‘Coco Wood’ Emerging as Substitute for Costly Timber

A report in The Hindu in Kerala cited coconut palm wood as fast becoming a durable substitute for costly timber varieties usually chosen for furniture.  Furniture pieces made of coconut wood were exhibited at the theme stall for value-addition of coconut at the Kerala Agricultural University pavillion of VAIGA 2017.  The reason for which coco wood, as it is called, is considered a viable option is increasing scarcity of traditional wood varieties and the resultant prohibitive cost.  Coco wood is also very much underutilized but good enough to substitute commonly used wood varieties due to its strength, durability and appearance, according to E.V. Anoop, Professor at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University.  

The furniture pieces displayed at the stall are a testimony to this, the report said.  The armchair, cot and sofa as well as the wall and floor panels made of coco wood have received many enquiries.  The wood of coconut palms older than 35 years, felled for any purpose or replaced on account of pest infections, need not go unused.  They can find a place at homes in the form of a cozy item of furniture or adorn the wall as panelling.