What is Mindi Wood?
Mindy Wood is a dark reddish brown hardwood, commonly known as White cedar wood, Geringging, Chinaberry, or Faux sycamore. Its scientific name is Melia azedarach. It is a medium-hard hardwood species used primarily for home furniture because it is resistant to decay and fungus.
Mindi wood comes from the fast-growing deciduous, native to Asia and Australia. Its trees are 30-50 ft (9-15 m) tall and trunk diameter is 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m).
| Scientific name | Melia azedarach |
| Average Dried Weight | 38 lbs/ft3 (610 kg/m3) |
| Janka Hardness | 990 lbf (4,400 N) |
| Crushing Strength | 8,100 lbf/in2 (55.9 MPa) |
| Shrinkage: Radial | 5.0%, Tangential: 8.5%, Volumetric: 13.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 |
| Rot resistant | Naturally resistant to insect and rot |
| Wood Type | Hardwood |
Common Uses of Mindi Wood
Mindi wood is commonly used for furniture, flooring, light construction, and paneling. It is moderately resistant to decay and insect attack, making it suitable for outdoor/indoor furniture, such as garden benches or patio sets.
Mindi wood is also popular for making decorative items, sculptures, or intricate designs on furniture. However, proper finishing and maintenance are crucial to ensure longevity when exposed to outdoor environments and moisture.
Mindi Wood Appearance
Mindi wood typically has a light pinkish orange to a deeper reddish brown with a pale yellowish hue. The color can vary somewhat, and it may darken over time with exposure to light.
The wood has a straight grain, which contributes to a relatively even and uniform appearance. The grain is not as pronounced as some other hardwoods, providing a smoother and more subtle texture.
Mindi Wood Hardness
Mindi wood is categorized as hardwood; it is moderately hard and dense, falling somewhere between softwoods and harder hardwoods. It has a Janka hardness value of 990 lbf (4,400 N) and an average dry weight of 38 lbs/ft3 (610 kg/m3).
Durability
Mindi wood is considered moderately durable; it is also naturally resistant to decay and fungus. Mindy wood is similar in density to red oak, making it a durable choice for flooring and indoor furniture.
If we compare it with other woods of similar density, then Mindi wood has a very low chance of shrinkage and distortion.
Working with Mindi Wood
Generally, Mindi wood is relatively easy to work with hand and power tools. It can be cut, shaped, and carved with moderate ease, making it suitable for carving and turning objects.
Mindy wood generally has a straight grain but can sometimes have an interlocked grain that can be difficult for beginners to work with hand tools. The best thing about working with Mindy Wood is that it accepts stains well and gives an excellent finish. Proper finishing can also help protect the wood from environmental factors and extend its lifespan.
Mindi wood, like any other material, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of mindi wood:
Mindi Wood Pros
- Affordability: Mindi wood is often more affordable compared to some other hardwoods, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects.
- Workability: It is relatively easy to work with, allowing for cutting, shaping, and carving. This makes it a popular choice for furniture and small woodworking projects.
- Appearance: Mindi wood has a pleasant appearance with a light to medium brown color, straight grain, and a moderate luster contributing to an attractive and uniform appearance.
- Durability: Mindi wood is moderately durable and stable hardwood, making it suitable for applications where longevity is important.
- Finishing: Mindi wood accepts finishes well, providing versatility in terms of staining and coating options. Proper finishing enhances its appearance and protects the wood.
Mindi Wood Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor:. Mindi wood is moderately durable, but it is not durable enough to withstand the external environment for a long time. Therefore it is not recommended for outdoor furniture.
Is Mindi Wood Expensive?
Mindy wood is generally considered to be more affordable than some of the other hardwood used in furniture making. But the price of higher-quality mindi wood can also be higher or moderate.
Is Mindi Wood Good Quality?
Yes, we can say that Mindy’s wood is of good quality. However, the quality of the wood may vary depending on the grading. Higher-grade mindi wood is likely to have fewer imperfections, a more uniform appearance, and better overall characteristics. Lower-grade mindi wood may have more variation in color, texture, and grain.
