BETE

bété TIMBER USES

The exotic species bété is a very durable timber, interesting from an ecological point of view because it does not require any preservation treatment, provided that it is reserved for appropriate uses.

For example, it is used for the manufacture of plywood and sliced veneers, but is particularly suitable for shipbuilding due to its durability.

The tropical timber bété is mainly used for the following purposes:

Structures and panels

• Lightweight structures
• Glued laminated timber
• Plywood, inside face and outside face
• Sliced veneer

Exterior joinery (building facade)

• Windows and doors
• Screen walls and solar shading
• Shutters and closures

Carpentry and interior fittings

• Wooden floors
• Doors and door frames
• Moulding
• Interior panelling and cladding
• Furniture and cabinetmaking

Outdoor equipment - Recreation

• Single-level terraces and pool areas
• Elevated terraces, balconies and corridors

Industrial usage and heavy work

• Structures and bridges in contact with soil or freshwater
• Acoustic barriers in urban areas along railroads and highways

Shipbuilding

• Boat decks and planking
• Pleasure-boating pontoons

Miscellaneous uses

• Turnery, cutlery and brushmaking

Where to buy Bete timber?

DISTRIBUTION AREA OF bété

The distribution area of the exotic species bété extends from the Atlantic coast of West Africa (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria), to Central Africa (Cameroon, South of the Central African Republic, North of Congo, North of the DRC).

ECOLOGY and Biology of bété

The tropical species bété is a species of semi-deciduous and dense evergreen forests. The young seedlings appreciate a light shade to develop.

DESCRIPTION OF bété TIMBER

• Color: brown
• Sapwood: clearly demarcated
• Texture: fine
• Grain: straight
• Interlocked grain: absent

bété: PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

See the Tropix sheet of bété (CIRAD).

bété: NATURAL DURABILITY AND TREATABILITY

• Fungi: class 1 - very durable
• Dry wood borers: durable - sapwood  demarcated (risk limited to sapwood)
• Termites : class D - durable
• Treatability: class 4 - not permeable
• Use class ensured by natural durability: class 3 - not in ground contact, outside
• Species covering the use class 5: No

See the Tropix sheet of bété (CIRAD).

PROCESSING OF bété TIMBER

See the Tropix sheet of bété (CIRAD).

Sources :

• CIRAD
• ATIBT