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Let’s explore some of these attractive, exotic woods - why they’re so good, examples of exotic species, as well as some of their typical uses. The African continent is home to some of the most fascinating, beautiful trees, each producing timber with a number of interesting, unfamiliar and sought-after properties.



This has made exotic hardwoods a very trendy choice for architects and self-builders who are seeking to create something a bit special, perhaps for a flooring, decking or cladding feature or a piece of furniture. They not only look the part, but African timbers typically have some of the finest technical properties of any wood.

Did you know that Iroko trees, native to the west coast of tropical Africa, can live for up to 500 years? Many African trees grow at a very slow rate, resulting in the timber harvested from these being extremely strong, dense and scratch resistant. This can lend African hardwoods well to projects where a durability is key — as mentioned, commonly cladding, flooring, furniture and decking.

The tree, Entandrophragma cylindricum, is distributed widely across the African continent. It originated in the west African rainforests of the Ivory Coast, but can now be found as east as Tanzania. Sapele timber actually gets its name from the Nigerian city of Sapele, where there is an abundance of the tree.

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Seeing it once is fine, but when you notice it repeatedly, you recognize our role is minuscule - traditional african furniture. It's the same issue with trend-setting magazines. I say this because our industry is so closely defined by one’s history and cultural heritage, be it in the making or design process. The ultimate definers of it have repeatedly been designers and companies from Italy, the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Japan, Spain, and Brazil.

Other than connecting with other black designers and not feeling like I am on an island, I have been approached by various industry people from all corners, including ELLE Decor. I have recently been invited to be part of a curated furniture show at a museum—this was unthinkable to me few weeks ago.


All I can say is “wow” at the moment, because my long journey is finally being realized. Articles Editor, ELLE Decor Charles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to the architecture, interior design, real estate, and travel industries, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.

You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. io .

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Jomo Tariku founded Jomo Furniture in 2017, but the seed of the idea for his furniture line goes back way further, to a realization the designer had while a student at the University of Kansas: "One thing I thought was lacking back when I was in college and I'd go to the libraries and check out all these books about design, I didn't see African or Black design anywhere in those magazines," he tells House Beautiful from his studio in Springfield, Virginia. traditional african furniture.

"I grew up with these pieces in my home," he explains. "I love these three legged stools that my parents bought and had in every room." Justin Tsucalas, So, he had an idea: to riff on this tradition in a completely new way. "I'm building on years and years of tradition of African craftspeople doing carved pieces that you need around the house," says Tariku.

You travel throughout Africa, you're going to find these inside everybody's home."But, ubiquitous as these types of furniture may be throughout the African continent, Tariku is passionate about imparting his own unique style. "People think 'African,' they think one thing," he says. "And I want to change that." Tariku focuses mostly on chairs and stools, which he loves for the challenge they pose.

"I don't do any exotic find here wood. I come from a country that has deforested heavily and I don't want to contribute to that." That said, the designer is acutely interested in 3D printing and other technologies that would open up material possibilities—and allow him to continue creating pieces that are, above all else, unique.

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"Why would I want to add myself to that collection, when I have an extremely rich heritage and culture that I can build my design expression on?"Tariku’s sketches. Hearst Owned That personal—and larger, cultural—narrative is, Tariku says, what redirected here drives his passion. "I love how people react to it," he says.

I'm happy to be one of the few people out there doing this and bringing it to the market. Is it challenging? It's extremely challenging. This is a very difficult journey in multiple ways, and that's why it took 20-something years to get here. But I also want to show others there's a huge business opportunity here." Hadley Keller is House Beautiful’s digital director.

She has covered covering design, interiors, and culture for 10 years in New York. She served as Associate Market Editor, Design Reporter, and News Editor for Architectural Digest and AD PRO before joining House Beautiful. Hadley is a staunch maximalist and vocal opponent of the Open Floor Plan.

Wood you know my name? Most commonly types of wood in South Africa used for furniture making in South Africa When we founded Furniturespot, I could maybe recall three types of wood. But since all your requests keep on coming in, we have learned! The type of their explanation wood you select for your piece of furniture obviously impacts the price of the piece, but also the vibe it expresses and the durability of the furniture (traditional african furniture).

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Are you looking for a true eye catcher, then Kiaat might work. Is the item for the kids' room? You might want to go for Rubberwood. And so on and on. This blog post will tell you all about our most popular types of wood to make furniture in South Africa and how to best use them.

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