Okan is a tropical hardwood that sits in class 1, the highest class in EN 350. The wood is supplied fine-sawn and is very strong. It resists rot and insects on its own, with no extra treat. That makes Okan right for lasting ground contact (use class EN 335 GK4). It is a logical pick for posts, beams and frames that stand in the ground. The wood is herkomst marked and comes in lengths up to 5 metres. At Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel we sell Okan posts, beams and planks. The yard started in 2000 (KvK 04062841) and scores 4,8 stars from more than 141 reviews. We serve home users, trade and builders from the same range. In this article you read what Okan is, what traits it has, what you use it for and how you care for it.
What it is
Okan is a tropical hardwood species that sits in EN 350 class 1 on its own. That means the wood holds against fungi, insects and wet for a very long time, with no extra treat. The structure is fine-sawn and dense, which gives high strength. EN 350 class 1 means very durable, more than 25 years. Use class EN 335 GK4 means direct and lasting ground contact. Okan is often named with other tropical hardwoods such as Azobe, Cumaru and Tali. The difference lies mainly in the use. Azobe is typically used in water. Okan is mainly used for frames in the ground: fence posts, pergolas, boundary fences and load beams. See also our compare Okan vs Tali for decking.
Traits and class
Okan combines traits that are rarely found together in one wood species.
- Class 1 (EN 350) — very durable, more than 25 years, with no extra treat.
- Lasting ground contact (EN 335 GK4) — may be placed directly in the ground.
- Fine-sawn and dense — smooth surface, workable with sharp tools.
- Very strong — high bending and crush strength, right for load frames.
- Rot and insect resistant — no extra treat needed.
- herkomst marked — sourced from well managed forest.
Outdoor wood with no oil weathers under sun and wet. That is only the look, not the structure.
Uses: posts, beams and planks
Okan is supplied in three main formats.
- Posts — from 50 by 50 mm, for fencing, pergolas, boundary fences and frames directly in the ground.
- Beams — 50 by 100 to 50 by 200 mm, for load frames such as canopies and terrace frames.
- Planks — for cladding and fencing, where a smooth, fine-sawn surface is wanted.
Lengths run up to 5 metres. Because Okan can handle lasting ground contact, you do not need concrete pads or post feet. The post goes directly into the ground. That saves material and weak connections. For projects where the wood does not stand in the ground, Douglas is often a cheaper pick. See hardwood vs Douglas.
Plus and minus
Plus
- Very long natural life (class 1, more than 25 years) with no extra treat.
- Right for lasting ground contact — no concrete pads needed.
- Very strong and fine-sawn.
- Resists rot and insects on its own.
- herkomst marked.
Minus
- Denser and heavier than softwood, so you need sharp tools.
- Price is higher than treated pine or Douglas.
- With no oil, the wood weathers on its own.
Care
Okan needs little care for the frame — that is exactly what the wood is for. Outdoor wood with no oil weathers under sun and wet into an even grey tone, without harming the frame. If you want to keep the first colour, oil it now and then. Otherwise the same rule applies to all outdoor wood. Clean each year with water and a soft brush to keep the surface clean and lift algae and moss. For posts in the ground, check the fixings and the wood-to-ground line each year for cracks or loose screws.
Okan is the logical pick when you need a strong, durable wood species for frames that stand directly in the ground. View our hardwood range for Okan posts, beams and planks — in stock from Meppel.
Common questions
Is Okan suitable for permanent ground contact?
Yes. Okan sits in EN 350 class 1 and is approved for use class EN 335 GK4 — direct and lasting ground contact. The post can go directly into the ground without a concrete pad or extra treat.
What is the difference between Okan and azobe?
Both are tropical hardwoods in class 1, but the use differs. Okan is mainly used for frames in the ground (posts, beams, planks). Azobe is heavier and is typically used in water — sheet piling, piling walls and quay walls.
How long does Okan last?
Okan belongs to class 1, which stands for very durable (more than 25 years) according to EN 350. Properly set Okan lasts for decades in lasting ground contact with no extra treat.
Does Okan need to be treated?
No. Okan resists rot and insects on its own and needs no extra treat. With no oil, the wood weathers on its own — only the look, not the structure. Oil now and then is an option to keep colour.