Okoume
Scientific name: Aucoumea klaineana
Overview
Okoume is a lightweight African hardwood best known for its use in plywood, marine construction, and interior applications where weight, workability, and stability are important. Native primarily to Central Africa, particularly Gabon, it has become one of the most commercially significant African woods.
While not as dense or durable as many other African hardwoods, Okoume is valued for its uniform appearance, ease of machining, and excellent performance when properly sealed and protected.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Okoume
- Scientific Name: Aucoumea klaineana
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa – primarily Gabon)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 27 lbs/ft³ (430 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 400 lbf
- Color: Pale pink to light reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Okoume is typically identified by its light weight, pale pinkish coloration, and fine, even texture. The grain is usually straight, giving boards a clean and uniform appearance.
Freshly milled Okoume often appears lighter and may deepen slightly in tone with age or finishing.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale pink to light reddish-brown heartwood
- Straight, subtle grain pattern
- Fine texture with visible pores
- Noticeably lighter weight than most hardwoods
Working Properties
Okoume is considered very easy to work, contributing to its widespread use.
- Machines and hand-tools easily
- Sands quickly and smoothly
- Glues well with standard adhesives
- Accepts paint, stain, and clear finishes
- Excellent stability when properly dried
Because of its softness, care should be taken to avoid denting during handling and installation.
Safety Note
Dust from Okoume may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Okoume is commonly used in applications where light weight and workability are priorities, including:
- Marine plywood and boatbuilding
- Interior paneling and millwork
- Cabinet carcasses and drawer components
- Lightweight furniture
- Plywood cores and laminations
It is especially well known in marine-grade plywood applications.
Sustainability & Notes
Okoume is commercially managed in several producing countries, particularly Gabon. While not currently listed under CITES, sustainable forestry practices and legal sourcing remain important due to its high global demand.
Buyers should prioritize suppliers that document responsible harvesting and certification where available.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Limba – A light African hardwood commonly used in furniture, veneers, and interior woodworking due to its good workability.
Anegre – Another light to medium-weight tropical hardwood often used for veneers, cabinetry, and interior millwork.
Parica – Parica is a fast-growing tropical hardwood widely used in plywood and veneer production.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish lightweight tropical hardwoods used in veneers and plywood.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Proper drying and acclimation help maintain stability and reduce movement in woodworking lumber.
Labeling and Cataloging Wood Samples
Explains how to properly label and catalog lighter tropical species like Okoume, helping maintain accurate identification within a structured wood sample collection.
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
Okoume is not typically collected for dramatic figure, but well-selected stock is valued for its uniform color, straight grain, and stability. Older, well-seasoned material often performs better in precision applications, particularly in marine and laminated uses.
Collectors and builders often favor boards with minimal grain deviation and consistent color, especially when the wood will be finished clear rather than painted. Because Okoume is relatively soft, careful handling and storage are important to preserve surface quality.
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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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