Originating in the African continent, tiama wood is an abundant tropical wood, with acceptable characteristics and a similar aspect to the sapelo.

Their scientific names are Entandrophragma angolense DC Y Entandrophragma congolense A.Chev.

Characteristics of Tiama wood

Color: Heartwood with reddish and brown tones. The clearly differentiated sapwood has light, almost pink tones. The result is a generally brown wood with golden highlights.

Characteristic defects: May contain rubber deposits.

Fiber: Interlaced.

Grain: Medium.

Density: Semi-heavy wood of about 550 kg / m3, at 12% humidity.

Toughness: Soft wood with 2.2 in the Monnin test.

Durability: Moderate. Treatment is recommended. Susceptible to termites and other insects, moderately resistant to fungi, good resistance to marine borers.

Dimensional stability:

  • Volumetric contraction coefficient: 0.41%. Medium edgy wood.

Mechanical properties:

  • Compressive strength: 479 kg / cmtwo.
  • Static flexural strength: 816 kg / cmtwo.
  • Elastic modulus: 112,000 kg / cmtwo.

Impregnation: Slightly impregnable sapwood, heartwood not impregnable.

Workability:

  • Sawn. Smoothly.
  • Drying. Normal speed, high risk of deformation.
  • Brushed. It may have problems due to the interlaced fiber.
  • Glued. Smoothly.
  • Nailed and screwed. Smoothly.
  • Finish. Smoothly.

Price: Moderate because it is a tropical wood.

Uses of Tiama

  • Natural wood veneers and plywood boards.
  • Carpentry assembly.
  • Interior and exterior carpentry: doors, windows, frames, baseboards …
  • Outdoor furniture. Although it is a common use for thiama wood, it is not always the best option.
  • Light shipbuilding: deck, deck …