Afrormosia
Scientific name: Pericopsis elata
Overview
Afrormosia is a highly regarded African hardwood often referred to as African Teak due to its visual similarity and comparable performance. Native to Central and West Africa, it has long been used in fine furniture, flooring, and boatbuilding applications where durability and stability are required.
Known for its refined appearance and resistance to wear, Afrormosia combines the elegance of premium hardwoods with strong physical performance, making it a sought-after species for both interior and exterior uses.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Afrormosia
- Scientific Name: Pericopsis elata
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 45 lbs/ft³ (720 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,570 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to olive brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Typically straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium with a natural oily feel
Identification Characteristics
Afrormosia is most easily identified by its warm brown coloration, fine texture, and subtle grain pattern. The appearance is often compared to genuine teak, though Afrormosia typically displays a more uniform grain.
Over time, Afrormosia darkens slightly, developing a richer, more refined tone.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to medium brown heartwood
- Fine, even texture
- Straight grain with occasional interlock
- Natural luster that increases under finish
Working Properties
Afrormosia is generally considered easy to work, particularly when compared to other dense African hardwoods.
- Machines and hand-tools well
- Sharp tools recommended for interlocked grain
- Glues, sands, and finishes reliably
- Holds fasteners well
- Exhibits good dimensional stability
Its predictable behavior makes it suitable for both professional shops and experienced hobbyists.
Safety Note
Dust from Afrormosia may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during cutting and sanding operations.
Common Uses
Afrormosia is widely used in applications where appearance and durability are both important, including:
- Fine furniture and cabinetry
- Flooring
- Architectural millwork
- Boatbuilding and marine applications
- Veneer and decorative panels
It is often chosen as a teak alternative when availability or cost is a concern.
Sustainability & Notes
Afrormosia is listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade is regulated to help prevent overexploitation. Availability can be limited, and responsible sourcing is critical.
Buyers should verify legal sourcing and prioritize suppliers that document sustainable harvesting practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Teak – A well-known tropical hardwood with similar durability and natural resistance to decay, commonly used in outdoor furniture and marine applications.
Iroko – Often considered a teak substitute, this African hardwood shares similar strength, durability, and use in exterior and interior woodworking.
Doussie – A dense African hardwood known for its strength and stability, frequently used in flooring and heavy-duty applications.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish durable tropical hardwoods used in furniture and exterior applications.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense hardwoods require sharp tools and proper technique to achieve smooth cuts and clean finishes.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Afrormosia is highly regarded by collectors for its close visual resemblance to genuine teak, combined with its naturally fine, even texture. Well-seasoned material often develops a deeper olive-brown to golden hue over time, with subtle dark streaking that becomes more pronounced as the wood ages.
Older stock and properly dried boards are especially valued, as Afrormosia can show improved color depth and stability after extended seasoning. Uniform, straight-grained boards are typically favored for furniture, cabinetry, and veneer work, while pieces with mild figure or color variation are often set aside for accent applications.
Because Afrormosia is listed under CITES Appendix II and subject to trade controls, legally sourced material with clear provenance is particularly desirable among collectors. Documented origin, age, or pre-regulation stock can significantly increase a specimen’s appeal for long-term collecting or display.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Wood Moisture Meter
Essential for checking wood moisture levels before working or finishing
https://amzn.to/3OxsIL4
Wood Finishing Oil
Enhances natural color and grain while providing protection
https://amzn.to/4ezoNYy
Saw Blades
Designed for clean, precise cuts across a variety of wood species
https://amzn.to/3QT2y64
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