Seattle-Tacoma woodworkers and boatbuilders, elevate your projects with
Okoume Marine Plywood from Edensaw Woods! We're your trusted supplier of premium marine plywood for home builders, furniture manufacturers, and boatbuilders in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Discover the exceptional quality and beauty of Okoume marine plywood for your next project. Explore our wide selection of marine plywood such as
ceiba marine plywood,
Hydrotek marine panel, and
Sande marine panel. Visit our store or browse our online inventory to find the perfect piece for your project. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you with expert advice and personalized service.
Okoume marine plywood is a premium-grade plywood sourced from the Okoume tree, native to West and Central Africa. Renowned for its lightweight, durability, and water-resistant properties, it's the perfect choice for marine construction and boatbuilding.
Here are the key features and benefits of Okoume Marine Panel:
Material Composition:
- Wood Source: Wood comes from the Okoume tree, which is endemic to tropical West Africa, specifically Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo.
- Appearance: Okoume has a beautiful light brown hue and a fine texture, making it appropriate for both structural and aesthetic applications.
- Core and Veneers: The plywood is manufactured by layering thin Okoume veneers, which are joined together with waterproof glue to ensure longevity in marine settings.
Marine Grade
- Waterproof Bonding: Okoume marine plywood is waterproof (usually phenolic glue) and resistant to water and humidity, making it ideal for maritime applications.
- Void-Free Construction: Marine-grade plywood must be free of voids and imperfections in order to provide optimal strength and longevity. This reduces water ingress and structural failure in marine areas.
Key Features
- Lightweight: One of the lightest marine plywoods available, making it perfect for applications where weight is important, such as boat building.
- Durability: Although Okoume marine plywood is lightweight, it is quite durable, especially when properly treated with marine-grade varnish or epoxy.
- Stability: It has little swelling and shrinkage, ensuring dimensional stability even when exposed to changing moisture levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Okoume's smooth surface and appealing grain make it ideal for noticeable applications where appearance is important.
Applications
- Boat Building: Because of its lightweight and water-resistant characteristics, it is commonly used in the construction of boat hulls, decking, and interiors.
- Furniture & Cabinetry: Okoume is used to make lightweight furniture and cabinets, particularly in coastal conditions or high-humidity areas.
- Exterior Projects: In addition to nautical applications, Okoume is sometimes used in outside structures such as gazebos, however it must be sealed to prevent against weathering.
Maintenance
- Sealing and Finishing: To ensure its lifespan, Okoume marine plywood must be carefully treated with marine-grade varnishes, paints, or epoxy coatings. When not sealed, it is prone to moisture damage.
- UV Protection: For outdoor use, a UV-resistant treatment is required to avoid sun damage over time.
- Regular inspection: Look for symptoms of damage, such as cracks, delamination, or water damage.
- Storage: When not in use, keep the panels dry and well-ventilated.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Lightweight, moisture-resistant (when sealed), easy to work with, and appealing grain.
- Weaknesses: Not as sturdy as some hardwood marine plywoods (such as Meranti or Teak), and more prone to surface wear and tear if not well maintained.
Comparison with Other Marine Plywood
- Cost: Generally less expensive than other hardwood marine plywoods like teak or mahogany.
- Weight: It is lighter than many other varieties of marine plywood, making it ideal for applications that require weight savings.
- Durability: Although Okoume is strong and durable, it is not as naturally resistant to decay as some other marine-grade woods, such as Teak or Iroko, and must be properly sealed for outdoor or high-moisture use.
Edensaw Woods is your premier supplier of high-quality Okoume
marine plywood in Washington. Our ethically sourced materials offer exceptional strength, lightweight, and water resistance, making them ideal for boatbuilding and shipbuilding. Explore our wide selection of various sizes, premium quality Okoume marine plywood, and ethically sourced materials. Our team is dedicated to providing expert customer service and assisting you throughout your project. Conveniently shop online or visit our showrooms in Port Townsend and Tacoma. Discover the difference of Edensaw Woods today and elevate your marine projects with the beauty and durability of Okoume marine panel.
