Caoba Plank

Colour: The heartwood of Caoba typically has a rich, reddish-brown colour that deepens over time. The shades can vary from a medium to dark reddish-brown, often with a reddish or golden hue.

The sapwood of Caoba is usually quite distinct from the heartwood, being much lighter in colour, often pale yellow or pinkish.

Grain: The grain in Caoba is usually straight, but it can also be interlocked or wavy. This varied grain pattern can create beautiful visual effects, especially when the wood is polished or finished.

Texture: Is typically fine and even, contributing to a smooth, lustrous surface when finished.

Aging: Over time, the colour of Caoba tends to darken slightly, adding to its richness and depth. This aging process is often prized in furniture and heirloom pieces for the character it adds.

Resistance to Decay: Caoba is naturally resistant to rot, mold, and decay, which makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This resistance is particularly beneficial for furniture, cabinetry, and applications like boat building.

Hardness and Strength: While not the hardest among hardwoods, Caoba is sufficiently hard and possesses good strength, contributing to its overall durability. It can withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for items like flooring and furniture that are subject to regular use.

Dimensional Stability: Caoba is known for its excellent dimensional stability. It is less likely to warp, twist, or cup than many other woods, which is an important consideration in environments with changing humidity.

Insect Resistance: Caoba is also naturally resistant to termites and other wood-boring insects, adding to its longevity and durability, especially in regions prone to these pests.

Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, Caoba wood products can last for decades, often becoming heirloom pieces due to their longevity and timeless appeal.

Fine Furniture: Caoba's rich color and durability make it ideal for high-end furniture, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and decorative pieces.

Cabinetry and Millwork: Its stability and ease of working make it a popular choice for cabinetry, millwork, and interior trim, especially in luxury homes and historical restorations.

Boat Building: Caoba's resistance to water and decay makes it suitable for boat and ship construction, particularly for interiors, decks, and trim work.

Musical Instruments: Its tonal qualities are appreciated in the manufacture of musical instruments such as guitars, pianos, and drums.

Doors and Windows: Its stability and durability are ideal for crafting high-quality doors and windows that withstand the elements while providing an elegant look.

Flooring: Used in parquet and other high-end flooring, Caoba offers a luxurious and long-lasting surface.

Veneer and Paneling: The attractive grain and color of Caoba make it a sought-after veneer for paneling, furniture, and decorative accents.

Architectural Accents: It is often used for decorative accents and architectural details in buildings due to its beauty and ease of carving.

Sculpture and Carving: The wood's workability lends itself well to detailed carving and sculpture, making it a favourite for artisans.

Outdoor Furniture and Structures: Treated Caoba can be used for outdoor furniture and structures, although care must be taken to protect it from the elements.

Green Wood: Right after being cut, the moisture content in Caoba wood is quite high, often well above 30%. This is typical for freshly cut wood of any species.

Air-Dried: When air-dried, the moisture content of Caoba is typically brought down to about 12-15%. This is a common target for air-drying, making the wood suitable for most interior applications. The exact time required for air-drying depends on factors like the local climate, the thickness of the lumber, and the initial moisture content.

Kiln-Dried: If the wood is kiln-dried, a more controlled process, the moisture content can be reduced further, usually to about 6-8%. Kiln-drying is often preferred for wood that will be used in environments with controlled humidity, like indoor furniture or cabinetry.

Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): In its final use, Caoba wood will reach an EMC, where its moisture content stabilizes to balance with the ambient humidity of its environment. In typical indoor settings, this is often around 8-12%, but it can vary based on local climate and indoor heating or cooling conditions.

• Density: 420 kg/m3
• Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): 95880 cm3
• Resistance to Elastic Limit (REFLEX): 218 kg/cm2
• RR Flex Rupture Resistance: 537kg/cm²
• Modulus of Elasticity for Compression Parallel (MOECom): 77790 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Elastic Limit for Compression Parallel (RLECom): 153 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Rupture for Compression Parallel (RR Com): 228 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Elastic Limit for Compression Perpendicular (RLE Com Perp): 228 kg/cm2
• Resistance to Rupture for Shear Parallel (RR Corte): 228 kg/cm2
• Lateral Hardness for Side Face (JK Lateral): 195 kg
• Lateral Hardness for Transversal Face (JK Lateral): 214 kg

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Caoba 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.