Chen Chen

Trade Name :
Chen Chen, Ako

Origin :
West Africa

Uses :
In Europe as interior veneers or for sides only. In Asia and Arabia also used for face veneers in furniture production, however, in the lower price range. Substitute for Koto wood which is a bit higher in price. For price reasons, usually produced to 100 % in Africa, mostly Ghana. From there exported as veneers to Europe. In West Africa also used for canoe building and for handles of tools and hunting equipment.

Properties :
No difference between splint and heart wood; of uniform dirty-white to yellowish-brown colour. Mostly manufactured as quarters and due to the frequent spiral grain, this leads to a light-dark striping of the veneers.

Jointing :
Satisfactory. Nail joints are not very durable