Trade Names
Koto
Similar Woods
Impa, Ako, Eyong, Obeche (Wawa)
Origin
Africa
Range
West Africa, from Lyberia through to the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Uses
Sliced veneer used for door skins and inner surface veneers; rotary veneer used for plywood panels. Used in the furniture industry more as a backing veneer.
Properties
The wood is yellowish-white to cream in color and becomes more yellowish-grey when steamed. Koto is very good for printing and staining. Logs must be freshly felled and chemically impregnated. Veneer and lumber (treated) should be stored in dry, well-ventilated rooms.
Machining
Well-sharpened tools are required to produce smooth surfaces due to the interlocking grain. Wet wood tends to become slightly woolly when cut.
Seasoning
The wood must be carefully and slowly dried to avoid surface checking. Drying should take place as soon as possible to avoid blue stain.
Finishing
The wood is excellently suited for staining and polishing when a ller is applied.
Jointing
The wood can be glued very well. Joints are easy to make and hold firmly.