Mongoy wood, also known as Ovangkol, is a tropical species from West Africa that has gained popularity due to its remarkable physical characteristics and versatility in different applications.
Below, we explore in depth what Mongoy wood is, its properties, specific uses in cutting boards, and some important considerations about this wood.
Mongoy wood, from the tree Guibourtia ehieis a tropical wood distinguished by its dark brown heartwood and pale yellow sapwood.
The appearance of its grain, often interlocked or straight, offers a unique visual appeal that can range from grayish brown to reddish tones.
Due to its natural strength and beauty, it is often used in decorative and functional applications such as furniture, veneers and joinery.
With a density of approximately 800 kg/m³, Mongoy wood is a relatively heavy and hard species. This characteristic gives it excellent resistance to impact and wear, making it suitable to withstand adverse conditions such as humidity or prolonged exposure.
Mongoy maintains its shape in the face of temperature and humidity variations, which reduces the risk of warping. This property is key for outdoor uses and for high-demanding products such as luxury kitchen tables.
This wood is naturally resistant to insects and rot, making it ideal for applications in humid or outdoor environments without the need for intensive treatments.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Guibourtia ehie |
| Common names | Mongoy, Ovangkol |
| Origin | West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic) |
| Colour | Sapwood: pale yellow; Heartwood: greyish brown to dark brown with dark veins |
| Fiber | Straight, occasionally braided |
| Grain | Fine to medium |
| Density (12% humidity) | 800–820 kg/m³ |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 1,860 lbf (8,270 N) |
| Hardness (Chalais-Meudon) | 7.6 (hardwood) |
| Compressive strength | 690 kg/cm² |
| Static flexural strength | 1.550 kg/cm² |
| Modulus of elasticity | 157.000 kg/cm² |
| Coefficient of volumetric contraction | 0.49–0.55% (medium-nerve wood) |
| Natural durability | High resistance to fungi and insects |
| Impregnability | Sapwood: impregnable; Heartwood: slightly impregnable |
| Workability | Sawing: requires sharp tools; Planing: may cause peeling; Gluing: no problem; Nailing and screwing: requires pre-drilling |
| Drying process | Slow, with slight risk of deformations and cracks |
| Finish | No problem |
| Common uses | Fine furniture, cabinetmaking, interior and exterior carpentry, musical instruments, decorative veneers, turning |
The use of Mongoy in the manufacture of cutting boards is rare but is becoming increasingly common due to its durability and resistance to cuts. Its main advantages for this type of utensils are:
Due to its high hardness, Mongoy wood is able to withstand the constant impacts of knives without suffering significant surface damage. This prolongs the life of the cutting boards and makes them ideal for professional and domestic kitchens.
The density of Mongoy prevents deep penetration of moisture and bacteria, which helps keep cutting surfaces cleaner and healthier.
Its unique veining and dark tones make it a visually attractive option. In kitchens where aesthetics are a priority, Mongoy adds a touch of elegance and distinction.
Thanks to its natural resistance to rotting and insects, Mongoy is ideal for products that require longevity. This includes everything from flooring and furniture to kitchen utensils such as cutting boards.
Many Mongoy suppliers offer FSC certification, guaranteeing that the extraction of this wood follows sustainable practices, respecting its natural environment.
Despite its hardness, Mongoy can be worked relatively well, although it may require specific machinery due to its strength and presence of silicon. In addition, its finish responds well to treatments with oils and waxes, improving its appearance and useful life.
In short, Mongoy is an excellent choice for projects that require strength, durability and aesthetics. Whether in the manufacture of cutting boards or high quality furniture, this species offers a versatile and durable solution.
serving board
Mongoy wood, also known as ovangkol, comes from the Guibourtia ehie tree, native to West Africa, especially countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and the Central African Republic.
It has a pale yellow sapwood and a heartwood that varies from grayish brown to dark brown with dark veins. Its grain is straight, occasionally interlocked, and its grain is fine to medium.
It has a density of approximately 800–820 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content, classifying it as a heavy wood. Its Janka hardness is approximately 1,860 lbf (8,270 N), making it a hardwood.
It is a medium-tough wood with moderate dimensional stability. Its volumetric shrinkage coefficient is 0.49–0.55%, indicating a moderate tendency to warp with changes in humidity.
It has a high natural resistance to fungi and insects, making it suitable for applications in humid or outdoor environments without the need for intensive treatments.
It is used in fine furniture, cabinetmaking, interior and exterior carpentry, musical instrument making, decorative veneers, and turning.
Sawing requires sharp tools due to its hardness. Planing may cause flaking in the presence of intertwined grain. Gluing is not difficult, while nailing and screwing require pre-drilling.
The sapwood of mongoy wood tends to darken, turning a grayish tone with exposure to light.
Sapwood is impregnable, while heartwood is poorly impregnable, which can limit the effectiveness of certain protective treatments on the heartwood.
Due to its moderate tendency to warp with changes in humidity and its high natural durability, it is recommended to store it under controlled conditions and apply appropriate protective treatments according to its intended use.
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