Makore
Makore lumber, also known as African Cherry or Tieghemella heckelii, is a hardwood native to West Africa, prized for its rich color, fine grain, and versatile applications.
Makore lumber, also known as African Cherry or Tieghemella heckelii, is a hardwood native to West Africa, prized for its rich color, fine grain, and versatile applications.
Makore lumber, also known as African Cherry or Tieghemella heckelii, is a hardwood native to West Africa, prized for its rich color, fine grain, and versatile applications.
Appearance: Makore lumber typically features a reddish-brown to deep reddish-purple heartwood with darker streaks or mottling. The color can vary from pale pinkish-brown to nearly black, creating a striking and visually appealing appearance. The wood often exhibits a straight to interlocked grain pattern with a fine to medium texture, adding to its allure.
Texture: Makore has a fine to medium texture with a smooth and even surface. The wood's natural luster enhances its aesthetic appeal, giving it a sophisticated and elegant look. Makore finishes well, taking stains, paints, and finishes evenly, resulting in a smooth and polished appearance.
Density and Hardness: Makore is a moderately dense and medium-hard hardwood. While not as hard as some other hardwood species, it still offers good durability and resistance to wear. Its moderate density allows for ease of working with hand and power tools, as well as good stability in finished projects.
Workability: Makore lumber is prized for its excellent workability. It cuts, planes, sands, and carves smoothly, allowing for intricate designs and fine detailing. Makore also glues and finishes well, enabling a wide range of finishing options to enhance its natural beauty.
Stability: Makore exhibits good stability, with minimal movement in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Proper drying and acclimation are important to minimize the risk of warping, twisting, or checking, ensuring dimensional stability in finished projects.
Durability: Makore is moderately durable and resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, particularly when properly finished and maintained. It is often used in interior applications where it is less exposed to moisture and environmental factors that could compromise its longevity.
Versatility: Makore lumber is utilized in a wide range of woodworking applications, including furniture making, cabinetry, millwork, turnery, veneers, and decorative objects. Its rich color, fine grain, and excellent workability make it a favored choice for projects where aesthetics and craftsmanship are paramount.
Sustainability: Makore trees are typically harvested from sustainably managed forests, where responsible forestry practices help ensure the long-term health and viability of the species. Certification programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promote sustainable harvesting practices, supporting the continued availability of Makore lumber for woodworking projects.
In summary, Makore lumber offers a unique combination of rich color, fine grain, and excellent workability that make it a prized material for high-quality woodworking projects. Its versatility, durability, and sustainability make it a favorite among woodworkers, craftsmen, and designers seeking to create timeless and visually stunning wood products.