Ayous · Thermally Modified

Ayous

Driftwood

Product Samples

Samples for trade professionals (builders, contractors, architects, designers, etc) are always complimentary. For direct-to-consumer requests, a small cost may be required for each sample.

Samples for trade professionals (builders, contractors, architects, designers, etc) are always complimentary. Click here for more information.

$15 / sample

Available on

Select a category to learn more

For members of the Builder, Architect, and Design industries — Please use the form below to request complimentary samples of Hewn’s products. One of our representatives will follow-up shortly to place a complimentary sample order. You may also optionally note in your message which species, color, and textures you are looking to receive.

Exterior Siding & Interior Paneling

Hewn’s ThermoWood® Thermally Modified Ayous offers enhanced durability, stability, and resistance to rot, making it an ideal choice for exterior and interior wood applications. Its eco-friendly nature and superior performance, even in challenging environments, ensure long-lasting beauty and functionality. 

When combined with Hewn’s industry-leading finishing expertise and ability to customize finishes, the natural properties of ThermoWood® Thermally Modified Ayous are optimized to achieve superior aesthetic appeal and maximum protection against the elements. This combination makes Hewn a premier choice for Ayous paneling, delivering high-quality, visually stunning, and resilient wood solutions that stand the test of time.

Ayous - Brushed - Stone Grey - Sample
Ayous · Stone Grey

Lightweight and Reliable

Ayous, also known as obeche, is a tropical hardwood native to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. Historically, it has been extensively used for paneling due to its lightweight and smooth texture, becoming a preferred material in mid-20th century European and African architectural projects.

Specifications

Widths (Nominal)

1×6, 1×8, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12

Thickness

13/16″

Grade

Dominant CVG

Average Dried Weight

23.8 lbs/ft3 (380 kg/m3)

Processing

Thermally Modified
Chemical-Free Process

Janka Hardness

440 lbf (1,960 N)

Colors

Available in collection and custom color options

Textures

Brushed
Smooth Light Brushed *
Vertical Brushed †
Resawn *
Circle Sawn *

* Custom Option
† Available on Peppercorn, Desert Sand, and Mushroom

Lengths

Please note that Ayous lumber is cut to metric specifications rather than imperial measurements. As a result, the actual lengths will differ from nominal imperial dimensions. To ensure accurate planning and installation, please refer to the information below for specific length adjustments and tolerances.

Net length on 6′-19′: -1/4” to -1″ nominal length
Net length on 20′: -2” nominal length
Recommended waste factor for Ayous is 12%

Ayous - Brushed - Driftwood - Sample
Ayous · Driftwood

A Refined Look

Hewn’s Thermally Modified Ayous is distinguished by its largely uniform straight grain and general absence of knots, offering a smooth and consistent appearance ideal for high-end architectural projects. This grade enhances the wood’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring a refined finish that is both elegant and clean. The thermal modification process further improves the wood’s durability and stability, making it an excellent choice for exterior cladding and siding applications.

While this material contains a significant amount of Vertical Grain, our Ayous will contain some Mixed Grain as well.

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Ayous Box Beams

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Ayous

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Ayous Decking

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Ayous · Accessories

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Ayous · Shipwreck

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Ayous · Accessories

Documentation

Driftwood - Ayous by Hewn

Additional Ayous · Thermally Modified Colors