Tropical Hardwood

Niové

Niové is a highly durable tropical hardwood originating from West and Central Africa, with primary sourcing regions in Gabon, Cameroon and Congo. The heartwood displays a warm colour palette ranging from brown to orange‑red, highlighted by characteristic dark streaks that give the wood an elegant and luxurious appearance.

Thanks to its exceptional natural durability, dimensional stability and strong mechanical performance, Niové is considered a full‑fledged alternative to well‑known hardwoods such as Padauk or Bangkirai. It is appreciated for both exterior joinery and high‑end interior work.

Niové is recognised for its excellent weather resistance, outstanding stability during drying and long service life — even in environments with direct contact with soil or freshwater.

Delivery subject to stock availability.
Free pick up in our warehouse at Zottegem.
Shipping within Europe possible.

Qualities
Niové is the heartwood of Staudtia kamerunensis (family Myristicaceae). It is fine‑grained, generally straight‑grained and has a compact, dense structure. Freshly worked Niové releases a characteristic peppery scent, typical of this species.
Its heartwood is extremely durable (EN 350 — class 1) and suitable for heavy‑duty applications with high exposure.
Key Characteristics
- Colour: brown, yellow‑orange to reddish‑brown with darker streaks
- Grain: fine, mostly straight grain
- Aroma: light peppery smell when freshly machined
- Stability: very good, minimal deformation during drying
- Weather resistance: excellent (class 1 heartwood)
- Mechanical strength: high load‑bearing capacity, suitable for demanding structures
Applications
Niové is suitable for both interior and demanding exterior applications.
Exterior Applications
- Façade cladding & wall profiles
- Decking (visible or concealed fastening)
- Exterior structures, pergolas & gates
- Bridges, hydraulic works, structures in contact with ground or freshwater
- Industrial flooring & heavy‑duty exterior elements
- Boatbuilding & pontoons
Interior Applications
- Staircases & interior joinery
- Parquet flooring & panels
- Furniture and high‑precision cabinetry
- Veneer and decorative interiors
Niové is internationally regarded as “highly durable, suitable for heavy loads and long‑term exposure.”
Technical specifications
Durability Class
- Use class 4 (suitable for contact with ground or water)
- Natural durability: EN 350 — class 1 (heartwood)
Workability
- Good — despite high density
- Pre‑drilling recommended (hard, dense wood)
Colour
- Brown, yellow‑orange to reddish‑brown with dark veins
Density
- Approx. 880 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content
Mechanical Properties
- Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): 18,510 N/mm² (or ≈17,700 N/mm² depending on source)
- Radial shrinkage: 4.6%
- Tangential shrinkage: 6%
Dimensional Stability
- Good — slight deformation sensitivity, low risk when dried slowly
Biological Durability
- Durability class 1 — extremely resistant to fungi
- Naturally resistant to insect attack