Spotlight On: Tali
Erythrophleum Ivorense
SPOTLIGHT ON: TALI
SPECIES: Erythrophleum Ivorense
ORIGIN: Central and West Africa
COMMON APPLICATIONS: Outdoor applications, including decking, windows, boat docks, boardwalks and furniture, as well as exterior mouldings and flooring.
CHARACTERISTICS / APPEARANCE: The sapwood is yellowish white to pinkish white. The heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to red brown, darkening on exposure and is clearly demarcated. The grain is highly interlocked, with a coarse texture. It is quite hard making it challenging to machine. The same qualities making this wood challenging are also what make it so desired – it's extremely hard and dense with high durability and is stable with little movement in service.
JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: 2,920 lbf
COMMENTS: Tali has an appealing mahogany-like grain character and is suitable for exterior use, even untreated. It is a preferred decking choice in many European countries.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tali wood used for?+
Tali is commonly used for outdoor applications, including decking, windows, boat docks, boardwalks and furniture, as well as exterior mouldings and flooring.
Where does Tali wood come from?+
Tali (Erythrophleum Ivorense) originates from Central and West Africa.
What does Tali wood look like?+
Tali sapwood is yellowish white to pinkish white, while the heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to red brown and darkens on exposure. It has a highly interlocked grain with a coarse texture and an appealing mahogany-like character.
How hard is Tali wood on the Janka scale?+
Tali has a Janka hardness rating of 2,920 lbf, making it extremely hard and dense.
Why is Tali wood challenging to machine?+
Tali's highly interlocked grain, coarse texture, and extreme hardness and density make it challenging to machine. However, those same qualities give it high durability and excellent stability with little movement in service.
Is Tali suitable for untreated exterior use?+
Yes, Tali is suitable for exterior use even without treatment, and it is a preferred decking choice in many European countries.