Views: 222 Author: SENHEDA WOOD Publish Time: 2026-06-14 Origin: Site
In the international timber market, some names are famous, while others are consistently underestimated. Iroko belongs to the latter.
You won’t often see it on “trending wood” lists. But if you ask European port engineers, coastal architects, or experienced outdoor furniture makers – most of them will nod and say: “Iroko, good wood.”
Why? Because it brings together several qualities that are rarely found in one species.
Iroko heartwood is naturally durable, rated Class 2 (highly durable) under European standard EN 350. What does that mean?
It means Iroko can be buried in soil, immersed in water, or exposed to wind and rain – without any chemical preservative treatment. For outdoor projects, this not only saves a step but also avoids environmental pollution from artificial chemicals.
Iroko also has excellent resistance to termites and fungi. In tropical and subtropical regions, this is especially valuable.High Density, High Strength – It Can Take a Beating
Iroko has an air dry density of 0.65–0.85 g/cm³, placing it in the medium high density range. Its Janka hardness is approximately 1,200–1,650 lbf – meaning it resists impact, scratches, and heavy loads.
At ports, Iroko is used for fender piles and quay decking, year after year enduring tidal changes, sunlight, and truck traffic. On boat decks, it withstands seawater and salt spray while keeping its structural integrity.
It’s not just “looks solid” – it really is solid.
Outdoor timber fears two things: splitting and warping.
Iroko’s shrinkage rates are moderate among common hardwoods. With proper kiln drying and conditioning, its dimensional changes in service are very manageable. Whether used for long decking boards or wide door panels, it stays flat.
That’s why many high end window and door manufacturers list Iroko as a standard choice – it handles seasonal temperature and humidity swings well.
Freshly cut Iroko ranges from yellow brown to dark brown with a natural golden lustre. Over time, the surface weathers to a silver grey – similar to teak, but with richer grain texture. The alternating light and dark stripes give the wood a surface like an abstract painting.
You can apply clear tung oil to preserve the original colour, or leave it untreated to weather naturally. Both approaches have their own appeal.
For designers who appreciate materials that age and evolve over time, Iroko offers that temporal beauty.
Outdoor furniture – park benches, coastal seating, street planters
Docks and quays – decking, handrails, fender components
Boat decks – small yachts, workboats
Doors and windows, façades – villa windows, sunrooms, louvres
Industrial flooring – factories, museums, high traffic areas
Public landscapes – boardwalks, pergolas, noise barriers
Iroko is mainly sourced from West and Central Africa – Gabon, Cameroon, Republic of Congo. All Iroko supplied by us comes from legally managed forests. We can provide FSC certification and complete origin traceability documents.
For companies and design firms that care about ESG, choosing a material with a clear, traceable supply chain is a responsible decision in itself.
We own our factories and long term concession rights in Congo and Gabon, supplying Iroko logs and FAS grade kiln dried lumber directly from the source.
Grade – Sorted to FAS/Prime standard: sound diameter, no large knots, no heart rot
Thickness – 50mm (custom sizes 25mm, 38mm also available)
Length – from 2.4m up to 5m+
Kiln drying – slow dried for uniform moisture content, then conditioned to avoid stress cracking
Certifications – FSC, origin certificate; third party pre shipment inspection (SGS, BV) supported
Lead time – 15–20 days for standard specifications after contract confirmation
Shipping capacity – 200+ containers/month; dual origin supply (Congo & Gabon) ensures no stock out
We can send you a sample first. You can feel it, test it, see it for yourself.
No pushy sales. No fancy slogans. Just a piece of wood – so you can experience its weight, hardness and texture first hand.
HONG KONG SENHEDA WOOD LIMITED
WhatsApp / WeChat / Call:
+86 13534205619 (Anna Liu)
+86 13530895049 (Vivian)
Visit us: www.shdtimber.com
