Doussie (Afzelia)

Afzelia and doussie are the same wood wearing two different name tags — afzelia doubles as both the common and scientific genus name, while doussie shows up almost exclusively for the African species specifically, as exported from West and Central Africa.

Working Properties

Doussie's heartwood runs reddish brown against a well-defined pale yellowish-white sapwood. Interlocked grain means tearout during machining and real wear on your cutting edges. Finishing can go sideways too, particularly with water-based products — some pieces carry water-soluble yellow deposits in the pores that muddy an even stain.

Typical Uses

Furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, and exterior joinery, where its stability and durability are especially valued; figured boards and burls command a premium.