Trade Names
Doussié, Afzelia
Latin Names
Afzelia quanzensis, Afzelia pachyloba
Similar to
Merbau, Tali
Origin
East and West Africa
Range
The growing area of this wood species extends from Guinea along the Ivory Coast up to Mozambique. Doussié grows predominantly in the tropical lower rain forests as well as in tropical humid rain- green forests.
Uses
Due to its excellent stability, Doussié works particularly well as construction wood for interiors and exteriors. As construction wood with a load-carrying function, it is used in the manufacturing of staircases and windows. Quite often it is used in the parquet flooring industry and as flooring in sports halls. However, Doussié/Afzelia is indispen-sable in shipbuilding and hydraulic engineering and as veneer it is also used for serial furniture (due to its low prices).
Properties
Typical defects characterizing Doussié are for example its crooked and not round growth of the logs. Mineral inclusions, discoloration and heart rot are criteria which have to be considered, too, when sorting the veneers. The wood is of a uniform light brown color and sliced veneers are mostly worked up as quarters. Furthermore, the wood has biological effects and can cause mucosal irritation in case of dust exposure.
Machining
In general, Doussié can be worked well and properly with all tools.
Seasoning
Kiln-drying must be done slowly in order to avoid strong checking.
Finishing
Good surface treatments can only be carried out well to a certain extent because of the lacquer-repellent components of this wood species. Sanding and polishing can be done very well. However, due to its oily contents, staining can be problematic and bleaching effects occur when waxes are used.
Jointing
Gluing is rather problem-free. The wood takes glue very well and combines excellently with the support material.