The principal material used originated as Rhodesian Teak, specific name Baikiaea Plurijuga, which grows on the arid margins of the Kalahari desert in South Western Africa (this is the largest continuous expanse of sand in the world). The timber is one of the most dense and durable hardwoods on the planet, and this strength was recognised by the early settlers for use in construction and as railway sleepers because of its total resistance to infiltration by termites or any other living organism. It’s most attractive feature, however, is the lustrous rich red brown colour and close, tight grain that gives an opulence and finish emphasized by the painstaking attention with which it is handmade. Many visitors to our factory are incredulous that such a rough, harsh slab of timber can be turned into such an outstanding piece.
We seek out old sources of this exceptional timber and reclaim them wherever possible. Here is an example of one of our sources of these stunning beams:
In a 1911 edition of the Livingstone Mail it was announced that Messrs Troumbas and Jacobs had developed a Saw Mill near Livingstone to supply South African Railways, Beira and Mashonaland Railways and Rhodesia Railways with railway ties. The company was re-named Zambezi Saw Mills in 1915 after receiving an order for 20 000 sleepers from South African Railways. Logs were transported by barge down the Zambezi River, but this proved to be impractical due to the loss of boats in the rapids. As the timber was heavier than water, it would sink to the bottom of the river. Zambezi Sawmills decided to build a narrow gauge railway made of Rhodesian Teak rails and ties, extending the track as the cutting program progressed further from the mill. In 1924 the saw mill was moved to Mulobezi, and a standard gauge steel railway with Rhodesian Teak ties was built. The new saw mill buildings were erected with solid Rhodesian Teak columns, beams and roof trusses.
In 2007 the Heritage Society of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) decided to sell the old saw mill as it was being vandalised. Savanna Wood managed to purchase this incredibly valuable timber from the Zambian contractor given this task, and transported it to the Savanna Wood factory beside the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia). At Reclaimed Hardwoods Africa we also search out old ties throughout Southern and Central Africa, other old buildings being demolished and any other source of reclaimed African Hardwood.