Kosipo Wood

Kosipo (*Entandrophragma candollei*), a distinguished member of the Meliaceae family often referred to as Heavy Sapele, is an African hardwood prized for its rich red-brown color, often with purplish glints that darken with light. This timber typically features a straight or slightly interlocked grain, which can produce an attractive ribbon-like aspect on quartersawn surfaces. Its coarse texture and the presence of black resin deposits in the pores add to its unique character.

With a specific gravity of 0.69 and Monnin hardness of 3.3, Kosipo is a stable wood. It exhibits good natural durability, being durable to moderately durable against fungi (Class 2-3) and durable against dry wood borers (Class D), while moderately durable against termites (Class M). However, it is poorly permeable to preservative treatments. Drying is normal to slow, with a high risk of distortion, especially for backsawn timber; quartersawn material is recommended for exterior uses. Machining Kosipo requires power and has a high blunting effect on tools due to silica content, necessitating stellite-tipped sawteeth and tungsten carbide tools. The interlocked grain can sometimes cause tearing. For a good finish, careful sanding and filling are necessary, as the resin can make adherence of finishing products difficult.

Specifications

• Species: Kosipo (*Entandrophragma candollei*).
• Color & Grain: Red-brown with purplish glints; straight or slightly interlocked grain. Ribbon-like aspect on quartersawn surfaces.
• Durability: Durable to moderately durable against fungi (Class 2-3 EN); durable against dry wood borers (Class D EN); moderately durable against termites (Class M EN).
• Physical Properties (12% MC): Specific gravity 0.69; Monnin hardness 3.3; volumetric shrinkage 0.42%; stable.
• Machining: High blunting effect (silica content); stellite-tipped sawteeth and tungsten carbide tools recommended. Requires power; filling necessary for a good finish.

Applications

• Exterior and interior joinery.
• High-class furniture, cabinetwork, and sliced veneer.
• Flooring and stairs (inside).
• Interior and exterior paneling, and light carpentry.

Kosipo's appealing aesthetics and good durability make it a sought-after material for a range of applications, from fine furniture and cabinetry to exterior joinery and flooring. While it presents some challenges in drying and machining, proper techniques yield beautiful and lasting results. Its natural durability allows for use in Use Class 3 conditions.