Ekki
- Africa
- Hardwood
- Very durable
Ekki (Lophira alata), also widely known as Azobé, is an extremely dense and durable tropical hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It is typically dark reddish-brown to chocolate brown in colour, often darkening further with age. The grain is usually interlocked, with a coarse texture and a very high natural oil and silica content. Ekki is one of the heaviest commercial timbers, offering exceptional strength, hardness and outstanding resistance to decay, fungi, marine borers and insect attack. However, its extreme density makes it difficult to saw, machine and nail, and it can cause rapid wear on cutting tools.
In the timber industry, Ekki is primarily used for heavy-duty structural and exterior applications where maximum durability is required. It is widely specified for marine construction such as harbour works, piers, jetties, dolphins and lock gates, as well as bridge building, railway sleepers and heavy civil engineering projects. It is also used for industrial flooring and decking in demanding environments where long service life under harsh conditions is essential, often without the need for chemical treatment.
Back to Construction, industrial, engineering
Suitable for:
Construction, industrial, engineering
Decking, cladding and panelling
Fencing
Flooring
Marine piling, bridges and construction
