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                                   LISTING OF TIMBERS SUITABLE

                   BOAT CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS

                  Keys to notes in brackets after each species ( in sequential order) :

               [ Colour; Density (m3 and ft3); Thickness x Width in mm generally stocked ( for treads and posts)]

 

                QUOTES ON THESE TIMBERS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING SALES OFFICE AT AFT.

 

 

Afrormosia

Excellent substitute for Teak; resemblance to Teak is significant in terms of its stability, durability, workability, and appearance. Does not possess Teak's oiliness

[Gold/Brown;  690 kg/m3 (43 lbs/ft3); 38, 50, 75, 100]

 

 

Amoora

Medium density hardwood used liberally in many boat building applications.     

 [Red/Red-Brown; 550 kg/m3 (34 lbs/ft3);  25, 38, 50, 75, 100, 125]

 

 

Beech, Wau

Lustrous ribbon-figured timber from Papua New Guinea. Possesses oil cells; has a spicy odour. Well suited for bending and jointing applications, and boat decking.

[Pale Brown/Golden Brown; 455 kg/m3 (27 lbs/ft3);  38, 45]

 

 

Beech, White

Long time favourite timber for boat decking. Possesses oil cells; colour will mature to a silver-grey appearance upon exposure over time.

White; 515 kg/m3 (32 lbs/ft3);  25, 50]

 

 

Box, Northern  (Pelawan)

Very hard, very heavy Asian species (related to the Australian Brushbox). Uses include all heavy constructional work, boat framing, marine construction, heavy duty flooring, etc. 

Pink-Brown/Red-Brown/occasional Purple-Brown heartwood; 1100kg/m3 (69lbs/ft3 ); 25 , 38 )]

 

 

Box, Red

Very hardy, tough, strong, durable Australian timber that is invariably figured; 

excellent for heavy duty constructional work.

[Red/Dark Red; 1024 kg/m3 (64 lbs/ft3);  32 Dar]

 

 

Cherry, African

Extremely durable species; fine and uniform texture; good strength (better than Mahogany); used in boat construction, including decking; silica is present in timber.  

[Pink Red/Red Brown; 620 kg/m3 (39 lbs/ft3);  25 only

 

 

Fijian Kauri /Malaysian Kauri {Damar Minyak}  /Island Kauri

Renowned for stability and flexibility; easily worked; produces a lustrous finish when planed.

Fijian/Damar: Light Gold/Straw Yellow/Pale Brown;  510 kg/m3 (32 lbs/ft3)]; 

[Fijian: 25, 75, 100   Damar: 25, 38, 45, 50,  125, 150]                          

[Island: Light Gold/Blonde Yellow; 385 kg/m3 (24 lbs/ft3);  25, 38]

 

 

Gum, Red

Possesses excellent strength properties; very durable with a naturally high resistance to termites and marine borers. Uses include piling and shipbuilding. Ideal for constructions that remain in water or in damp soil for long periods. Not used for steambending due to exudation of gum. 

[Pink/Red; 816 kgs/m3 (51 lbs/ft3);  25, 38, 100]

 

 

Iroko  ( Odum )

Well considered for its strength, durability, and stability. Suitable for many of the urposes for which Teak is employed. Known as the "Poor  Mans Teak". [Gold/Medium-Dark Brown; 660 kg/m3 (40 lbs/ft3);  25, 38, 50]

 

 

Jarrah

Western Australian classic; multi purpose hardwood; well known and regarded for its strength, hardness, and endurance. Ideal for planking, keels, and sterns. 

[Red/Dark Red-Purple; 835 kg/m3 (52 lbs/ft3);  25, 50] 

 

Mahogany, Eastern

Highly prized and attractive Asian species; sturdy and heavy; uses include high class cabinetwork, boat decking, flooring, and construction. Reputedly bends well.               

Light Brown/Brown: will darken over time upon exposure; 880 kg/m3 (55 lbs/ft3); 25, 38, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150]

 

 

Maple, Queensland

Classic Queensland timber, increasingly difficult to source. Strong relative to weight. Used for planking, rudders, sterns in small boats, and all types of interior & exterior joinery. 

[Pink/Brown-Pink; 575 kg/m3 (36 lbs/ft3);  25, 38, 50, 63, 75,100 ]

 

 

Merbau

Hard, heavy, and durable species; highly resistant to decay when fully exposed to weather and well-drained areas. Suitable for framing, decking, and general construction. 

[Orange-Brown/Brown-Red; 800 kg/m3 (50 lbs/ft3);  50, 75, 100, 150]

 

 

Nyatoh

Texture medium and even. Useful for planking and decking, and suitable for many other general boat building applications.       

[Pink/Pink-Red; 620 kg/m3 (38 lbs/ft3);  25, 31, 38, 50, 75, 100] 

 

 

Oak, English & American

Renowned traditional timber, famous for its stability and strength. Highly regarded for boat building, docks, harbours, and ladder rungs.

[Light Tan/Biscuit Yellow; 720 kg/m3 (45 lbs/ft3);  25, 38, 50]

 

 

Oak Red Tulip

Rare Queensland species; hard, heavy-density wood; timber is elastic and strong. Suitable for bent work on boat bodies. 

[Pale Pink/Reddish Brown;  850 kg/m3 (53 lbs/ft3);  50 only {limited quantity}]

 

 

Pine, Celery Top

Tasmanian species, known for its strength, stability, and endurance. Excellent for planking and decks if clear of knots or with smaller knots.

[Pale Yellow/Pale Pink; 640 kg/m3 (40 lbs/ft3); 25, 50]

 

 

Pine, Huon

A Tasmanian classic. Lovely softwood possessing intricate grain features and a pleasant fragrance. Well sought after, becoming difficult to source. Considered the "Prince" of boat building timbers. Suitable for planking, keels, cabins, and decks. 

[Creamy White/Honey Blonde; 530 kg/m3 (33 lbs/ft3);  25, 75, 100, 150+]

 

 

Rosewood, African

Highly distinctive in its appearance (vivid blood-red colour when dressed). 

Extremely durable, stable, and resistant to decay; capable of producing an excellent finish. 

[Vivid Blood Red/Orange Red when freshly dressed: will change in colour to Dark 

Purple/Brown upon prolonged exposure; 720 kg/m3 (45 lbs/ft3);  25, 38, 50]

 

 

Rosewood Burmese

Species possessing greater resistance to shock loads, and is stronger in 

compression than most other rosewoods. 

[Orange Red/Dark Brick-Red with darker lines; 864 kg/m3 (54 lbs/ft3); 

25, 38, 50]

 

 

Rosewood                   New Guinea

Attractive rosewood species. Very durable; resistant to termite and borer attack. A related species (Andamon Padouk) was used to construct "The Lively Lady" for Sir Alex  Rose in his sole circumnavigation of the globe in 1967/1968.     

[Light Yellow/Golden Brown/Occasional Blood Red;  660 kg/m3 (41 lb/ft3); 25, 38, 50, 65, 75, 100, 150+]

 

 

Silver Ash

Difficult-sourced Queensland species possessing advantages that include colour, sheen, toughness, and robust flexibility.

[White; 560 kg/m3 (35 lbs/ft3);  25 only]

 

 

Silver Quandong

Queensland species --- suitable for light boat building purposes. Good for bending.  

[White; 495 kg/m3 (30 lbs/ft3);  50]

 

 

Teak, Burmese

Finest quality kiln-dried teak available (First European Quality Scale grading). Used for planking, cabins, decks, and a multitude of other boat building purposes.    

[Gold with dark stripes; 670 kg/m3 (42 lbs/ft3] 50 Only

 

 

Teak, New Guinea

Plantation teak from Burma, grown in Papua New Guinea. Similar uses as Burmese Teak.

[Light Gold with dark stripes; 670 kg/m3 (42 lbs/ft3); 75, 100]

 

 

Vitex

Highly regarded in Papua New Guinea for its diversity of purposes; admired for its versatility, durability, and attractive appearance.  Greasy, non siliceous.    [Grey Olive/Yellow Brown/Deep Brown heartwood; 

725 kg/m3 (45 lbs/ft3); 100 x 100 only]

 

 

 

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