The research division of Siam Decor has explored the potential commercial uses for this vast, alternative supply of timber. This led to the commercial launch of coconut timber in a range of different products, from flooring to posts to furniture. With these products performing at equal to or even better than conventional hardwoods, coconut timber represents a viable substitute for endangered hardwoods from an ecologically-sound source.

            Its wood is reminiscent in appearance to mahogany; however, coconut timber has a much more fibrous grain than mahogany and lacks the same level of iridescent. Colour tones and hues range from golden to near ebony, with dark brown flecks. There are three basic colour divisions relating to the timber's density: dark brown tones (high density); medium brown tones (medium density); and light golden tones (low density).

            Coconut trees have no annual growth rings, rays, heartwood or branches, meaning that coconut timber are free from knots and other such imperfections.

            The coconut palm is a monocotyledon. It has a smooth, slender stem that grows to a height of about 25 metres and with an average diameter of 300mm. The hardest, densest part of the wood is found on the outer perimeter of the trunk, which gives the tree its strength, while the wood’s high silica content gives the tree elasticity. Towards the centre of the trunk, the wood gets less hard.

 

 

Coconut timber is classified according to three degrees of density:

High-density timber (dermal) – hard: 600-900kg/m³
 Medium-density timber (sub-dermal) – medium/hard: 400-600kg/m³
 Low-density timber (core) – soft/medium: 200-400kg/m³