Tali
Scientific name: Erythrophleum ivorense
Overview
Tali is an extremely dense and durable African hardwood known for its exceptional strength and resistance to wear. Native to West and Central Africa, it is most commonly used in heavy construction, decking, and industrial applications where longevity is critical.
While not typically chosen for fine decorative work, Tali’s performance characteristics make it one of the most respected heavy-duty hardwoods available from the region.
Watch Video Overview
Watch a visual overview of this species including grain patterns, color variation, working characteristics, and common woodworking uses.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tali
- Scientific Name: Erythrophleum suaveolens / Erythrophleum ivorense
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,330 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to reddish brown, often darkening with age
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Tali is most easily identified by its coarse texture, substantial weight, and muted brown coloration. Freshly cut material may appear lighter but darkens with age and exposure.
It is noticeably heavier than many other African hardwoods.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellow-brown to reddish-brown heartwood
- Coarse, open texture
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Very heavy, dense feel
Working Properties
Tali is considered difficult to work due to its extreme density and hardness.
- Rapidly dulls cutting tools
- Requires carbide tooling for best results
- Interlocked grain can cause tear-out
- Glues and finishes adequately
- Excellent dimensional stability once properly dried
- Despite machining challenges, its durability makes it highly desirable for demanding applications.
Safety Note
Dust from Tali may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Additionally, splinters can be particularly hard and sharp. Proper dust collection, eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection are strongly recommended when working with this species.
Common Uses
Tali is commonly used in applications where strength and durability outweigh decorative considerations, including:
- Exterior decking
- Heavy-duty flooring
- Bridge decking and construction
- Marine and waterfront structures
- Industrial and structural applications
It is often selected where long service life is required under harsh conditions.
Sustainability & Notes
Tali is not currently listed under CITES, but harvesting pressure exists in some producing regions. Availability can vary based on regional regulations and export controls.
Responsible sourcing from reputable suppliers is strongly encouraged.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Doussie – A dense African hardwood known for its strength and durability, commonly used in flooring and heavy-duty applications.
Iroko – A durable African hardwood often used as a teak substitute, valued for its stability and resistance to decay.
Sapele – A widely used African hardwood with good strength and decorative grain, commonly used in furniture and millwork.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish African hardwoods used in construction and flooring.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and wear resistance of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and careful machining techniques to achieve clean cuts and smooth 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
Tali is valued by collectors and builders for its exceptional durability and structural reliability rather than visual figure. Well-seasoned material performs exceptionally well in exterior and load-bearing applications.
Collectors typically prioritize properly dried stock with minimal internal stress, as the wood’s density can amplify defects if not seasoned correctly. Because of its weight and hardness, documented provenance and drying history add significant value to usable material.
Video Overview
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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.
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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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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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:
• Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, Natural Finish (16 oz) for filling cracks, holes, gouges, and imperfections before sanding, staining, or painting woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/3R3eCCg
• DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggles for protecting your eyes from sawdust, wood chips, and flying debris during cutting, sanding, and routing
https://amzn.to/4uTlqQZ
• WORKPRO Folding Roller Stand with Adjustable Height for supporting long boards, plywood, and lumber during table saw, miter saw, and woodworking operations
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