Framire
Scientific name: Terminalia ivorensis
Overview
Framire is a moderately lightweight African hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It is valued for its ease of workability, uniform texture, and warm yellow-brown coloration.
Often used in furniture, joinery, and veneer applications, Framire is considered a practical alternative to mahogany for projects requiring a lighter-weight, easy-to-machine hardwood.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Framire
- Scientific Name: Terminalia ivorensis
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 32 lbs/ft³ (515 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 670 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to light brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Framire is identified by its light yellow-brown coloration and relatively uniform appearance. The grain is typically straight, and the texture is even and moderately fine.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to light-brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Uniform, medium texture
- Lightweight compared to many African hardwoods
Working Properties
Framire is easy to work, making it a popular choice for general woodworking.
- Machines easily with minimal resistance
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts stains evenly
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended.
Common Uses
Framire is commonly used in applications where ease of workability and consistent appearance are important.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Veneer and plywood
- Paneling
Sustainability & Notes
Framire is not listed under CITES, though regional forestry regulations may apply. Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Limba – Similar in weight and workability, often slightly lighter in color.
Anegre – Comparable in texture and use, typically with a slightly finer appearance.
African Mahogany – Heavier and richer in color, with broader use in higher-end applications.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Useful for understanding how Framire differs from heavier species.
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish light-colored African hardwoods.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Guides finishing techniques to enhance color and grain.
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.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Collector Notes
Framire is valued in collections as a representative of lighter-weight African hardwoods. Its uniform grain and consistent color make it useful for comparison with other utility-focused species.
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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Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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:
• Digital Caliper Measuring Tool for precise thickness and dimension measurements
https://amzn.to/4cI18mq
• Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue for strong, waterproof bonding in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/3OJkeAz
• HURRICANE 4 Piece Wood Chisel Set for carving, shaping, and fine woodworking detail
https://amzn.to/4e70Tni
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