West Africa, from Lyberia through to the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
USES:
Sliced veneer used for door skins and inner surface veneers; rotary veneer used for plywood panels. Used in the furniture industry more as a backing veneer
PROPERTIES:
The wood is yellowiss‑white to cream in color and becomes more yellowish‑grey when steamed. Koto is very good for printing and staining. Logs must be freshly felled and chemically impregnated. Veneer and lumber (treated) should be stored in dry, well‑ventilate rooms.
MACHINING:
Well‑sharpened tools are required to produce smooth surfaces due to the interlocking grain. Wet wood tends to become slightly woolly when cut.
SEASONING:
The wood must be carefully and slowly dried to avoid surface checking. Drying should take place as soon as possible to avoid blue stain.
FINISHING:
The wood is excellently suited for staining and polishing when a filler is applied.
JOINTING:
The wood can be glued very well. joints are easy to make and boldfirmly.
