Lati

Lati is a tropical hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown to dark brown heartwood with subtle purplish hues and straight to interlocked grain, giving it a warm and luxurious appearance. Native to West and Central Africa, Lati is valued for its durability, stability, and fine texture, making it ideal for artisan woodworking and decorative projects.

Its smooth, uniform grain allows Lati to machine, turn, and sand cleanly, producing a polished surface that highlights its vibrant color and natural figure. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, small furniture accents, and specialty crafts, Lati combines elegance with functional performance.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Pterocarpus latiusculus

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: West and Central Africa

Common & Trade Names

Lati, African Lati, Red Lati, Pterocarpus Latiusculus

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: reddish-brown to dark brown with subtle purplish tones

Sapwood: pale, clearly defined

Straight to interlocked grain

Fine to medium texture

Dense, stable, and durable

Smooth natural luster

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns well with sharp tools

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for small precision and decorative projects

Health & Safety Note

Lati wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding.

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