Taun / Akwa

Taun is a large hardwood of wide distribution, from Sri Lanka eastwards through South - East Asia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea to Samoa.

2. Heartwood is reddish brown. Sapwood is pale pink to pale reddish brown, not always clearly differentiated from the heartwood and to 50mm wide. An identifying feature is that the shavings produce froth when shaken with water. The texture is moderately coarse and even. Grain straight or shallowly interlocked producing some ribbon figure. No taste or odour in the seasoned wood.

3. Air Dry Density varies from about 680 kg/m3 for Papua New Guinea material to 850 kg/m3 for Malaysian wood.

4. Careful drying needs to avoid blue stains, warping and surface checking. Shrinkage is 3.5 per cent radial and 5.5% tangential.

5. Relatively easy to work but the sanding dust may be irritating to mucous membranes. Glues and nails well. Good for steam bending.

6. Lyctids S, termites NR, durability IG3 (IG = inground), AG2 (AG = Above ground), M4.

7. Uses: Furniture, flooring, cladding, carving, boat building, joinery, handles and plywood.