Introduction to Ekoune for Wood and Epoxy Builds
Ekoune (botanical names Coelocaryon botryoides and Coelocaryon preussii) is an African hardwood belonging to the Myristicaceae family. Sourced from trees with log diameters typically ranging from 50 to 80 cm, Ekoune produces moderate-width boards and slabs. According to the international trade data published in the CIRAD Tropix technical sheet, this species is not listed in the CITES Appendices (Washington Convention 2025), meaning it is not subject to trade restrictions under those listings.
In commercial woodworking, Ekoune is commonly used for plywood veneers, current furniture or furniture components, carpentry, blockboard, and interior joinery. For makers designing epoxy river tables and hybrid furniture, understanding its dimensional behavior, density, and natural durability is essential before casting liquid resin against it.
| Property | CIRAD Tropix value | What it means / US units |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Coelocaryon botryoides, Coelocaryon preussii | |
| Colour / texture / grain | Light brown; texture medium; grain straight; interlocked grain absent | |
| Specific gravity (12% MC) | 0.53 | about 33.1 lb/ft³; a 2-inch-thick slab weighs about 5.5 lb per sq ft |
| Monnin hardness (12% MC) | 1.9 | French hardness scale; higher = harder (not a Janka value) |
| Total tangential shrinkage | 6.9 % | green to oven-dry |
| Total radial shrinkage | 3.8 % | green to oven-dry |
| Ratio St/Sr | 1.8 | closer to 1 = less cupping tendency |
| Coefficient of volumetric shrinkage | 0.44 % per % MC | volume change per 1% change in moisture content |
| Fibre saturation point | 25 % | |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.18 W/(m·K) | |
| Crushing strength (12% MC) | 38 MPa | about 5,510 psi |
| Static bending strength (12% MC) | 73 MPa | about 10,590 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity (12% MC) | 12,460 MPa | about 1,807,000 psi |
| Decay (fungi) resistance | Durability class 5 – not durable | |
| Termite resistance | Class S – susceptible | |
| Dry-wood borer resistance | Class S – susceptible (risk in all the wood) | |
| Heartwood treatability | Class 1 – easily permeable | |
| Use class from natural durability | Class 1 – inside (no dampness) | |
| Drying | rate rapid; distortion: no risk or very slight risk; checking: slight risk; collapse: no known specific risk; casehardening: no known specific risk | |
| Suggested kiln program temperatures | 55–65 °C | about 131–149 °F |
| Machining | blunting normal; saw teeth: ordinary or alloy steel; cutting tools: ordinary | |
| Nailing and screwing | Good but pre-boring necessary | |
| CITES status | This species is not listed in the CITES Appendices (Washington Convention 2025). |
Values from the CIRAD Tropix technical sheet (average values for mature wood, 12% moisture content where noted). US-unit conversions are calculated by BigEpoxy (1 MPa = 145.04 psi; density = specific gravity × 62.43 lb/ft³).
Appearance and Grain Characteristics
Ekoune features a clean, light brown heartwood. The sapwood is not demarcated from the heartwood, resulting in a consistent tone across the slab faces. An appealing aesthetic feature noted by CIRAD is the occasional presence of purplish brown veins running through the wood, which can add subtle visual interest along a live edge or beneath a clear epoxy flood coat. The grain is straight, interlocked grain is absent, and the texture is medium. Because interlocked grain is absent, slabs present a uniform surface that is straightforward to prep.
Density, Weight, and Hardness
Ekoune is a medium-density hardwood. At 12% moisture content, it has a specific gravity of 0.53, which translates to a density of about 33.1 lb/ft³. For tabletop builders planning bases and handling slabs in the shop, a 2-inch-thick slab weighs approximately 5.5 lb per sq ft.
Mechanical testing from CIRAD records its surface resistance at a Monnin hardness of 1.9 at 12% moisture content. The Monnin scale is an established French testing standard where higher values indicate harder material; it is not the American Janka test and should never be confused with or converted to Janka figures. A rating of 1.9 reflects a relatively soft to moderately soft hardwood surface. While light and easy to maneuver, finished tabletops will benefit from protective topcoats to resist daily dents and localized pressure.
Shrinkage, Movement, and River Table Stability
Controlling wood movement is the core challenge in any epoxy river table build. Ekoune exhibits very favorable shrinkage metrics when transitioning from green to oven-dry:
- Total tangential shrinkage: 6.9%
- Total radial shrinkage: 3.8%
- Tangential/radial ratio (St/Sr): 1.8
- Fibre saturation point: 25%
- Coefficient of volumetric shrinkage: 0.44% per % change in moisture content
An St/Sr ratio of 1.8 indicates a modest difference between tangential and radial movement, meaning boards exhibit low cupping tendencies. Furthermore, a volumetric coefficient of 0.44% per percent moisture change shows steady dimensional behavior. When thoroughly acclimated to indoor conditions, the risk of developing shear stress or pulling away from the cured epoxy seam along the river channel remains relatively low.
Drying Behavior and Risks
Drying performance is one of Ekoune’s strongest practical assets. CIRAD rates its drying rate as rapid. The risk of distortion is classified as “no risk or very slight risk,” while checking carries only a slight risk. Additionally, there is no known specific risk for collapse or casehardening. Standard industrial kiln schedules for Ekoune operate between 55 °C and 65 °C (about 131–149 °F). Because distortion and collapse risks are minimal, dried slabs generally maintain flat, true planes suitable for mold prep and flattening operations.
Machining, Fastening, and Finishing
In the workshop, Ekoune behaves predictably:
- Tool wear: Blunting effect is normal. Ordinary cutting tools and standard saw teeth made of ordinary or alloy steel cut the wood cleanly without requiring specialized carbide setups.
- Fasteners: Nailing and screwing properties are rated as good, though pre-boring is necessary to avoid localized splitting when securing table bases or brackets.
- Heartwood treatability: Ekoune falls into treatability Class 1 (easily permeable). This high permeability means seal coats, penetrating primers, and stabilizing finishes absorb deeply into the wood pores, helping resin builders establish strong mechanical bonds at the epoxy interface. Follow your specific resin maker’s data sheet for sealing and application steps.
Natural Durability Considerations
Ekoune has low biological resistance. CIRAD places its fungal resistance in Durability class 5 (not durable), alongside Class S (susceptible) ratings for dry-wood borers and termites. Its natural use class is Class 1, strictly limited to interior environments with no dampness. In situations involving temporary humidification, preservative treatment is required, and for permanent humidification, use is not recommended. For indoor furniture such as residential dining tables and desks, these durability constraints pose no issue once the wood is properly finished and maintained in dry interior spaces.
Is Ekoune a Good Epoxy Table Wood?
Ekoune is a practical, user-friendly choice for indoor epoxy river tables and desks. Its straight grain, absent interlocked fibers, low blunting effect, and rapid, low-defect drying make it easy to flatten and machine. The stable St/Sr ratio of 1.8 and modest volumetric movement limit joint stress alongside rigid epoxy channels. However, builders should remember its relatively low Monnin hardness (1.9) and lack of rot resistance: it should be reserved strictly for dry indoor use and given a durable protective finish to safeguard against surface indentation.
Sources
Published October 31, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original graphic by BigEpoxy.com.
Staff note: Because CIRAD rates Ekoune heartwood as Class 1 (easily permeable), thorough pre-sealing of live edges is critical to prevent the porous grain from drawing in epoxy unevenly or releasing trapped air into the river pour. (Source: CIRAD Tropix 7 technical sheet: Ekoune.)