Lumber
Ayous lumber
Ayous (obeche, samba) is a very light, pale cream tropical hardwood from West and Central Africa. It machines and glues easily and is a favourite for interior joinery, mouldings and panelling.
| Typical thickness | 50 · 80 · 100 mm |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Triplochiton scleroxylon |
| Origin | West and Central Africa |
| Other names | Obeche, Samba, Wawa, Abachi |
| Density (12% MC) | ≈ 380 kg/m³ |
| Natural durability (fungi) | Class 5 (not durable) |
Grades and forms
What is ayous?
Ayous is the trade name of Triplochiton scleroxylon. It is known as wawa in Ghana, samba in Côte d'Ivoire, obeche in Nigeria and abachi in Germany, and is one of the most common trees of West and Central Africa.
Characteristics
The colour ranges from pale yellow to cream, with no clear difference between sapwood and heartwood. It has a medium texture and is light (about 380 kg/m³), so it saws, planes and sands easily and takes paint, lacquer and glue well. Once dry it is moderately to fairly stable.
Durability
In its natural state it is not durable against fungi or insects, so it is an interior timber. Thermally modified (thermo) ayous is widely used for saunas, pergolas and cladding.
Where is it used?
- Interior joinery, architraves and mouldings
- Wall and ceiling panelling
- Furniture carcasses and drawers
- Plywood, veneer and blockboard cores
- Carving and model making
Price and availability
We give prices and current availability by phone. Tell us the thickness, grade and quantity and we will call you back. For a more durable species for saunas and outdoor use see iroko lumber.
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Request a quoteTell us the species, grade and size and we will call you back. Prices and availability are given by phone.