Timbers

IROKO	AFZELIA/CHAMFUTA
MPAPAMA	JACARANDA

Philip has a limited stock of hardwood timber that he brought from Zimbabwe. The most notable being IROKO, which comes mainly from West Africa. This durable wood varies in colour from a light honey to a deep golden brown, with an even but coarse texture. It is used as a substitute for Burmese teak, but is unrelated to this timber. It is popular in northern climes where winters are long and dark. It is coveted by Philip mainly because it is very stable.

AFZELIA or CHAMFUTA, also known as Doussie, comes from many places in Africa including Mozambique. It is a heavy durable timber of great stability and handsome appearance. Its colour matures to a coppery brown hue with age, depending on the finish imparted. Great for heavy coffee tables!

MPAPAMA comes from Zimbabwe and although it resembles some Mahoganies it is unrelated. It is a rich dark brown colour, of medium weight and is a superior cabinet-making wood.

JACARANDA is originally from South America (Brazil) but has been spread throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Philip likes to use this pale timber for drawer sides because of its stability and its colour which emphasises the quality of his dove-tails.

Philip is keen to utilise any other timber such as Cherry, Walnut and others that conform to the required specifications. He has small stocks of American Cherry, Imbuia (Brazilian Walnut) and Jatoba.