Iroko Wood: Uses and Characteristics

Iroko wood is a popular choice in carpentry and construction due to its durability, weather resistance and visual appeal.

Known as “African teak” because of its resemblance to teak in terms of appearance and characteristics, this wood is harvested from the tree Milicia excelsatree, native to tropical Africa.

Below, we explain the main properties and the most common uses of iroko wood.

What is Iroko Wood?

Iroko is a tree native to West and Central Africa, and its wood is prized for its natural strength and durability in outdoor conditions.

Iroko wood varies in color from golden yellow when freshly cut to a darker brown with time and exposure to light.

It is often compared to Burma teak because of its similar characteristics, but at a more affordable price.

Properties of Iroko Wood

Durability and Resistance

Iroko wood is extremely strong, with a density ranging from 650 to 750 kg/m³. Its heartwood is naturally resistant to decay, fungi and insects, making it ideal for exterior applications without the need for intensive chemical treatments.

Weather Resistance

Iroko is known for its excellent outdoor performance. It is resistant to climatic changes and can withstand humidity and direct contact with water, making it an excellent choice for outdoor structures, garden furniture and marine constructions.

Aesthetic Appearance

Its golden-brown color and generally interlocked or straight grain offer an attractive appearance. Over time, iroko wood tends to darken, adding character to the projects in which it is used. This aged appearance is highly prized in furnishings and finishes.

Dimensional Stability

One of the most valued properties of iroko is its dimensional stability, which means that it does not tend to expand or contract significantly with changes in temperature or humidity. This characteristic makes it ideal for use in flooring and cladding.

Uses of Iroko Wood

Cutting boards and service boards made of iroko wood

Iroko wood is gaining fame as one of the best choices for cutting boards. This is due to its unmatched moisture resistance and relative dimensional stability. Its affordable price, high availability and warm colors make it ideal for the construction of cutting boards and presentation boards.

Shipbuilding and Outdoor Furniture:

Because of its natural water resistance, iroko wood is often used in boat building and outdoor furniture. Its ability to withstand weathering without additional treatment makes it ideal for marine and high moisture exposure environments.

Flooring and Coatings:

Iroko is an excellent choice for highly durable flooring, both indoors and outdoors. Its wear resistance makes it suitable for high traffic areas and its stability against climatic changes makes it a popular choice for flooring and cladding in humid climates.

Carpentry and joinery:

Thanks to its durability and attractive grain, iroko is used in the manufacture of doors, windows, and other joinery products that require strength and an attractive finish. In addition, its ease of workability and polishability make it well suited for high quality furniture.

Tables

Due to the large dimensions of the Milicia Excelsa tree, it is common to use whole iroko planks to make one-piece tables or to make epoxy river tables.

Advantages and Considerations about Iroko Wood

Advantages of iroko wood:

• High weather resistance: Iroko is naturally resistant to moisture and insects, making it an ideal choice for outdoors without the need for intensive treatments. Therefore, we recommend its use in fixed outdoor cutting boards.
• Long-term durability: Thanks to its natural hardness and strength, iroko products can last for decades with proper maintenance.
• Attractive aesthetics: Its golden and aged brown color provides a warm and distinguished aesthetic.

Considerations:

• Color oxidation: Over time, iroko wood tends to darken, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the desired effect of the project.
• Medium-high price: Although more affordable than teak, iroko is still a relatively expensive wood compared to other more common woods.

Conclusion

Iroko wood is an excellent choice for projects that require strength and durability, especially outdoors. Its stability against moisture, along with its attractive appearance and long service life, make it ideal for shipbuilding, outdoor furniture and high-end flooring. Although its price is higher than other woods, its performance and long-term strength compensate for the investment.

Our products with Iroko wood