Gabon is covered with 88% of forest on 22 million hectares. It represents about 18% of the whole Congo Basin Forest, the planet’s second largest green lung. The country hosts an incredible flora and fauna and has valuable assets among its 13 national parks. Wild nature lovers will be captivated by the biodiversity that the country has to offer.

Its rainforest is recognised to be one of the most diversified forests in Africa, characterised by an exceptional variety of endemic and noble wood species.

Akiba’s collection is created from Gabon’s unique ecosystem that offers noble wood species, many of which are durable, versatile, and resistant to termites and other insects.

They range in colour from reddish-brown to golden yellow, pinkish orange and dark brown, and in texture allowing to feed our entire collection of contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture, Live Edge tables, sculptures or accessories that transform any space into a beautiful lifestyle reflection of elegance, integrity, and sustainability.

The main species of wood found in Gabonese forests and used in Akiba furniture are listed below.

Acajou

Wood from Central and West Africa in brownish red in color. It is certainly light and tender but is highly resistant to water, hence its used in shipbuilding.

Dabema

Wood turns from light to dark brown after exposure to sun. Present only in Gabon and Cameroon, Dabema gives off a particular odor and is resistant to termites and dry wood insects.

Ebiara

A pinkish-brown wood native from Africa, Ebiara is a moderately heavy wood resistant to fungi and dry wood insects. It can adapt exterior and interior carpentry.

Izombe

Wood with a pink, yellow or orange core, present in Cameroon, Gabon and Congo. It is very durable and resists lyctus attacks. It is suitable for interior carpentry such as doors, windows, furniture, parquet and flooring.

Movingui

Exotic wood with a very lemon yellow natural color, originating only from Gabon and Cameroon. It is resistant to dry wood termites and is very appreciated for the manufacture of luxury interior and exterior furniture.

Padouk

Very well known as Redwood, Padouk offers a very unique red color and is a reliable solid wood thanks to its durability and water resistance. It is ideal for making outdoor furniture.

Wenge

Exotic dark brown wood, sometimes with lighter stripes or even alternating dark and light stripes. It is a tropical wood heavy, hard, resistant to termites, dry wood insects and fungi, not easily permeable. It is therefore not necessary to treat it.

Beli

Wood originating from Gabon, there are two types of Beli: Brown Beli and Red Beli. With its very elegant texture, it's very seducing. It is medium-hard and famous for its resistance to insects.

Dibetou

Native from Africa, it’s yellow brown or grey brown with black streaks or veins taking a golden glint. It is mainly used in interior joinery and cabinetmaking.

Gheombi

Pink brown wood with copper highlights, darkening in light and resistant to fungi, termites and dry wood insects. It does not require preservative treatment.

Kevazingo

Offering an imperial texture this wood cannot be confused with any other. It ranges in colour from a pinkish red through ruddy brown with streaks of black or purple. Wood found in Gabon and Cameroon, it is extremely rare, 100% solid and resistant to all weather conditions.

Niove

Orange-brown tropical wood native to Central and West Africa. This wood is very solid, durable and ideal for the manufacture of parquet floors and frames.

Sapelli

Species of exotic wood native to West and Central Africa, the most abundant of the large commercial Meliaceae. Reddish-brown in color, Sapelli is a tropical wood of choice in cabinetmaking and fine carpentry.

Zingana

Wood of a light-yellow brown color, with fine and numerous dark brown veins. The sapwood is whitish and distinct. It is a very decorative wood, highly appreciated for cabinet making.

Bilinga

Native only to West and Central Africa, Bilinga is a wood golden yellow in color and known for its natural strength and great resistance to water. It is therefore very popular for external joinery.

Doussié

Exotic red-brown, heavy and hard wood. It is a very durable and stable tropical species, both resistant to termites, fungi and dry wood insects. It therefore does not require any preservative treatment.

Iroko

Widespread in intertropical Africa, Iroko is a yellow to golden or medium brown wood very durable and does not require any preservative treatment: it therefore offers economic and ecological advantages which make it an ideal material for exterior landscaping.

Kossipo

Exotic wood from Central and West Africa, it has a very appreciated red-brown color with purplish highlights. It is widely used in cabinetmaking due to its stability and aesthetic qualities. It is termite resistant.

Ovangkol

Yellow-brown to dark brown wood with gray to blackish veins and copper highlights. Very strong, highly resistant to fungi, termites and wood insects and can be in contact with fresh water and soil.

Tali

Ecological tropical wood, very durable and wear resistant. It is recommended for exterior joinery and is ideal for carpentry. It is yellow-brown, sometimes red-brown in color and has strong resistance to termites and fungi.