Walnut-like grain, uncommon origin — Mansonia finds purpose here.
West African Mansonia
The Story
I first came across West African Mansonia while researching hardwoods for a set of outdoor benches to pair with a long table on our back porch. Its strength, durability, and walnut-like grain made it the best choice. I purchased enough stock to build six benches, but we decided on four instead. The extra boards went into my inventory, where they’ve since found their way into other pieces crafted in the Salt Shaker shop.
About the Tree
Mansonia (Mansonia altissima) is a hardwood native to West and Central Africa, where it grows tall with straight trunks and broad, leafy crowns. Mature trees can reach 100 feet in height, offering a strong presence in the landscape and reliable timber in the forest. Known locally as “Bete,” Mansonia has long been valued for its durable wood and its ability to work well outdoors. Though it shares a similar grain to walnut, its character is its own — a steady, fine-grained hardwood that balances strength with beauty.
The tree shown here is simply an example of the species — not the exact tree that supplied the boards used in my shop.
About the Wood
West African Mansonia is often compared to walnut for its appearance, but it has a voice of its own. The heartwood ranges from light to medium brown with subtle purplish undertones, while the grain runs fine and steady. Dense and durable, it works cleanly at the bench and takes a smooth finish that brings out its quiet beauty. Though not a common wood in Texas shops, Mansonia has proven itself strong enough for outdoor use and refined enough for turned pieces like bowls. Each board carries a balance of strength and elegance — a steady canvas ready for new purpose.
Why It Matters
West African Mansonia isn’t a reclaimed curbside rescue or a storm-felled Texas tree — it’s a carefully chosen hardwood I brought in for its strength and beauty. Though not local, it earned its place in my shop by proving itself: sturdy enough for outdoor benches, refined enough for turned bowls, and steady in its walnut-like grain. What remains in my inventory is limited, and it’s unlikely I’ll bring in more once it’s gone. That makes every Mansonia piece not just functional art, but part of a small chapter — a reminder that purpose and story can be carried forward even in woods that arrive here from afar.
Made From West African Masonia
Mansonia whiskey bottle topper — available now.
Handturned Mansonia bowl — available now.
Only two Mansonia pieces are available right now — the bowl and the whiskey topper shown above. Once they’re gone, the remaining stock will be limited. If you’d like something custom from what’s left, you can also request a custom order.