Leban is the leading international name for the wood species Vitex cofassus. The generic name “Vitex” has become the common trade name in Germany. Vitex(Vitex cofassus) belongs to the Verbenaceae family, a family to which the true teak(Tectona grandis) also belongs. Leban or Vitex is mainly found in the Solomon Islands.
Heartwood basically beige to light brown, occasionally olive or grayish brown. Sapwood pale yellow with indistinct transition to heartwood. Pores medium to fine, strongly hyaline and scattered; in latewood strongly decreasing in density and size and only medium sized. Pores contain yellowish ingredients. Fibers mostly intertwined, occasional alternate growth. Mild, calm wood appearance. Simple, moderately decorative.
Density at u=12% is approx. 0.80 t/m³. The shrinkage from the fresh state to u=12% is specified as 4.1% tangential and 1.8% radial. Drying should be carried out slowly; long air drying should precede technical drying. Smells pleasantly of nuts when fresh and after processing. Vitex is dimensionally stable and has remarkably good staying power. The processing is comparable to oak. Smooth surfaces with an attractive sheen can be created.
The Brinell hardness is approx. 35 N/mm2, slightly higher than that of oak. The modulus of elasticity is specified as at least 13,600 N/mm2. Vitex is classified in durability class 1-2, which we consider to be very suitable for outdoor use (our own long-term tests confirm full serviceability under weathering after 18 years).
When wetted with water, freshly planed wood exudes yellowish substances (to be observed when used in exterior construction). If this is not tolerated, Vitex must be brushed off with water and oiled. After washing out the ingredients, the wood is slightly lightened and free of secretions.
Versatile outdoor use for terraces and balconies, where a light-colored, knot-free, durable and dimensionally stable wood is important, as well as for frames, facades, handrails and privacy screens.
Replaces: Teak and other trop. Hardwoods, etc.
| References: |
Adlerhof Innovation Center Degussa Trostberg / Bavaria Private house, Frankfurt Lebenshilfe e.V., Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen Catwalk, Bad Vilbel-Dortelweil Golf Club Terrace deck, Bad Soden Lebenshilfe Frankfurt Bergen-Enkheim |
| Sources: |
EDDOWES 1985: Commercial Timbers of Papua New Guinea SCHWAB, E. 1993: Orientierende Prüfung einiger Holzarten aus PNG, BFH-Hamburg, unpublished (the scient. This type of wood is neglected due to its low trade volume) |
Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability
References
Wood species: Vitex hardwood floorboards
Terrace deck and handrails
Vitex, FSC, 30x120mm
Wood type: Vitex-Leban, inverted formwork
The walkway in Vitex wood was built in 1995.
The wood has not been cleaned since installation.
The photos show the result of cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner.
Existing deposits (dirt, algae and lichen) were effectively removed.
Rhine-Main area
Vitex/ Leban, terrace deck, 40x120mm trapezoid corrugated.
Wood species: Vitex / Leban
Exterior cladding with 20 x 145 mm inverted cladding
Client: Nassauische Heimstätte, Frankfurt am Main
