Okan Slabs

Okan:  

Okan is a dense and durable hardwood highly valued for its strength, resistance to decay, and attractive appearance. 

It’s primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon, where it grows in both tropical forests and Savannah regions. The wood has a dark reddish-brown or deep brown color with a distinct interlocked grain pattern, which gives it a  unique, appealing look. 

Due to its exceptional durability and resistance to decay and insect attack, Okan is a popular choice for outdoor applications. It is commonly used for decking, bridge construction, and marine piling, where it can withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions and water, without deteriorating. It’s also used for flooring, furniture, and decorative veneers due to its attractive appearance and natural luster. 

The density and hardness of Okan can make it challenging to work with, and special tools may be required for cutting and shaping. It is also a heavy wood, making it demanding to transport and handle. Despite these challenges, Okan is a highly prized material in the woodworking industry, and it is often compared to other dense and durable woods such as Teak and Ipe. 

In addition to its practical uses, Okan wood also has cultural significance in West Africa. 

It’s often used in traditional ceremonies, and it has been associated with strength, power, and protection. In some communities, Okan trees are considered sacred, and their wood is used to create ceremonial masks, drums, and other sacred objects. 

Sometimes referred to as “African mahogany” due to its similar appearance and properties, Okan is NOT a type of mahogany. 

Mahogany is a broad term that refers to several species of trees that belong to the Meliaceae family, whereas Okan belongs to the Guibourtia genus in the Fabaceae family.  

While both Okan and Mahogany are dense, durable, and have attractive grain patterns, they come from different botanical families and have some differences in their physical properties and working characteristics.  

For example, Okan tends to be harder and denser than most Mahogany species and has a distinct reddish-brown color slightly darker than Mahogany's typical reddish-brown color. 

Other names used for Okan: 

- Bokan - Edoum - Denya – Amazakoue – M’bouna – Mozambique. – Hazovola. – Dikela - Olon - Rokko. – Guibourtia ehie - Guibourtia pellegriniana. – African rosewood - Bokonge - Ebimu. – Eka - Mbil – Amazakoue. – Frake. – Odoum. – Palissandre du Congo – Palissandre du Gabon - Romboutsia iliMahogan