OKAN (cylicodiscus gabonensis)
Okan is an extremely dense and durable tropical hardwood, known for its exceptional mechanical strength and resistance to biological degradation. With a rich yellow-brown to reddish-brown hue that deepens over time, Okan is highly valued in heavy-duty structural and marine applications. It is one of the hardest and most wear-resistant African hardwoods, often used where strength and longevity are critical.
OKAN (Cylicodiscus gabonensis)
Common Names: Okan, Adoum, Denya
Origin: West and Central Africa
Description:
Okan is an extremely dense and durable tropical hardwood, known for its exceptional mechanical strength and resistance to biological degradation. With a rich yellow-brown to reddish-brown hue that deepens over time, Okan is highly valued in heavy-duty structural and marine applications. It is one of the hardest and most wear-resistant African hardwoods, often used where strength and longevity are critical.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cylicodiscus gabonensis |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Density (Dry) | 850–1,100 kg/m³ |
| Janka Hardness | 2,260 lbf (10,050 N) |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 152 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 16,000 MPa |
| Crushing Strength | 79 MPa |
| Shrinkage (Radial/Tangential) | 4.3% / 7.2% |
| Durability Class | Class 1 (Very durable) |
| Natural Resistance | Highly resistant to fungi, termites, marine borers |
| Silica Content | Present – can blunt tools |
| Workability | Difficult – dense and hard to saw or plane without proper equipment |
| Finishing | Accepts oil and sealers; pre-drilling recommended for nailing/screwing |
Applications
-
Marine construction (piling, fendering, wharves, piers)
-
Heavy-duty structural work (bridges, railway sleepers)
-
Exterior decking and structural beams
-
Industrial flooring and heavy-wear surfaces
-
Truck beds and trailer floors
Appearance
-
Color: Heartwood is yellow-brown to reddish-brown, often with darker streaks; sapwood is pale and clearly demarcated
-
Grain: Interlocked to slightly wavy; coarse and uneven texture
-
Luster: Low to medium natural sheen
Environmental & Certification Info
At Timber Experts Global Holdings, we ensure our Okan timber is sourced from legal, sustainably managed forests. FSC® and PEFC™ certifications are available upon request, supporting responsible forestry and ethical sourcing.
There are no reviews yet.