Wood Species Guide
Afrormosia
Pericopsis elata
Also called: Afromosia, African Teak, Assamela, Kokrodua, Bohala
About the name “Afrormosia”
Sold as African teak too, but that name is used even more often for iroko, a different tree.
What Afrormosia looks like
Fresh-cut heartwood is yellowish brown, often with darker streaks, and it ages to a deeper brown much like teak. Sapwood is a pale, clearly separated band.
Grain and texture
Grain is straight to interlocked, with a fine texture and good natural luster.
Working Afrormosia: planing, cutting and gluing
Works fairly easily with sharp tools, though interlocked grain can tear out when planing. Pre-drill for nails and screws. It glues reasonably well.
Finishing Afrormosia: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Finishes well with oil or film finishes and ages to a teak-like brown. Unlike teak it is not oily, so epoxy and glues tend to bond without special prep; still, apply a seal coat for deep pours.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable against decay and quite stable once dry, which made it a historic teak substitute for boats and outdoor work.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Afrormosia gives you a teak-like look and durability without teak's oiliness. It's protected and often hard to source, so it's more of a special-order wood. Good for outdoor-leaning furniture, boat trim and cabinetry. Ask us and we'll check legal sources.
Common uses for Afrormosia
Boat building, outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, cabinetry and joinery.
Sustainability and CITES status
Listed in CITES Appendix II. The IUCN lists Pericopsis elata as Endangered due to overharvesting.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
- Eye irritation
- Splinters prone to infection
Can irritate skin, eyes and airways, and asthma-like symptoms have been reported. Splinters may fester, so pull them promptly.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask; gloves and long sleeves; remove splinters right away
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Can cause eye, skin and breathing irritation, and asthma-like symptoms. Splinters may be slow to heal. Use dust collection, a mask and gloves.
Afrormosia in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Afrormosia listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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