Ekop for Custom Wood and Epoxy Tabletops
Ekop refers to African timber species in the genus Tetraberlinia, primarily including Tetraberlinia bifoliolata (synonymous with Berlinia bifoliolata), Tetraberlinia longiracemosa, and Tetraberlinia tubmaniana. According to the CIRAD Tropix technical sheet, Ekop displays a pinkish brown heartwood with a medium texture and sapwood that is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood. The grain is typically straight or slightly interlocked, offering an understated, uniform appearance suited for contemporary live-edge river tables and wide dining tops.
For woodworkers sizing slabs and tabletop bases, Ekop is a medium-density hardwood. At 12% moisture content, it has an average specific gravity of 0.62, which corresponds to an approximate density of 38.7 lb/ft³. A 2-inch-thick tabletop slab weighs approximately 6.5 lb per square foot. CIRAD documentation notes that T. bifoliolata generally has lower physical and mechanical properties than T. tubmaniana, meaning individual boards may show slight density and strength variations depending on the exact botanical species harvested.
| Property | CIRAD Tropix value | What it means / US units |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Tetraberlinia bifoliolata, Berlinia bifoliolata (synonymous), Tetraberlinia longiracemosa, Tetraberlinia tubmaniana, Tetraberlinia p.p. | |
| Colour / texture / grain | Pinkish brown; texture medium; grain straight or interlocked; interlocked grain slight | |
| Specific gravity (12% MC) | 0.62 | about 38.7 lb/ft³; a 2-inch-thick slab weighs about 6.5 lb per sq ft |
| Monnin hardness (12% MC) | 3.0 | French hardness scale; higher = harder (not a Janka value) |
| Total tangential shrinkage | 7.8 % | green to oven-dry |
| Total radial shrinkage | 4.1 % | green to oven-dry |
| Ratio St/Sr | 1.9 | closer to 1 = less cupping tendency |
| Coefficient of volumetric shrinkage | 0.50 % per % MC | volume change per 1% change in moisture content |
| Fibre saturation point | 27 % | |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.21 W/(m·K) | |
| Crushing strength (12% MC) | 56 MPa | about 8,120 psi |
| Static bending strength (12% MC) | 90 MPa | about 13,050 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity (12% MC) | 13,760 MPa | about 1,996,000 psi |
| Decay (fungi) resistance | Durability class 3 – moderately durable | |
| Termite resistance | Class S – susceptible | |
| Dry-wood borer resistance | Class S – susceptible (risk in all the wood) | |
| Heartwood treatability | Class 2 – moderately permeable | |
| Use class from natural durability | Class 2 – inside or under cover (dampness possible) | |
| Drying | rate normal to slow; distortion: high risk; checking: high risk; collapse: no known specific risk; casehardening: no known specific risk | |
| Suggested kiln program temperatures | 53–62 °C | about 127–144 °F |
| Machining | blunting normal; saw teeth: ordinary or alloy steel; cutting tools: ordinary | |
| Nailing and screwing | Poor | |
| CITES status | This species is not listed in the CITES Appendices (Washington Convention 2025). Notes. EKABA is often confused with ANDOUNG (Monopetalanthus spp.). |
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).
Dimensional Stability and Epoxy River Behavior
Balancing solid wood alongside an epoxy resin channel requires careful consideration of dimensional movement. Ekop exhibits a total tangential shrinkage of 7.8% and a total radial shrinkage of 4.1% from green to oven-dry conditions. This results in a tangential-to-radial shrinkage ratio of 1.9, with a coefficient of volumetric shrinkage of 0.50% per percent moisture content and a fiber saturation point of 27%.
A ratio of 1.9 indicates a moderate tendency to cup across flat-sawn slab faces when humidity changes. Because epoxy does not expand or contract with ambient moisture, any uncontrolled swelling or shrinkage in the timber can exert stress on the bond line. Slabs must be thoroughly seasoned and stabilized prior to casting, and all wood surfaces should receive a continuous finish to minimize moisture exchange.
Drying Behavior, Defects, and Machining
Working with Ekop requires attention during the conditioning and drying stages. CIRAD reports a normal to slow drying rate accompanied by a high risk of distortion and a high risk of surface checking. There are also documented risks of discoloration during the drying process, as well as the possible presence of natural wind shakes within the timber. Suggested kiln schedules operate within a temperature range of 53 to 62 °C (about 127 to 144 °F). Slabs should be examined closely for internal checks or shakes, which must be fully sealed before a deep resin pour to avoid air bubbles or resin bleed.
In the workshop, Ekop presents a normal blunting effect on cutters. It can be worked effectively with ordinary cutting tools and saw blades with ordinary or alloy steel teeth. When interlocked grain is present, there is a risk of grain tearing during planing and jointing; CIRAD advises using a reduced cutting angle to produce clean surfaces. Fastening requires caution: nailing and screwing properties are rated as poor, meaning builders should pre-bore holes carefully and use robust mechanical hardware when securing tops to bases.
Durability and Best Uses
Ekop heartwood is classified as Durability class 3 (moderately durable) against wood-decay fungi, but it is rated Class S (susceptible) to dry-wood borers and termites. Heartwood treatability is Class 2 (moderately permeable), and its natural durability places it in Use Class 2, designating service inside or under cover where occasional dampness may occur. In addition to furniture components and interior joinery, CIRAD lists end-uses such as exterior panelling, glued laminated timber, mouldings, carpentry, and plywood veneers.
What is the Monnin hardness of Ekop?
Ekop has a Monnin hardness rating of 3.0 at 12% moisture content. The Monnin scale is an established French testing method where higher numbers indicate harder timber. It is distinct from the Janka scale and cannot be directly converted into Janka values.
What slab widths can be expected from Ekop logs?
Ekop logs typically range from 70 to 100 cm in diameter, with a sapwood thickness between 2 and 12 cm. Because sapwood is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood, slabs provide wide working faces suitable for single-slab desks, conference tops, or two-piece bookmatched river tables.
Is Ekop listed under CITES regulations?
Ekop is not listed in the CITES Appendices according to the 2025 Washington Convention listings. The CIRAD data sheet notes that trade material under the name Ekaba is sometimes confused with Andoung (Monopetalanthus spp.).
How does Ekop machine when preparing river edges?
Ekop machines with standard shop equipment using ordinary or alloy steel tooling, exhibiting a normal blunting rate. Where slight interlocked grain is present, a reduced cutting angle is recommended to avoid surface tearing along edges and faces.
Why should table fasteners be carefully planned with Ekop?
CIRAD classifies the nailing and screwing properties of Ekop as poor. Direct screw holding can be weak, so builders should use threaded inserts, pre-drilling, and slotted mounting brackets to attach table bases without stripping the wood or restricting seasonal movement.
Sources
Published October 31, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original graphic by BigEpoxy.com.
Staff note: Inspect Ekop slabs thoroughly for internal wind shakes before planning an epoxy pour, as these natural separations can weaken the slab core or create hidden pathways for resin to seep out during the pour. (Source: CIRAD Tropix 7 technical sheet: Ekop.)