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Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis) is a highly dense, durable West African hardwood. Known for its exceptional strength (D40 class) and natural durability (class 1), including resistance to fungi and marine borers, it is frequently imported globally and used as an affordable, eco-friendly substitute for endangered species like Greenheart.
Its impressive strength and durability make okan a favorite for outdoor construction. Some popular applications include bridge decking, railway sleepers, and premium exterior construction. AtoZ Wood Company is a top global exporter of solid African okan hardwood logs and sawn timber at wholesale rates with worldwide delivery.
What is Okan Wood?
Okan is obtained from the tree Cylicodiscus gabunensis, a large tropical hardwood tree native to West African countries including Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. Mature okan trees produce large, high-quality logs with high global demand and good pricing.
The heartwood of okan ranges from yellowish-golden to reddish-brown and gradually darkens to a coppery hue with age or exposure. It is clearly distinguishable from the pale-whitish sapwood. The texture is medium to coarse and the grain is usually interlocked, giving the finished okan surface a distinct striped appearance.
Physical Properties of Okan Wood
1. Exceptional Density and Strength
Okan is classified as an intensely dense and heavy hardwood. Its density, ranging from 850 to 960 kg/m³, contributes to:
- Excellent load-bearing capacity
- High pressure and bending strength
- Outstanding wear resistance
- Superior structural stability
2. Excellent Natural Durability
The heartwood of Okan is classified as Durability Class 1 (Very Durable) under European standards, meaning it has excellent resistance to fungal decay and insects. The wood is practically impregnable against termites, moisture, wood-boring insects, and weather deterioration. Because of its incredible natural durability, Okan is favored for outdoor applications without requiring preservative treatment.
3. High Hardness
Okan is extremely hard, with a Janka hardness rating of approximately 10,000–12,300 N (around 2,250–2,760 lbf), making it highly resistant to everyday wear, dents, abrasion, and general damage. The hardness and wear resistance of okan make it an excellent choice for high-traffic commercial or industrial flooring, heavy-duty decking, truck beds, and loading platforms.
4. Attractive Appearance
As an exotic African hardwood, Okan features an attractive visual appearance with stunning grain patterns. The yellowish-brown heartwood turns rich reddish-brown over time. The interlocked grain causes sawn pieces to feature darker ribbon-like patterns, enhancing the wood’s natural character.
5. Dimensional Stability
Okan is relatively stable under pressure. Moderate shrinkage is possible during drying. Kiln drying is recommended to minimize checking, cracking, and distortion due to its high density.
6. Workability of Okan Wood
The high density of Okan makes it challenging to machine. As a heavy wood, it can be difficult to handle and transport. Machining often leads to rapid dulling of cutting tools. Sawing and planing can be difficult. Pre-drilling before screws or nails is mandatory. Gluing and staining can be challenging.
Types of Okan Wood Products
The only botanical tree species of Okan is Cylicodiscus gabunensis. It has no subspecies. However, okan wood is widely sold and used in many forms, including:
Okan Lumber
Sawn or planed timber boards ready for construction, decking, furniture, landscaping, and structural work.
Okan Decking
Due to its excellent weather resistance and durability, Okan is widely used for commercial outdoor decking construction, including pathways, boardwalks, marina decks, pedestrian bridges, and exterior decks.
Okan Beams
Okan is also extensively sold in the form of large structural beams with exceptional strength for bridges, building structures, marine installations, railways, and heavy construction.
Okan Fresh Logs
AtoZ Wood Company is a prominent global manufacturer and supplier of premium okan round logs, fresh and 100% sustainably harvested from FSC-certified forests.
Common Uses of Okan Wood
Because of its remarkable mechanical properties, unmatched durability, and stunning appearance, Okan is highly sought-after for heavy-duty applications.
Marine and Hydraulic Construction
Okan is an excellent choice for marine applications and is widely used for:
- Bridge decking
- Piers
- Jetties
- Wharf structures
- Floating docks
- Sheet piling
Heavy Structural Construction
Engineers favor Okan for:
- Heavy timber structures
- Industrial buildings
- Retaining walls
- Sound barriers
- Utility structures
Outdoor Construction
Its natural resistance to decay and insects makes Okan ideal for:
- Garden structures
- Decking
- Fencing
- Boardwalks
- Pergolas
- Landscape edging
Industrial & Commercial Flooring
Okan is commonly used for building heavy-duty flooring for high-traffic commercial facilities such as factories, warehouses, workshops, and logistics centers.
Transport Industry
Its incredible hardness and impact resistance make Okan suitable for:
- Truck flooring
- Trailer beds
- Loading ramps
- Heavy transport platforms
Conclusion
Okan is one of the world’s finest, most sought-after heavy-duty exotic hardwoods widely used for demanding structural and exterior applications. Its stunning grain patterns, exceptional density, outstanding durability, high wear resistance, and natural protection against decay make it a wonderful choice for heavy-duty exterior and marine construction, bridges, industrial flooring, decking, and large infrastructure projects.
As one of the major global exporters of African exotic hardwoods, AtoZ Wood Company proudly harvests, processes and sells FSC-certified, sustainable okan wood timber, fresh logs, and products worldwide. Contact us for a wholesale price quote today!
