Wood Species Guide
Makore
Tieghemella heckelii (also T. africana)
Also called: Douka, Cherry Mahogany, African Cherry, Baku, Abacu, Dumori
What Makore looks like
Pinkish to reddish brown, a lot like American cherry, often with darker streaks. Color deepens with age.
Grain and texture
Fine, even texture with a nice natural luster. Grain is usually straight but can be wavy or interlocked, which gives mottled and moire figure.
Working Makore: planing, cutting and gluing
High silica content makes it hard on tools, so carbide is the way to go. Interlocked grain can tear out. It glues well. Keep bare steel and iron away from damp wood, which can leave dark stains.
Finishing Makore: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Finishes beautifully and polishes to a good shine with oils or film finishes. The fine texture makes it a friendly epoxy substrate; a light seal coat is still good practice.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable and resistant to insects, and fairly stable. Suitable for humid Florida interiors and protected outdoor use.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Makore is a great cherry look-alike when you need wider, longer stock than domestic cherry trees give. Figured makore veneer shows up in high-end cabinets and instruments. We do not stock it, but ask us and we can often source it. Use carbide and expect to sharpen more often than usual. Published hardness numbers vary between references; about 1,200 lbf is the usual figure.
Common uses for Makore
Furniture, cabinetry, veneer, boatbuilding, flooring, musical instruments and turned items.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, so look for certified or well-documented supply.
Safety and toxicity
- Respiratory / asthma
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
- Nausea or headache
Makore dust is one of the more irritating commercial woods, with eye, throat and skin irritation, headaches and dizziness reported. Most complaints come from breathing the fine dust, so control it well.
- In the shop
- Strong dust extraction + respirator; gloves and long sleeves; clean up dust well
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Makore dust is more irritating than most: reported effects include eye, throat and skin irritation and headaches. Use strong dust collection and a respirator.
Makore in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Makore 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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