Kwila is a high quality, strong and durable hardwood. The heartwood is yellowish-brown, brown or dark red, red-brown, turning to a dark red-brown with age. The wood is hard and heavy, the texture moderately coarse but even, and the grain may be straight or interlocked but is often wavy. Sulphur-yellow and dark colored deposits are characteristic of the species and can be commonly seen in the vessel cavities. Kwila timber is prone to "bleeding" when wet, producing dark-red brown staining.
Working Properties: Kwila saws well, however, with the fairly high incidence of gum occurring, saws tend to become clogged. It planes well but there is a tendency for the grain to tear out in quarter-sawn material. The wood tends to split when nailing but holds screws well and can be stained and polished reasonably well. However, patches of oil can exude and may affect the finish. The yellow deposits are soluble in water and the dye produced does stain. If early attention is given to any staining it can generally be removed by scrubbing with milk or lactic acid.
Main uses: Landscaping & heavy construction, flooring, decking, exterior joinery & construction, interior joinery & furniture and mouldings. Well suited for premium heavy construction due to its low shrinkage and durability.
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