Get To Know Iroko Wood

1. Iroko Wood: Basic Overview

Common Name(s): Iroko, African Teak

Scientific Name: Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia (formerly classified under the Chlorophora genus, later reinstated to Milicia in 1982)

Natural Distribution: Tropical Africa. Among the two species, Milicia excelsa is widely distributed across tropical Africa, while Milicia regia is restricted to narrow forest regions in West Africa.

Tree Size: Mature trees typically reach 100–130 ft (30–40 m) in height, with a trunk diameter of 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m).

Growth & Longevity: Iroko is a large hardwood tree that can live up to 500 years, making it a long-standing resource in African forest ecosystems.

2. Physical & Mechanical Properties

Iroko’s performance metrics make it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Key parameters are as follows:

Property	Specification
Average Dried Weight	41.2 lbs/ft⊃3; (660 kg/m³)
Specific Gravity (Basic/12% MC)	0.56 / 0.66
Janka Hardness	1,190 lbf (5,310 N)
Modulus of Rupture	14,080 lbf/in⊃2; (97.1 MPa)
Elastic Modulus	1,580,000 lbf/in⊃2; (10.90 GPa)
Crushing Strength	7,750 lbf/in⊃2; (53.5 MPa)
Shrinkage (Radial/Tangential/Volumetric)	3.3% / 4.8% / 8.8%
T/R Ratio	1.5

Low shrinkage and high hardness mean Iroko resists deformation and wear—critical for long-term use in harsh environments.

3. Color, Grain & Texture

• Color: Heartwood ranges from pale yellow to golden or medium brown, with a natural tendency to darken into a rich copper hue over time. Sapwood is pale yellow, clearly demarcated from the heartwood, making it easy to distinguish usable core material.

• Grain & Texture: Grain is often interlocked (sometimes irregular), with a medium to coarse texture and good natural luster. Unfinished surfaces have a subtle greasy/oily feel, a trait that contributes to its natural durability.

4. Key Performance Traits

Rot & Insect Resistance

Iroko is renowned for its exceptional durability: it resists both rot and insect infestations, even in outdoor or high-moisture environments. This makes it a popular low-cost alternative to genuine teak (Tectona grandis)—though it is not botanically related to true teak. Unlike many woods, it does not require regular oil/varnish treatment when used outdoors, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Workability

Generally easy to process, but its interlocked grain may cause tearout during surfacing. Additionally, some Iroko contains calcium carbonate deposits, which can dull cutting tools quickly—requiring sharp, high-quality equipment for smooth machining. It glues and finishes well, adapting to various surface treatments (e.g., paints, stains, sealants).

Odor & Safety

Iroko has no characteristic odor. However, it can act as a sensitizer: while severe reactions are rare, exposure to its dust may cause eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. Sensitive individuals may experience asthma-like symptoms, boils, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Always use dust collection systems and personal protective equipment (masks, gloves) when working with Iroko.

5. Sustainability Status

Iroko is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but it is included in the IUCN Red List:

• Milicia excelsa: Classified as “Near Threatened” (stable but at risk of decline).

• Milicia regia: Classified as “Vulnerable” (population reduced by over 20% in three generations due to habitat loss and overexploitation).

Sourcing Iroko from certified sustainable forests ensures compliance with global environmental standards and supports long-term resource preservation.

6. Traditional & Modern Uses

Iroko’s versatility makes it a staple in multiple industries:

• Outdoor Applications: Boatbuilding, outdoor flooring, garden furniture, gates, and coastal construction (e.g., vacation house piles, waterfront boardwalks).

• Indoor Uses: Veneer, cabinetry, domestic flooring, turned items, and specialty wood crafts.

• Cultural & Specialty Uses: It is a traditional material for African djembe drums and the Basque “txalaparta” (a wooden percussion instrument) due to its lively sound. It was also used for the pews in the Our Lady of Peace Basilica, a iconic religious structure.

7. Cultural Significance

In West African cultures, Iroko holds deep spiritual meaning:

• Among the Yoruba people (Nigeria), it is called “Ìrókò” and believed to house a spirit (Olúwéré). Traditionally, cutting an Iroko tree was thought to bring misfortune—though prayers could be offered to mitigate risks. Some believe the tree’s spirit remains in harvested wood, making its sound audible in buildings using Iroko.

• Other regional names: Igbo (“Ọ́jị̀”), Edo (“Uloko”), Urhobo (“Uno”), and Akan (“Odum”), reflecting its widespread recognition across African communities.

8. Iroko Lumber Supply & Contact

We offer high-quality Iroko lumber for bulk orders, trusted by engineers in 30+ countries since 2008:

• Thickness: 50+3mm

• Width: Random width (adaptable to custom needs)

• Length: 2.4m and above

Get a Quote Today:

• WeChat/Zalo: +86 17665320128

• WhatsApp: +86 17727554471

• Email: virat@shdwood.com

• Website: https://www.shdtimber.com