Idigbo is a West African, tropical hardwood principally found in the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

The timber is typically a light to medium brown colour with a yellow or reddish undertone. The grain is usually straight, but can also be wavy or interlocked. The wood is usually uniform in colour and texture, but can sometimes have a slightly mottled appearance; the colour lends itself to be stained to look like oak.

With moderate density of between 480 – 625kg/m3, idigbo has excellent strength, being as strong and stiff as English Oak in bending. It is relatively stable, which means it is less likely to warp or twist over time.

Idigbo has an exterior durability classification of “Durable”, with a minimum life of 30 years against rot, decay and a natural resistance to termite attack.

Idigbo has good machining properties giving a clean finish and with good working properties and durability, and is great for use in various construction and furniture-making industries due to its strength, durability, and attractive appearance.

• Botanical name: Terminalia ivorensis
• Common names: Idigbo, Black Afara, Emeri
• Texture: Usually uniform in colour and texture, but can have a slightly mottled appearance
• Density: Moderate density of between 480 – 625kg/m3
• Colour: Ranges from light to medium brown with a yellow or reddish undertone
• Grain: The grain is usually straight, but can also be wavy or interlocked
• Hardness: Janka hardness rating of approximately 850 lbf (3,760 N), which is considered to be relatively hard
• Stability: The wood is relatively stable, which means it is less likely to warp or twist over time
• Durability: Idigbo is rated as ‘durable’ to ‘very durable’
• Working Properties: Idigbo is considered to be a relatively easy wood to work with, it is easy to saw, plane, sand and finish

Premier Forest Products can machine idigbo hardwood to order in standard and bespoke profiles.

*The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear.

Image supplied courtesy of The Wood Database.