Azobe (also called Ekki or Bongossi) is one of Africa's hardest and densest hardwoods - dark reddish-brown, Class 1 durable, and resistant to marine borers. The first choice for piling, sea defences, lock gates, bridge decking and heavy-duty industrial flooring.
Azobe is the standard for European sea defences, lock gates and harbour piling. Its density (around 1,060 kg/m³) makes it sink in water - and gives it extraordinary wear resistance for industrial flooring, bridge decks and railway sleepers.
Azobe is extremely hard on tools - carbide tooling is mandatory. Pre-drilling for all fixings is essential. Best worked sawn-to-size with finishing on-site kept to a minimum.
Indicative values from The Wood Database, AHEC species data and USDA Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-190). Actual values vary by origin and growing conditions.
| Character | Dry | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 3,350 | lbf |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 27,500 | psi |
| Stiffness (MOE) | 2,610 | 1,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity | 1.06 | - |
| Weight | 66 | lbs/ft³ |
Other dimensions, grades and certifications available on request.
The go-to mahogany alternative - ribbon-stripe figure, dense and stable.
Deep red, rot-resistant African hardwood - a top mahogany alternative.
Classic reddish-brown mahogany - wide availability, fine even texture.
Share thickness, grade, volume and destination port. We will revert with mill options, lead times and indicative pricing within one working day.
