Daniellia
Scientific name: Daniellia oliveri
Overview
Daniellia is a West African hardwood known for its light weight, moderate strength, and practical usability. It is commonly used in regional construction, utility woodworking, and general-purpose applications where ease of use is important.
The wood typically features a pale yellow to light brown color with a relatively uniform appearance. While it lacks bold figure, it offers good workability and is often used where performance and availability matter more than decorative qualities.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Daniellia
- Scientific Name: Daniellia oliveri
- Region: African Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 30–35 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 600 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to light brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
- Natural Luster: Low
Identification Characteristics
Daniellia is identified by its light coloration and relatively plain appearance. The wood is generally uniform, with minimal figure and a straightforward grain pattern.
The texture ranges from medium to coarse, and the overall look is more utilitarian than decorative. It may darken slightly over time but typically remains within a light brown range.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to light brown color
- Straight, simple grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Lightweight feel
- Uniform, non-figured appearance
Working Properties
Daniellia is easy to work, making it suitable for a wide range of general woodworking applications. It machines well with both hand and power tools and does not significantly dull cutting edges.
It sands adequately and accepts finishes, though the coarse texture may require additional surface preparation for a smoother result.
- Easy to machine and shape
- Minimal tool wear
- Sands adequately
- Accepts finishes with preparation
- Suitable for general-purpose use
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and protective equipment are recommended.
Common Uses
Daniellia is used in practical applications where ease of use and availability are important.
- General construction
- Interior framing
- Utility furniture
- Crates and packaging
- Light carpentry
- Plywood and veneer
Sustainability & Notes
Daniellia is relatively common in West Africa and is used extensively at the local level. While not heavily restricted, responsible sourcing is still recommended.
It is often used domestically rather than widely exported.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ilomba shares a similar light weight and is commonly used for plywood and interior applications, though it tends to have a finer texture.
Koto is another light-colored hardwood with similar uses, though it typically offers a more uniform texture and slightly better finishing characteristics.
Obeche is widely used for lightweight applications and offers similar ease of workability, though it is often even softer than Daniellia.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained
Understand how lighter hardwoods like Daniellia compare to both dense hardwoods and softwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Learn how lighter woods respond to environmental changes and how to manage movement.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Explore proper techniques to prepare wood like Daniellia for stable use in projects.
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
Daniellia is not typically a collector-focused species due to its plain appearance, but it serves as a useful reference for lighter, utility-grade African hardwoods.
It is often included in collections to represent the full range of density and usability within a region.
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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.
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