer if a smooth glass-like finish is desired.
Over time, the bright orange color will mature into a deep, noble maroon or dark brown if exposed to UV light. Many woodworkers appreciate this “aged” look, but UV-inhibiting finishes can prolong the bright red hues. It machines beautifully, turning and gluing well. It is widely used for decorative joinery, knife handles, and flooring accents. However, workers should be aware that the red sawdust is very fine and can stain clothes and workshops easily—a small price to pay for such a premium material.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Pterocarpus soyauxii
- Other Names: African Coralwood, Vermilion, Barwood, Mbe.
- Average Dried Weight: 745 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,970 lbf (Hard)
- Durability: Class 1 (Very Durable); Excellent rot resistance.
- Best For: Flooring, decorative joinery, turnery, musical instruments.
4. Iroko (The “African Teak”)
If you are looking for the performance of genuine Teak (Tectona grandis) without the astronomical price tag, Iroko is the industry standard alternative. It shares similar structural properties, color tones, and rot resistance. The heartwood is usually a yellow to golden-brown, which darkens significantly over time. Like Teak, Iroko has a high natural oil content, giving it superb weatherproofing capabilities and making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Processing Iroko requires expertise. It often contains hard deposits of calcium carbonate (commonly called “stone” by sawyers), which can dull cutter blades rapidly. Despite this, it is the number one choice for exterior cladding, boat building, and outdoor decking in the European market. The interlocked grain can sometimes cause tear-out during surfacing, so a reduced cutting angle is recommended. It is a stable, durable, and highly commercial timber that forms the backbone of many timber yards.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Milicia excelsa / Milicia regia
- Other Names: Kambala, Mvule, Odum, Tule.
- Average Dried Weight: 660 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,260 lbf
- Durability: Class 1-2 (Durable to Very Durable).
- Best For: Exterior decking, boat building, outdoor furniture, cladding.
5. Sapele (The Mahogany Successor)
With genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) becoming heavily restricted and expensive, Sapele has taken the throne as the world’s premier reddish-brown cabinet wood. It is harder and heavier than Red Oak and true Mahogany. Sapele is distinguished by its well-defined interlocked grain, which produces a stunning “ribbon stripe” figure when the log is quarter-sawn. This makes it a top seller for the veneer industry.
For joinery, Sapele is a joy to use, although the interlocked grain requires care during planing to avoid tear-out. It has a distinct cedar-like scent when being worked. It is versatile enough for flooring, window frames, door manufacturing, and high-quality cabinetry. Unlike some other African species, Sapele is available in very large, consistent volumes, making it a reliable choice for large-scale architectural projects where color consistency is key.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Entandrophragma cylindricum
- Other Names: Sapelli, Aboudikro, Penkwa, Sapele Mahogany.
- Average Dried Weight: 670 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,510 lbf
- Durability: Class 3 (Moderately Durable).
- Best For: Door frames, windows, cabinetry, flooring, veneers.
6. Okoume (The King of Plywood)
Native primarily to Gabon and Congo, Okoume is one of the most exported African species by volume, yet it is rarely seen as solid furniture. Why? Because it is the perfect “peeling” wood. Okoume logs are typically cylindrical and straight with very little defect, making them ideal for rotary peeling into veneers. The wood is pinkish-brown (salmon color), lightweight, and soft, with a straight to slightly wavy grain.
It has a relatively high silica content which can blunt knives, but its softness makes it easy to process industrially. Okoume is the global standard for marine-grade plywood cores (when treated) and lightweight utility plywood. It is also used in boat building for epoxy-encapsulated structures due to its light weight. If you are a plywood manufacturer or sourcing core material for door skins, Okoume is the undisputed market leader.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Aucoumea klaineana
- Other Names: Gaboon, Angouma, Okoumé.
- Average Dried Weight: 430 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~400 lbf (Soft)
- Durability: Class 4 (Non-Durable); needs treatment for outdoor use.
- Best For: Plywood manufacturing, veneers, light interior joinery, boat framing (epoxy).
7. Tali (The Ironwood)
Tali is a wood built for punishment. It is exceptionally dense, heavy, and hard—often cited as one of the most durable woods in West Africa. The heartwood varies from yellow-brown to a dark reddish-brown, often darkening with age. Because of its extreme density and interlocked grain, Tali is very difficult to work with hand tools and causes a significant blunting effect on machinery. Carbide tools are a must.
However, its difficulties in processing are outweighed by its performance. Tali is virtually rot-proof and highly resistant to termite attack. It is frequently used for heavy-duty industrial flooring, railway sleepers, and hydraulic works like bridges and sluice gates. In public areas with high foot traffic (like boardwalks), Tali is a preferred choice because it is nearly impossible to scratch or dent under normal use. It serves as a slightly more affordable but equally robust alternative to Azobe.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Erythrophleum ivorense / Erythrophleum suaveolens
- Other Names: Sasswood, Missanda, Elondo, Alui.
- Average Dried Weight: 910 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~2,920 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability: Class 1 (Very Durable).
- Best For: Heavy construction, railway sleepers, hydraulic works, bridges.
8. Wenge (The Dark Elegance)
Wenge is instantly recognizable and prized by interior designers for its dramatic, nearly black heartwood with chocolate-brown streaks. It provides a modern, high-contrast look that is difficult to replicate with stains. The wood is heavy, hard, and has a very coarse texture. One unique characteristic is its straight grain and distinct partridge wood figure on flat-sawn surfaces.
Working with Wenge requires caution. The wood is prone to splintering, and the splinters are known to be septic (causing infection easily), so gloves are recommended when handling rough lumber. Despite this, it finishes well and is a staple in high-end flooring and minimalist furniture design. It is often used as a substitute for ebony. Because of its dark color and durability, it is also an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas where lighter woods would show dirt and wear.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Millettia laurentii
- Other Names: Dikela, Mibotu, African Rosewood (ambiguous, usually refers to Bubinga).
- Average Dried Weight: 880 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,930 lbf
- Durability: Class 2 (Very Durable).
- Best For: Luxury flooring, minimalist furniture, accents, turnery.
9. Zebrano (The Statement Piece)
True to its name, Zebrano (or Zebrawood) features bold, dark brown or black stripes on a light golden-yellow background, resembling a zebra’s coat. It is a wood that demands attention. Because the grain is typically interlocked or wavy, Zebrano can be difficult to plane without tear-out. It is also known to be somewhat unstable, prone to warping if not dried carefully.
Due to its instability in large dimensions and its overpowering visual pattern, Zebrano is rarely used for entire pieces of furniture. Instead, it shines as a veneer for paneling, inlays, or small specialty items like tool handles, pens, and car dashboards (famously used in Mercedes-Benz interiors). When working the wood, it emits a distinct, sometimes unpleasant odor, which disappears after drying. It is a niche, high-value timber for specific decorative applications.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Microberlinia brazzavillensis
- Other Names: Zebrawood, Zingana, Allen Ele.
- Average Dried Weight: 805 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,575 lbf
- Durability: Class 2 (Durable).
- Best For: Veneers, inlay, car interiors, small turned objects.
10. Azobe (The Water Warrior)
Azobe (often called Ekki) is the heavyweight champion of African timber. It is one of the hardest and heaviest commercially available woods on the planet. It is so dense that it sinks in water. The wood is a deep, dark red to chocolate brown, with a speckled appearance due to white deposits in the pores. The grain is interlocked and extremely difficult to work; pre-drilling is absolutely mandatory as nails will simply bend.
Azobe’s main selling point is its incredible resistance to extreme environments. It requires no chemical treatment to last decades underwater or in ground contact. This makes it the standard material for marine fenders, lock gates, bridge construction, and railway sleepers. While not typically used for furniture due to its difficulty in working, for any project requiring structural integrity in wet or harsh conditions, Azobe is unbeatable.
Quick Specs:
- Scientific Name: Lophira alata
- Other Names: Ekki, Bongossi, Red Ironwood, Kaku.
- Average Dried Weight: 1,060 kg/m³ (Sinks in water)
- Janka Hardness: ~3,350 lbf (Off the charts)
- Durability: Class 1 (Very Durable); Marine grade.
- Best For: Harbor fenders, lock gates, railway sleepers, heavy piling.
Technical Comparison: Janka Hardness & Density
For engineers and manufacturers, here is a quick comparison of the mechanical properties.
| Wood Species | Average Dried Weight (kg/m³) | Janka Hardness (lbf) | Natural Durability Class |
| Azobe (Ekki) | 1,060 | 3,350 | Class 1 (Very Durable) |
| Tali | 910 | 2,920 | Class 1 (Very Durable) |
| Bubinga | 890 | 2,410 | Class 2 (Durable) |
| Padauk | 745 | 1,970 | Class 1 (Very Durable) |
| Bilinga (Opepe) | 760 | 1,630 | Class 1 (Very Durable) |
| Sapele | 670 | 1,510 | Class 3 (Moderately Durable) |
| Iroko | 660 | 1,260 | Class 1-2 (Durable) |
| Okoume | 430 | 400 | Class 4 (Non-Durable) |
Sourcing African Timber: Logs vs. Sawn Timber
At YYW Timber, we offer flexibility to match your production needs:
- Round Logs & Square Logs: Ideal for large sawmills and veneer manufacturers who want to maximize yield and control the cut. We provide logs with “fresh cut” ends protected by anti-split plates and wax.
- Sawn Timber (Rough Cut): Perfect for furniture factories and construction firms. We offer AD (Air Dried) and KD (Kiln Dried) lumber, graded to FAS or standard export rules, reducing your shipping weight and processing time.
Why Buy from YYW Timber?
Sourcing African hardwood can be complex due to regulations and logistics. YYW Timber simplifies the process:
- Direct Source: We operate concessions and sawmills in West Africa (Gabon/Cameroon), removing the middleman.
- Strict Grading: We follow ATIBT grading rules to ensure you receive the quality you paid for.
- Global Logistics: Whether you need a 20ft container to Europe or bulk break-bulk shipments to Asia, our team handles all export documentation, including CITES and phytosanitary certificates.
Ready to Request a Quote?
Are you looking for a specific species or need advice on the right timber for your project?
Contact our export team today or browse our full product catalog to see our current inventory.
