Koto African Hardwood Lumber

Koto (Pterygota spp.) is an African hardwood with a pale cream to golden-yellow colour, fine texture, and an often-interlocked grain that produces an attractive mottle or ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces. It has a moderate hardness and is used as a substitute for maple and other pale-toned hardwoods in cabinetry, furniture, and interior millwork, particularly in European markets.

Koto is lighter in colour and softer than hard maple. Its fine, consistent texture makes it an effective paint-grade or light-stain hardwood for cabinetry. In European cabinetry, koto is used similarly to maple for painted and lightly stained door panels. It machines cleanly and accepts finish consistently, making it a practical alternative where maple is not available or is cost-prohibitive.

Koto stains with reasonable consistency due to its fine, uniform texture. A pre-stain conditioner is recommended for most stain applications. The pale base colour makes it suitable for lighter stains and clear finishes where a clean, bright appearance is desired. Darker stains may produce some variation.

Koto grows in reasonably large trees and is available in wider boards than many tropical specialty hardwoods. However, as a specialty import species, availability of specific widths and lengths at Windsor Plywood locations varies. Contact your local branch to confirm current koto stock.

Windsor Plywood carries koto as a specialty hardwood subject to current availability. Confirm current stock and available dimensions with your local Windsor Plywood location before specifying koto for a project.