Kwila Hardwood
What is Kwila?
Kwila,aka Afzelia, Borneo Teak, Hintzy (Madagascar), Ipil (Philippines), Ironwood (UK), Merbau (Indonesia) is a Tropical Hardwood mainly found in Indonesia, New Guinea and some South Pacific Islands. Kwila has a hardness factor of 8.6 compared with other popular timber species such as Jarrah (8.5) and Teak (4.5). Its physical appearance is golden to dark brown with yellow and black flecks. It has interlocked grain and has a texture which is coarse but even
Why use Kwila?
Kwila is regarded as one of the most durable timbers in the world.
Kwila is rot and termite resistant and can last indefinitely if
maintained properly. Kwila is less prone to the shrinking, cracking
or bowing which is prevalent in a lot of other timbers used in the
manufacture of outdoor furniture. The abundant natural oil in Kwila
is the feature of this timber, which makes it so durable in comparison
to other timbers commonly used for outdoor furniture. The Australian
Department of Primary Industries has given Kwila a Rating One, which
is the highest standard of suitability for timber outdoor furniture.
Does Kwila bleed?
Yes. Kwila does contain natural oils and tannins to give kwila its durability. This process of bleeding occurs when the furniture becomes wet but will cease after just a few times. Hosing down the furniture in a grassy area diminishes this process. Bleeding can stain concrete but can be easily removed with bleach.
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