Amapola Plank

Colour: The heartwood of Amapola can range from a light pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown. The colour can sometimes vary within the same piece of wood, providing a beautiful and natural contrast.

Grain: The grain of Amapola wood is generally straight, but it can also have wavy or interlocked patterns. This variety in grain patterns can create visually appealing and unique textures in the wood, making it a desirable choice for decorative woodworking projects.

Texture: Amapola wood usually has a medium to fine texture, giving it a smooth feel that is ideal for finishing.

Natural Durability: Amapola wood is not known for exceptional natural durability. It is not highly resistant to decay or insect attacks when compared to some other tropical hardwoods. Therefore, it may be more susceptible to rot and pests if left untreated or exposed to moisture and humidity.

Treatment: To enhance its durability, Amapola wood can be treated with wood preservatives or finishes. Properly treated Amapola wood can have improved resistance to decay, termites, and other forms of deterioration. Treating the wood with appropriate preservatives is especially important if it will be used in outdoor applications or in areas with high moisture levels.

Application: The durability of Amapola wood also depends on its application. For example, if used indoors for decorative purposes or in low-moisture environments, it may last longer without significant decay or damage. However, if used for outdoor applications, such as in construction or furniture exposed to the elements, it may require regular maintenance and protective finishes to maintain its integrity.

Environmental Conditions: The environmental conditions where Amapola wood is used can greatly impact its durability. Exposure to high humidity, constant moisture, or wet conditions can accelerate decay and reduce the wood's longevity.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, sealing, and refinishing, can help extend the life and durability of Amapola wood products.

Furniture Making: Its moderate hardness and good workability make it suitable for crafting various types of furniture, especially decorative pieces or items that are not subject to heavy use.

Decorative Objects and Carvings: The wood's fine texture and ability to take a smooth finish make it ideal for decorative objects, intricate carvings, and artistic sculptures.

Turned Objects: Amapola wood is often used in woodturning to create bowls, vases, and other ornamental items due to its ease of turning and finishing.

Cabinetry: Its appealing color and grain patterns can be used in cabinetry, particularly for interior decorative elements.

Musical Instruments: In some regions, it may be used in the construction of certain musical instruments, where its acoustic properties and aesthetic look are appreciated.

Small Woodcrafts: Including items like picture frames, jewellery boxes, and small decorative items.

Interior Millwork: Such as trim, moulding, and paneling, especially in settings where its unique colour and texture are desired.

Veneer: The attractive appearance of Amapola wood makes it a candidate for veneers used in finer woodworking projects.

Green Wood: When freshly cut (green), the moisture content of Amapola wood, as with most woods, is quite high. This can range significantly but typically is well above 30%.

Air-Drying: Amapola wood, like other hardwoods, is often air-dried to reduce its moisture content to a level suitable for most woodworking applications. This process can take several months to a year or more, depending on the climate and conditions. The target moisture content after air-drying is usually around 12-15%, which is considered good for most indoor applications.

Kiln-Drying: If kiln-dried, the moisture content can be more precisely controlled and reduced to specific levels suitable for the intended use. For indoor furniture and cabinetry, a moisture content of 6-8% is often targeted.

Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): In use, the wood will reach an EMC, where it balances with the ambient humidity. This level varies based on the local climate and indoor conditions. In many regions, this might be in the range of 8-12%.

• Density: 440 kg/m3
• Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): 70380 cm3
• Resistance to Elastic Limit (REFLEX): 182 kg/cm2
• Modulus of Elasticity for Compression Parallel (MOECom): 501 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Elastic Limit for Compression Parallel (RLECom): 82025 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Rupture for Compression Parallel (RR Com): 203 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Elastic Limit for Compression Perpendicular (RLE Com Perp): 203 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Rupture for Shear Parallel (RR Corte): 203 kg/cm2
• Lateral Hardness for Side Face (JK Lateral): 208 kg
• Lateral Hardness for Transversal Face (JK Lateral): 230 kg

(Sotomayor-Castellanos, J.-R. & Hernández-Maldonado, S-A Caracteristicas Elásticas De Madras Mexicanas. Vol 8, 2012)

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to wood dust. Symptoms can include skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. If you have a known sensitivity to wood dust or experience any adverse reactions, it's important to take additional precautions.

Dust Inhalation: Wood dust, in general, can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities over time. It's important to work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate dust collection systems and personal protective equipment, such as masks or respirators, especially when sanding or cutting the wood.

Skin Protection: Wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and potential irritants in the wood.

Eye Protection: Always wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips and dust when cutting, sanding, or working with the wood in any way that could produce debris.

Safe Handling Practices: Use proper techniques and tools to handle and work with the wood safely to avoid accidents or injuries.