The world's finest hardwoods, under one roof.

What is hardwood?

Hardwood is timber sourced from angiosperm (broad-leaved, mostly deciduous) trees, oak, beech, ash, walnut, maple, cherry, iroko, sapele, mahogany, teak. The term refers to the botanical origin, not the physical hardness: balsa is a hardwood, yew is a softwood. Hardwoods generally have a more complex cellular structure with vessels (pores), higher density (typically 500–1,100 kg/m³), and are the timber of choice for joinery, furniture, flooring and architectural projects.

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Hardwood comes from broad-leaved trees (angiosperms) and contains vessels visible as pores in the end grain; softwood comes from coniferous trees (gymnosperms) and has a simpler tracheid structure with no vessels. Hardwoods are typically denser, more dimensionally stable when properly dried, and used for joinery and furniture; softwoods are faster-grown, lighter, cheaper, and used for construction, framing and pallets. Density alone is not a reliable indicator, balsa (a hardwood) is softer than pine (a softwood).

Why are hardwoods preferred for furniture and joinery?

Higher density, finer texture, dimensional stability when kiln-dried, ability to take fine joinery and machined details, and superior finishing performance. Hardwoods accept stains, polishes and lacquers more uniformly than softwoods, and the long fibres allow tight joinery, mortise and tenon, dovetails, dowels, to hold under stress over decades.

Which hardwoods does TIC Dubai supply to the GCC?

Twenty-nine species across four regions: African (Iroko, Sapele, Utile, Khaya, Dabema, Wawa, Afrormosia, Padauk, Wenge, Okoume, Movingui, Azobe, Kossipo, Ayous, Bilinga, Dibetou, Okan, Bubinga, Zebrawood); European (Beech, Oak, Ash, Walnut, Cherry, Maple); American (White Oak, Red Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Maple, Ash); Asian (Burmese Teak, Red Meranti). Lumber, square logs, components and veneers, kiln-dried, traceable, mill-direct.

Where do African hardwoods come from?

Primarily Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and Liberia. Logs are felled in FSC®, OLB or PEFC certified concessions, transported to coastal sawmills, kiln-dried where required, and exported FOB Douala, Owendo, Pointe-Noire, Kribi or San Pedro. Documentation includes COO, phytosanitary certificate, TLV / OLB / FSC® chain-of-custody and EUDR due-diligence statements.

Where do European hardwoods come from?

Germany, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Italy. European beech, oak, ash, walnut, cherry and sycamore maple are sourced from PEFC and FSC® managed forests, dried in modern dehumidifier kilns to 8–12% MC, and exported FOB Koper, Rijeka, Constanta, Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Antwerp.

Where do American hardwoods come from?

The USA Appalachian belt, Mid-West, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Eastern Canada. Graded under NHLA rules by AHEC member sawmills, kiln-dried to 6–8% MC, and shipped FOB Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah or New Orleans. The international benchmark for furniture, joinery and architectural millwork.

What is the densest hardwood you supply?

Azobé (Lophira alata) at 950–1,100 kg/m³, a Class 1 very durable West African hardwood used for marine piling, lock gates and heavy structural work. Followed by Okan (920 kg/m³), Wenge (870 kg/m³), Bubinga (890 kg/m³) and Padauk (745 kg/m³).

What is the lightest hardwood you supply?

Ayous / Wawa / Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon) at approximately 385 kg/m³, used for sauna lumber, mouldings, light joinery and pattern-making. Okoume follows at around 410 kg/m³, the standard core veneer for marine plywood.

What does FSC® certification mean?

Forest Stewardship Council® certification guarantees the timber comes from forests managed to FSC® principles covering environmental, social and economic standards. Chain-of-custody (FSC-COC) certification follows the timber from forest through every processing step to final supply. TIC Dubai supplies FSC® certified hardwoods across African, European and American origins on request.

What is EUDR and does it apply to my hardwood?

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires that timber and wood products placed on the EU market, or re-exported from a third country into the EU, come from deforestation-free supply chains, with geolocation data of harvest, due-diligence statements and full traceability. If you re-export hardwood goods from the GCC into the EU, EUDR applies. TIC Dubai supplies all required EUDR documentation.

What is NHLA grading?

The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading system is the worldwide reference for American hardwoods. Grades from highest to lowest are FAS (First and Seconds), FAS-1F or F1F (FAS one face), Selects, 1 Common, 2A Common, 2B Common, 3A Common. Grades are based on yield, the percentage of clear cuttings obtainable from the worst face.

What does FAS mean in hardwood lumber?

FAS stands for 'Firsts and Seconds', the highest standard NHLA grade. Minimum board size 6 inches wide × 8 feet long; both faces must yield clear cuttings of specified minimum size totalling at least 83.3% of the board area. FAS is the grade specified for premium furniture, architectural millwork and exposed joinery.

What is the difference between FAS and F1F?

FAS requires both faces to meet the FAS standard. F1F (FAS One Face) requires only the better face to meet FAS, the back face needs only meet 1 Common. F1F costs less than FAS and is suitable for components where only one face will be visible.

What does European A grade mean for hardwoods?

European A / Prime grade (under EN 975-1) is a face-quality grading: a clear, defect-free best face with very limited small allowances (pin knots, light colour variation). Typically equivalent to or slightly stricter than NHLA FAS for face quality. AB allows small sound knots on the back; B is the European 'common' grade with sound knots and minor defects on both faces.

What are typical hardwood thicknesses?

Rough sawn: 25, 27, 32, 38, 50, 52, 60, 65, 75, 80 and 100 mm. Net S4S (planed-four-sides) thicknesses: 20, 21, 27, 32, 45, 60 and 75 mm. American hardwoods are also supplied in 4/4 (25.4 mm), 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4 and 16/4 quartersawn or flat-sawn.

What moisture content should I specify?

For GCC air-conditioned interiors (furniture, joinery, fit-out) target 8–12% MC. For exterior joinery (doors, windows, decking) target 12–15% MC. For premium fine furniture or American-spec joinery target 6–8% MC. Specify the MC target on the contract and request a kiln-drying certificate with the shipment.

What is KD vs AD?

KD (kiln-dried) timber is dried in temperature- and humidity-controlled kilns to a target MC range (typically 6–15%), giving rapid, predictable, dimensionally stable lumber. AD (air-dried) timber is seasoned in open or covered stacks for 6–24 months down to 18–25% MC, depending on climate. For GCC interior use, KD is mandatory; AD is only suitable for further drying or non-critical exterior use.

How is hardwood kiln-dried?

Logs are sawn, stickered (1 inch sticks between each board layer), stacked on bearers, and loaded into a conventional, dehumidifier or vacuum kiln. Drying schedules are species- and thickness-specific, typically 14–45 days from green to 8–12% MC. The schedule controls temperature ramp, equilibrium MC and final conditioning to relieve internal stress.

Can hardwoods be used outdoors in the GCC climate?

Yes, but only durability Class 1–3 species. Iroko, Sapele, Teak, Afrormosia, Azobe, Padauk, Okan and Bilinga handle GCC sun, humidity cycles and salt air. European Beech, Maple, American Ash and Cherry are Class 5 (non-durable) and unsuitable for exterior use without thermal modification or pressure treatment.

What is the most durable hardwood for exterior use?

Burmese Teak (Tectona grandis) is the international benchmark, Class 1 very durable, naturally oily, dimensionally stable, used for yacht decks and luxury exterior joinery. Iroko, Afrormosia and Azobé are excellent African alternatives at significantly lower cost. Padauk and Okan are also Class 1 options.

What is Janka hardness?

The Janka hardness test measures the force required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood surface, expressed in pounds-force (lbf) or newtons (N). It is the standard reference for flooring and surface wear resistance: hard maple ~6,450 N, sapele ~6,720 N, oak ~5,000 N, walnut ~4,490 N, cherry ~4,230 N.

What is quartersawn vs flat-sawn hardwood?

Flat-sawn (plain-sawn) lumber is cut tangentially to the growth rings, showing cathedral grain patterns on the face, the most economical cut. Quartersawn lumber is cut radially with growth rings at 60–90° to the face, showing straight grain plus ray fleck (oak, beech) or ribbon stripe (sapele). Quartersawn is more dimensionally stable, more expensive, and preferred for fine furniture and architectural panels.

What is rift-sawn hardwood?

Rift-sawn lumber is cut radially with growth rings at 30–60° to the face, producing a perfectly straight grain pattern with no ray fleck. The highest yield loss of all cuts and the most expensive, used for very high-end architectural millwork, contemporary cabinetry and modern joinery where uniform grain is essential.

What are common hardwood defects?

Checks (lengthwise grain separation), splits (through-thickness checks), warp (twist), bow (lengthwise curve), cup (widthwise curve), crook (edge curve), shake (ring separation in the standing tree), blue / sap stain (fungal sapwood discolouration), insect holes (borer, beetle) and reaction wood (tension wood). All are graded and limited under the relevant grading rule.

How do I avoid blue stain in hardwoods?

Blue stain is a fungal discolouration of fresh sapwood. Prevention is rapid kiln drying immediately after sawing, anti-stain dipping of green lumber, and good stack ventilation. Light blue stain does not affect strength but downgrades the appearance grade. Specify 'no blue stain' in the contract for clear-finish applications.

How should hardwood lumber be stored in the GCC?

Stack on level bearers under shade, with 25 mm stickers between each board layer aligned vertically over the bearers. Maintain 70–80 cm clearance from the ground. Store in shaded, well-ventilated yards, never in direct sun or sealed containers. Indoor storage should be at 18–25 °C and 50–65 % RH to maintain interior-specification MC.

What is the typical container loading for hardwood lumber?

A 20' container holds 22–28 m³ of stickered KD hardwood; a 40' HC container holds 50–58 m³. Length-mix bundles in standard 1.8 m, 2.1 m, 2.4 m, 2.7 m, 3.0 m, 3.6 m and 4.0 m. Square logs in 40' containers run 32–38 m³ depending on diameter. We optimise mixed-thickness, mixed-grade and mixed-species loads to reduce shipping cost per m³.

Can I mix species in one container?

Yes. We routinely consolidate mixed-species, mixed-thickness, mixed-grade containers, for example, a 40' load of FAS American walnut, FAS American white oak, A-grade European beech and KD iroko square logs in one shipment. Bundle tags, certificates and origin documentation are issued per species.

What documents accompany a hardwood shipment?

Original Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list with bundle tally, certificate of origin (COO), phytosanitary certificate, fumigation or HT certificate where required, kiln drying certificate, grading certificate (NHLA / origin), FSC®/PEFC chain-of-custody where applicable, and EUDR due-diligence statement for European-bound re-exports.

What is the typical lead time to the GCC?

European stock-spec hardwoods to Jebel Ali, Dammam, Hamad, Sohar: 25–35 days. African hardwoods FOB Douala / Owendo / Pointe-Noire to GCC: 28–40 days. American hardwoods FOB Baltimore / Norfolk / Charleston: 30–45 days. Burmese Teak FEQ: 30–45 days. Specialty grades and bespoke dimensions: add 30–60 days for mill production.

Which ports do you ship hardwoods to?

United Arab Emirates (Jebel Ali, Hamriyah, Khorfakkan, Khalifa, Port Rashid); Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam, King Abdullah Port, Yanbu, Jubail); Qatar (Hamad Port); Kuwait (Shuwaikh, Shuaiba); Oman (Sohar, Salalah); Bahrain (Khalifa Bin Salman Port); Egypt (Alexandria, Damietta, Sokhna); Jordan (Aqaba); Iraq (Umm Qasr, Khor Al Zubair).

What is the difference between Burmese teak and plantation teak?

Burmese teak (Tectona grandis from Myanmar) is slow-grown over 60–100 years, very dense (660 kg/m³), with high natural oil content and the famously tight, straight grain that makes it the marine and luxury benchmark. Plantation teak (Indonesia, Costa Rica, Africa) is fast-grown over 20–30 years, less dense (550–620 kg/m³), with lower oil content, wider growth rings and visible heartwood/sapwood contrast. Plantation teak costs significantly less and works well for general joinery; Burmese FEQ remains the premium for marine and yacht use.

Can you supply quartersawn oak?

Yes, quartersawn American White Oak, European Oak and Red Oak in FAS, F1F and Selects grades, kiln-dried 6–8% MC (American) or 8–12% MC (European). Quartersawn oak shows pronounced silver ray fleck and is the traditional choice for Arts & Crafts furniture, Mission-style cabinetry, and high-end architectural panelling.

Do you supply figured hardwoods?

Yes, figured walnut (curly, burl, crotch, quilted), figured maple (curly, bird's-eye, quilted), figured sapele (ribbon-stripe, pommele), figured anegre and other premium figured lumber and veneers for high-end furniture, musical instruments, gunstocks and architectural panels. Available on request, subject to availability.

Do you supply hardwood veneers?

Yes, natural sliced veneers in crown-cut, quartered, rift-cut and rotary-cut, plus engineered fineline veneers, in all the species we supply as lumber. Book-matched, slip-matched and random-matched bundles available. See our Wood Veneers page for technical details.

What is the difference between hardwood lumber and hardwood square logs?

Hardwood lumber is sawn into rectangular boards of fixed thickness, with two parallel sawn faces and finished width; ready for further machining into furniture or joinery. Hardwood square logs are entire logs squared on four faces (with bark and sapwood removed) but not sawn into boards, supplied to sawmills, joineries and component manufacturers who break them down to their own dimensions for maximum yield and minimum waste.

What is the best hardwood for marine applications?

Burmese Teak FEQ is the world benchmark, natural oils, very durable Class 1, dimensionally stable in wet/dry cycles, used for yacht decks, marine joinery and luxury boat building. Iroko and Afrormosia are credible cost-effective alternatives. For hull work and marine plywood cores, Okoume and Khaya are standard.

What is the best hardwood for flooring?

Solid flooring: Hard Maple (sports halls, dance floors), American White Oak, European Oak, Iroko, Sapele, Merbau. Engineered flooring lamellas: White Oak, Walnut, Ash, Maple, Cherry. Match Janka hardness to traffic, 4,000+ N for residential, 5,500+ N for commercial, 6,000+ N for sports and high-traffic areas.

What is the best hardwood for doors and windows in the GCC?

Sapele, Iroko, Utile, Khaya (African Mahogany) and European Oak are the GCC standards, Class 2–3 durable, dimensionally stable at 12–15% MC, machine cleanly, and accept exterior coatings well. Burmese Teak is the luxury choice. Avoid Beech, Maple, Ash, Cherry and Walnut for exterior frames, these are interior-only species.

Do you supply hardwood components ready to assemble?

Yes, finger-jointed blanks, edge-glued panels, glue-laminated beams, door and window scantlings, dimension stock, mouldings, S4S blanks and machined components in beech, oak, sapele and other species. Useful for joineries that prefer to skip the rough-mill stage.

Can you handle FCL and LCL hardwood shipments?

Yes. FCL 20' and 40' containers for full-load orders, and LCL groupage for trial orders, sample volumes or specialty species. LCL is typically combined with our weekly consolidations from Europe, Africa and South-East Asia.

Why source hardwoods through TIC Dubai?

Direct relationships with FSC® concessions in West and Central Africa, AHEC sawmills across the USA and Canada, PEFC mills across Central and South-East Europe, and FEQ teak suppliers in Myanmar and Indonesia. Twenty-nine species, full grading and certification, mixed-species containers, KD drying control, GCC-side acclimatisation, and one Dubai office handling documentation, banking, logistics and after-sales claims across nine GCC and Middle East markets.

Do you keep stock in Dubai?

TIC Dubai is a mill representation and international procurement company. Rather than holding warehouse stock, we coordinate factory-direct shipments sized to your project and consolidate deliveries against your programme.

Can I buy a few sheets or a single length?

Our supply model is built around container-load and project quantities. For small retail requirements, a local stockist will serve you faster; for bulk, project or recurring procurement, we're the right partner.

Do you supply containers directly from the factory?

Yes. Every enquiry is quoted mill-direct, with forward production booking, third-party inspection and shipment coordinated by our procurement team, from FOB origin through to your discharge port.

Can you support recurring procurement?

Yes. Long-term supply agreements and forward production bookings are the core of what we do for importers, contractors, distributors and EPC firms across the GCC and wider Middle East.

What is your minimum order?

Typically one FCL container per specification, though this varies by product and mill. Share your requirement and we'll confirm the mill's MOQ, lead time and indicative pricing.

Retail, spot & same-day pick-ups.

• Retail-quantity purchases
• Same-day requirements
• Spot warehouse pick-ups

If your requirement sits on the right, a local stockist is likely to serve you faster. We're happy to point you in the right direction.