African Blackwood: What You Need To Know Before Buying
African Blackwood has a long and interesting history, which is detailed in the blog post that follows. In short, African blackwood is made from the heartwood of various African trees that have been specifically treated to make the wood black. This black color is due to the presence of a chemical called naphthoquinone, which is also found in black dyes and paint.
African blackwood has many uses, including furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. So, if you’re in the market for a unique piece of furniture, or just want to add some depth and character to your home, African blackwood may be a good option for you! Read on to learn all about this beautiful wood and how to purchase it safely!
What is African Blackwood?
African Blackwood is a hardwood that is primarily found in Africa. It has a deep, lustrous color that ranges from dark brown to almost black, and it typically has a Mohs scale rating of 6 or 7.
African Blackwood is sometimes used for furniture, flooring, tools, and other woodworking items because of its high quality and endurance. Additionally, it is considered to be one of the most sustainable woods available due to its low impact on the environment.
The wood is also resistant to insects and decay, making it an ideal choice for furniture that needs to last longer.
African blackwood can be found in many different parts of the world but its natural habitat is in West and Central Africa. It’s actually illegal to log this tree without the proper permits due to its endangered status.
How is African Blackwood made?
African Blackwood is one of the most popular hardwoods on the market because it has a beautiful grain pattern that ranges from dark brown to almost chocolate in color. The wood is obtained from trees that are grown in tropical and subtropical regions, and it typically takes about 80 years for a tree to reach maturity.
Once the trees have been harvested, they are cut down using either an axe or chainsaw. The logs are then chopped into smaller pieces before being carried out onto logging roads where they are loaded onto trucks or transported by boat. Once at the mill, the logs are split into thin sheets using saws called skidders or drumheads. The grains of this wood tends not to warp even when wet, which makes it excellent for furniture and other high-value applications.
Uses for African Blackwood
African Blackwood has a variety of unique uses that can make it valuable on your shelf or in your workshop. This hardwood is often used for furniture, carvings, and other objects because of its beautiful grain pattern and deep coloration. Additionally, African Blackwood is strong enough to be used for structural items such as beams and roofing tiles, making it a versatile alternative to traditional woods like oak or pine.
One other common use for African Blackwood is as an oil source. Its high content of natural resins makes this wood particularly well-suited for manufacturing oils and waxes. Furthermore, the tough texture allows products made with African Blackwood to withstand harsh conditions while still providing excellent lubrication properties.
How to choose high-quality African Blackwood
African Blackwood is a beautiful and rare wood that can be found in several different parts of the world. When choosing African Blackwood, it is important to look for pieces that are free of cracks, insect damage, or other defects. You also want to make sure that the wood has been properly treated before purchase so that it will not suffer from moisture exposure or varnish coating.
When selecting an oiler, you should consider factors such as pH levels (which regulate how fast oils penetrate the wood), viscosity (how thickly the oil flows), and degree of oxidation (the state of unsaturation in a molecule). Oils made with high-quality essential oils will also have minimal odor and little shine.
Once you’ve chosen your African Blackwood piece(s), it’s time to start treating them with your favorite oils! It’s best to apply these treatments regularly throughout the year so that your Wood retains its natural coloration and luster.
How long does African Blackwood last?
African Blackwood is a valuable hardwood that can last between 10 and 20 years. Although it may be more expensive than other woods, the durability of African Blackwood makes it worth your investment. Additionally, this wood has a distinct color and grain patterns that are often desirable in furniture ornaments.
How to identify fake African Blackwood products?
The African Blackwood is one of the most iconic and valuable hardwood species in the world, so it is important to be vigilant when shopping for this wood. Here are a few tips that can help you identify fake products:
-Check the grain pattern – If the product has a sawtooth grain or checkerboard pattern, it is likely not authentic.
-Look for signs of improper drying – Products that have been dried with high heat or direct sunlight may be suspect. This will cause them to crack, warp, or discolor.
-Feel the wood -If it’s too soft or spongy, it’s probably not authentic African Blackwood.
-Check for defects -If there are any obvious signs of damage or flaws, it’s best to avoid the product.
Blackwood is a popular material because its durability and beautiful appearance are incomparable. Aside from that, it can be easily polished using different methods. So, if you’re looking to add some antique feel to your home or just love the natural beauty of blackwood furniture, this is an ideal option for you!
Though the prices of blackwood products are mostly stable these days, they are still higher than other types of wood products. Therefore, make sure that before making any purchase whether you can afford it or not. There’s no need to worry though as there are also many reliable stores out there that offer great discounts on quality blackwood furniture items when you buy in large quantities.
To sum it all up, African Blackwood is a precious hardwood with unique properties and aesthetics. It makes beautiful furniture pieces that last for years alongside natural accents like vases and bowls that can enhance your home décor. Do keep in mind though – don’t go overboard on this rare gem!