Afrormosia
Pericopsis elata
Genus: Pericopsis · Family: Fabaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Africa
Avg. Dried Weight
43 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,560 lbf
Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Typical Color
Yellow / Gold
Stability
Very High
Outdoor Suitability
Excellent
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Appendix II
IUCN
Endangered
Did You Know?
- •Afrormosia is harder than 61% of the 137 species in our database.
- •Afrormosia is one of the few species rated both "Very Durable" for decay resistance and "Excellent" for outdoor use — ideal for ground-contact and marine applications.
- •Afrormosia is listed under CITES, which means international trade is regulated. Always verify legal sourcing and documentation before purchasing.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Afrormosia (Pericopsis elata) is often called 'African Teak' due to its similar appearance and performance to true Teak. With a Janka hardness of 1,560 lbf, exceptional dimensional stability, and very high natural durability, it's a premium choice for boatbuilding, fine furniture, and exterior applications where Teak-like performance is needed at a lower cost.
In Plain English
Afrormosia is often called 'African Teak' because it looks and performs like Teak but costs less. It has a warm golden-brown color, excellent outdoor durability, and beautiful straight grain. A great choice for boats, outdoor furniture, and quality indoor furniture.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Premium alternative to Teak for boatbuilding, fine furniture, flooring, and exterior joinery. Also excellent for veneer.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
CITES Appendix II and IUCN Endangered. Verify legal sourcing documentation. Iron contact causes blue-black staining — use non-ferrous fasteners.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar yellow / gold color that are easily confused with Afrormosia. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 990 lbf)
- • Lighter (34 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Non-Durable
- • Harder (Janka 2,010 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,030 lbf)
- • Heavier (56 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Heavier (52 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Moderately Durable