Scandinavian Pine (also referred to as ‘redwood’ to differentiate it from ‘whitewood’ such as Spruce) is imported from Sweden, Finland and Russia. The grades vary for different uses. Knots are common but their size and quality vary according to the part of the tree from which boards are converted.
 
It should be noted that the timber is kilned prior to shipping but the moisture content is often about 18%, and therefore higher than most kiln dried hardwood moisture contents.
 
The diameter of such pines normally result in board widths of 100mm - 225mm.
 
Edge-glued panels are imported in large volumes for pine furniture manufacturers, with lamination widths usually about 45mm.
 

West African Wenge is very dark brown with close ‘black’ veins alternating with ‘pale’ bands and is therefore favoured by furniture makers. It is also used for turnery and joinery (for interior and exterior use) and can be used for flooring due to natural resistance to abrasion.
 
Sizes stocked at present are 26mm, 40mm and 52mm. Widths mainly 100 - 200mm and lengths 2m - 3m. Subject to availability at time of order.
 
Zebrano available to order, minimum 1m3 per thickness.
 

Malaysian dark red Meranti varies in colour from pale pink / white to dark red / purple. The density can also vary substantially as there are numerous sub-species.
 
It is generally easy to machine, and imported grade is mainly Selects & better.
 
Occasionally Meranti is affected by ambrosia beetle (visible as pinhole) when logs have been lying in tropical forests, but are killed off in kilning process.
 
Often used as a false ‘mahogany’ for products such as windows, conservatories and doors.
 
Thicknesses 1″, 1¼”, 1½”, 2″, 2½”, 3″ & 4″. Widths 4″ - 12″, mainly 6″ - 8″. Lengths 7′ - 18′ ,average about 12′.
 

West African Utile is a ’sister’ species to Sapele but usually has a more interesting grain and gives a better ‘finish’, albeit at a higher price. Widths and lengths may be a little smaller than Sapele.
 

West African Iroko is imported at grade FAS, mainly kiln dried. It is yellow when freshly machined which quickly changes to medium then darker brown (interior use). When used for exterior joinery such as garden furniture it will become silver-grey if left untreated. When machined, despite careful pre-straightening, some products may twist shortly after processing.
 
Thicknesses; 25mm, 32mm, 38mm, 50mm, 63mm, 75mm & 100mm. Widths mainly 130mm - 350mm, average about 230mm. Lengths; generally 2m - 4.5m, average 3m.
 

Yellow Balau is stocked as an exterior ‘decking’ profile. This is a Malaysian hardwood with natural durability and will gradually weather to a silver-grey colour. Size is 28mm x 145mm profiled with small ‘ripple’ grooves on one face and deeper grooves on the reverse, allowing a choice of which side faces up.
 

Scandinavian Pine (also referred to as ‘redwood’ to differentiate it from ‘whitewood’ such as Spruce) is imported from Sweden, Finland and Russia. The grades vary for different uses. Knots are common but their size and quality vary according to the part of the tree from which boards are converted.
 
It should be noted that the timber is kilned prior to shipping but the moisture content is often about 18%, and therefore higher than most kiln dried hardwood moisture contents.
 
The diameter of such pines normally result in board widths of 100mm - 225mm.
 
Edge-glued panels are imported in large volumes for pine furniture manufacturers, with lamination widths usually about 45mm.
 

Keruing comprises 70 similar species (from various areas in Malaysia/Sarawak/Sabah/Indonesia) which have variations of density and weight. For example it can vary from 640 - 960 kg/m3. Texture is moderately coarse and may have shallow interlocking grain. The colouring is not an issue as it is used for exterior constructions and will weather to silver-grey.
 
Sizes we mainly stock are 50mm x 150mm sawn and 28mm x 145mm profiled Half-lap vehicle flooring, although some other sizes are available in limited quantities.
 

West African Idigbo imported grade FAS is a yellow-coloured hardwood used mainly for paint-finish interior shop-fitting and joinery. It may have discolouration or signs of ‘pin-hole’ (ambrosia beetle.)
 
Thicknesses - 1″, 1¼”, 1½”, 2″, 2½”, 3″ & 4″. Widths 3″ & wider, mainly 4″ - 7″ & lengths 7′ - 14′.
 

Sapele from West Africa is a reddish-brown hardwood. Although some parts of the Sapele logs will produce straight-grain or ‘quartered’ effect, generally it has a more random grain appearance. It is used for numerous mahogany-looking products, for example conservatories, door frames and solid wood doors, furniture and counter tops.
 
It is available kiln dried in thicknesses 26mm, 32mm, 38mm, 50mm, 63mm, 76mm and 100mm. Random widths range from 100mm to about 400mm and lengths 2m to about 5m.
 
It is essential to specify the narrowest and shortest dimensions to optimise the lower priced sizes.