"Xoan" (Chinaberry) wood

Characteristics of Xoan Wood

- "Xoan ta" (often referred to as "xoan vườn", "xoan trắng", "thầu đâu", or "sầu đông") is a tree species native to Asia but widely distributed across many countries.
- In Vietnam, the tree grows wild or is cultivated in almost every region—from North to South, and from the plains to mountainous areas.
- It is a medium-sized tree reaching heights of 7–20 meters; mature trees can grow 20–25 meters tall with a diameter of 30–50 cm or more. They feature straight trunks and relatively sparse canopies. The outer bark is grayish-brown and ranges from fairly smooth to rough/scaly in texture.

Applications of Xoan Wood

- The Xoan tree yields high-quality timber. While it was formerly used only for basic household items, it has now become a popular raw material.
- It is commonly used in construction, the manufacture of wooden furniture and cabinetry, handicrafts, and for flooring, wall paneling, and wooden ceilings.

Key Advantages of Xoan Wood

- Key characteristics include heat resistance and natural termite resistance (due to the bitter taste of its sap); it is also resistant to warping and cracking.
- The wood is relatively soft, making it easy to process and craft into furniture.
- It boasts attractive color and grain patterns; the grain is smooth and consistent, resulting in visually appealing finished products.
- Naturally ranging from yellowish-white to a soft pinkish hue, it is a preferred choice for home construction.
- It offers high durability and dimensional stability; when used in house construction, structures made from this wood can last for centuries.