Obeche
- Africa
- Hardwood
- Non-durable
Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon) is a lightweight tropical hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It is typically pale cream to straw-yellow in colour, sometimes with a slight pinkish or greyish tint, and has a fine, even texture with a straight grain. The wood is soft, easy to machine and glue, and has excellent workability and dimensional stability in dry conditions. However, it has low natural durability and is not resistant to decay or insect attack, making it unsuitable for exposed exterior use without treatment.
In the timber industry, Obeche is widely used for interior joinery, furniture components, mouldings, panelling and lightweight construction applications. It is also commonly used in plywood manufacture, veneer production, pattern making and model work due to its ease of shaping and consistent texture. Because it is inexpensive and readily available, it is often selected as a utility hardwood for non-structural interior applications where a smooth, paintable surface is required.
Suitable for:
Carpentry, joinery (interior)
Furniture, cabinet making, bars and worktops
Musical instruments
Sports goods
