hardwood · Tieghemella heckelii

Makore wood properties

Also known as: douka, cherry mahogany.

Type hardwood
Botanical name Tieghemella heckelii
Modulus of elasticity (MOE) 1,552,000 psi
Specific gravity 0.69
Density (approx) 43 lb/ft³ (3.6 lb per board foot)
Janka hardness 1,200 lbf
Shrinkage (tangential / radial) 7.7% / 5.5%
Region Western and Middle Africa

A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Makore weighs about 14.4 lb (roughly 43 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 1,200 lbf is harder than about 56% of the woods in our database.

Uses and working notes

Common uses: veneer, plywood, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, musical instruments, turned objects.

Durability: Heartwood is very durable and stands up well to attack by insects.

Workability: Generally cooperative, but silica dulls cutters and interlocked grain can tear; glues and finishes easily.

Use this data

Similar woods

Woods with comparable hardness and density to Makore:

How these numbers were sourced

MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (citing USDA FPL and related sources). This imported species is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table, so CT/CR and movement source are omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.

Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.

Sources

These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.