Tzalam Plank

Colour: The heartwood of Tzalam wood typically ranges from medium to dark brown. It often exhibits rich reddish-brown, chocolate, or even purplish hues. This heartwood colour is highly sought after for its warm and attractive appearance.

The sapwood of Tzalam is usually lighter in colour, often pale yellow to light brown. There is a clear demarcation between the heartwood and sapwood.

Colour Changes: Tzalam wood tends to darken over time with exposure to light and air, developing a deeper and more lustrous patina. This aging process enhances its color and character.

Grain Pattern: Tzalam wood typically displays a straight to slightly interlocked grain pattern. The grain is generally fine to medium in texture, contributing to a smooth and polished finish.

Texture: The wood has a relatively even and fine texture, making it suitable for applications where a smooth surface is desired.

Figure: While Tzalam wood may not have highly pronounced figure patterns, it can occasionally exhibit attractive figuring, such as straight or wavy lines, which enhances its visual appeal.

Natural Resistance to Decay: Tzalam wood exhibits natural resistance to decay and rot. Its heartwood contains natural compounds that deter fungal growth and wood-destroying organisms. This resistance to decay makes it suitable for outdoor and exposed applications.

Insect Resistance: Tzalam wood is also known for its resistance to wood-boring insects, including termites and beetles. This makes it a preferred choice in regions where insect infestations are common.

Hardness and Strength: Tzalam wood is relatively hard and strong. It can withstand wear and impact, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and applications that require durability.

Dimensional Stability: Properly dried and seasoned Tzalam wood exhibits good dimensional stability. It is less prone to warping, twisting, or shrinking when exposed to changes in humidity or temperature.

Weather Resistance: Tzalam wood's natural oils and density make it highly resistant to weathering, including exposure to sunlight and moisture. It maintains its structural integrity and appearance over time, even in harsh outdoor conditions.

Longevity: Due to its durability, Tzalam wood products can have a long lifespan when used in various applications. Proper maintenance and finishing can further enhance its longevity.

Low Maintenance: Tzalam wood often requires minimal maintenance to retain its durability and appearance. Regular cleaning and occasional refinishing are typically sufficient to keep it in excellent condition.

Chemical Resistance: Tzalam wood is generally resistant to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, making it suitable for applications where exposure to chemicals may occur.

Furniture: Tzalam wood is frequently used in the crafting of high-quality furniture, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and dressers. Its rich colour and fine grain contribute to elegant and visually appealing pieces.

Cabinetry: The wood's durability and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. It provides a luxurious and timeless look to cabinetry projects.

Flooring: Tzalam wood is well-suited for flooring applications. Its hardness and resistance to wear make it a durable choice for both residential and commercial flooring.

Millwork: Tzalam wood is often used for architectural millwork, such as moldings, trim, and paneling. It adds a touch of sophistication to interior spaces.

Decking: Due to its resistance to decay and insects, Tzalam wood is used for outdoor decking. It can withstand exposure to the elements, making it a suitable choice for decks, patios, and outdoor furniture.

Boat Building: The wood's natural resistance to water and durability make it a choice material for boat builders. It is used in the construction of boat decks and interior components.

Woodworking Crafts: Tzalam wood is favored by woodworkers and artisans for crafting small wooden items, such as cutting boards, bowls, and decorative objects.

Architectural Features: It is used in the creation of architectural features like doors, windows, and staircases, enhancing the aesthetics of buildings.

Musical Instruments: Tzalam wood is occasionally used in the construction of musical instruments, particularly for parts that require durability and a pleasant appearance.

Wood Veneer: Tzalam wood can be sliced into veneer sheets and applied to surfaces to achieve the look of solid wood at a lower cost. It is used in the production of veneered furniture and cabinetry.

Interior Design: Interior designers often incorporate Tzalam wood into their projects to add warmth and character to interior spaces, including residential and commercial settings.

Green Moisture Content: When freshly cut, Tzalam wood can have a relatively high moisture content, often exceeding 30% or even higher. Like most woods, it contains a significant amount of moisture in its green state.

Drying Process: Proper drying is essential to reduce the moisture content of Tzalam wood to an appropriate level for woodworking. Kiln drying or air drying is typically used to bring the moisture content down to a suitable range.

Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): Once properly dried, Tzalam wood will reach an equilibrium moisture content that is in balance with the surrounding environment. The specific EMC can vary depending on factors such as the local climate and indoor conditions. For interior uses in temperate climates, an EMC of 6% to 12% is typical for hardwoods like Tzalam.

Application Specific: The ideal moisture content for Tzalam wood depends on its intended application and the environmental conditions of the area where the final product will be used. Woodworkers often acclimate the wood to the environment where it will be installed to minimise the risk of dimensional changes.

• Density: 630 kg/m³
• Modulus of Elasticity (MOEFLEX): 134000 cm³
• Resistance to Elastic Limit (RLEFLEX): 574 kg/cm²
• Flex Rupture Resistance (RR): 903 kg/cm²
• Modulus of Elasticity Compression Parallel (MOECom): 123500 kg/cm²
• Resistance to Elastic Limit Compression Parallel (RLECom): 256 kg/cm²
• Resistance to Rupture Compression Parallel (RR Com): 371 kg/cm²
• Perpendicular Resistance to Elastic Limit Compression Perpendicular (RLE Com): 385 kg/cm²
• Resistance to Rupture Shear Parallel (RR Corte) : 330 kg/cm²
• Lateral Hardness for Side Face (JK Lateral): 365 kg
• Lateral Hardness for Transverse Face (JK Lateral): 543 kg

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.