What Is Okoume Plywood and How Can I Use It?
Okoume plywood, pronounced oh-kuh-mey, is manufactured from the Okoume tree’s wood. It has a pinkish-brown or pale crimson tint and is also known as Okoume Mahogany. Okoume has a homogeneous texture and a straight to barely wavy grain that seems interlocking and appealing.
Okoume plywood is extensively used in the construction of racing boats and other applications requiring lightweight wood. Because of its shiny appearance, it can also be utilised to create furniture or on kitchen cabinets.
The History of Okoume Plywood
Okoume, or Aucoumea klaineana, is an African hardwood found exclusively in the Congo, Gabon, and equatorial Guinea. The tree develops in dense stands and can reach heights of more than 100 feet.
It also grows swiftly, so regeneration is rarely an issue. Okoume Mahogany is a misnomer because it is not genuine mahogany.
No Okoume logs are permitted to leave Gabon, where Joubert’s Okoume is sourced. The veneer mill must be located in Gabon so that it can support the local economy. To guarantee sustainability, no more than 7% of Joubert’s Okoume can be harvested per year.
Quality, Size, and Thickness of Okoume Plywood
Okoume wood is a high-quality product that is available in 4′ x 8′ two-sided marine grade panels with thicknesses ranging from 18″ to 1″. It is exceedingly soft, and Okoume plywood is usually not pressure treated. To provide strength,To increase strength, the core might be composed of pine, poplar, or hardwood. Okoume weighs more than 25 pounds per cubic foot. Okoume: How to Use It Plywood Okoume is typically utilised in marine applications, although it can also be used in other applications if the edges and faces are well sealed. It is the easiest of the marine plywoods to flex, making stitch-and-glue boat construction much easier than if fir was used. Okoume is a strong, lightweight, and visually appealing material that is ideal for woodworking. Okoume plywood, for example, can be used to reface kitchen cabinets.
The Negatives of Okoume Plywood
Okoume is not the most durable wood on the market. Because it is rot-prone, it requires a fibreglass or epoxy coating. It must be sealed to prevent moisture from entering, which is why most okoume panels are painted and coated with epoxy and varnish to avoid difficulties caused by exposure to the environment.
Okoume Plywood Prices
Prices vary according on thickness, core quality, source, and shipping fees. Okoume plywood may cost more than other types of wood due to the expense of shipping.
Joubert Okoume is the best marine plywood on the market today. Lloyd’s of London has confirmed that it is made in accordance with British Standard 1088.We have 48″ x 98″ and various sizes in stock. Joubert’s plywood has the highest level of certification offered by the Foresmate Stewardship Council, which incorporates “chain of custody” standards to benefit the surrounding community as well as the workers’ well-being. Okoume’s diverse applications and distinct characteristics make it an excellent choice for your next project, whether you’re building a boat or not