A Comparison - Abodo Vulcan Timber vs Sapele Timber

When it comes to selecting the perfect wood for windows and doors, homeowners and makers are faced with a myriad of options.

Two popular choices, Abodo Vulcan (made from New Zealand Radiata Pine) and African Sapele, stand out in terms of quality, durability, and sustainability.

In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Abodo Vulcan timber emerges as a superior choice compared to Sapele and provide a comprehensive comparison of five of their physical characteristics – sustainability, durability, stability, thermal conductivity and workability.

Abodo Vulcan: An Excellent Choice for Sustainability, Durability and Quality

Abodo Vulcan thermally modified timber, is sustainably sourced and carefully produced. It is taken through the process of thermal modification, a chemical-free controlled heating and steam process, which modifies the wood’s cell structure removing excess moisture, resulting in enhanced durability and stability.

Sustainability: Abodo Vulcan is sourced from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified forests, ensuring responsible forestry practices with a focus on a long-term sustainable timber supply and eco-system management. It promotes biodiversity, cultivation and replanting, helping to combat deforestation which is a significant global concern. NZ Radiata Pine is high yielding and rapidly renewable (a more sustainable alternative to old growth timbers). A tree is harvested every 25-30 years, which means a new tree is grown during the life of the product.

Abodo’s Environmental Product Declaration provides a transparent declaration of the lifecycle environmental impact of the timber and proves a carbon-negative footprint.

Durability: The thermal modification process makes Abodo Vulcan timber naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, increasing its lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.

Vulcan meets Durability Class 1 (EN 350) - the highest durability class possible.

Stability: Vulcan has improved dimensional stability, making it less prone to swelling, warping, or twisting when exposed to changes in humidity and temperature.

Thermal Conductivity: Abodo’s Vulcan is one of the highest performing options in relation to thermal conductivity – making windows more efficient.

Workability: Abodo Vulcan cuts and machines very well, meaning less sanding is required prior to finishing. It coats extremely well with minimal raised grain.

Sapele: A Good Option with Limitations

African Sapele, also known as African mahogany, is a popular choice for windows and doors due to its appealing grain patterns and rich colour. However, it falls short in several aspects when compared to Abodo Vulcan timber:

Sustainability: Sapele wood is often harvested from tropical rainforests, leading to concerns about deforestation and unsustainable logging practices. Responsible sourcing is crucial but can be challenging to guarantee.

Durability:While Sapele is considered moderately durable, it may still require regular maintenance to prevent decay and insect damage, particularly in humid or rainy climates. Sapele is considered Durability EN350 Class 3, with Class 5 considered not durable at all.

Stability: Sapele is less stable than Abodo Vulcan making it more susceptible to warping, shrinking, or expanding in response to environmental conditions.

Thermal Conductivity: Sapele has a higher thermal conductivity that most softwoods, so it is less efficient in providing insulation value.

Workability: Sapele has interlocked grain, which can make machining and finishing somewhat difficult.

While Sapele has its merits, Abodo Vulcan emerges as a superior choice for windows and doors due to its sustainability, exceptional durability, stability, and consistency in appearance.

When making your decision, consider the long-term benefits, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements, which all favour Abodo Vulcan as the ideal timber choice.

By choosing Abodo Vulcan timber you can feel secure in the knowledge that it’s the better choice for the beauty of your home and for and for future generations.