Content Menu
● Botanical Origin and History
● Physical and Mechanical Characteristics
>> Appearance
>> Acoustic and Musical Quality
>> Moisture and Weather Performance
>> Service Life
>> Construction and Architecture
● Design and Specification Tips
>> Processing and Installation
● Market Trends and Price Considerations
>> Advantages
>> Limitations
● Cultural and Spiritual Significance
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. What are the primary uses of iroko wood?
>> 2. How does iroko compare to teak?
>> 3. Is iroko wood sustainable?
>> 4. What should be considered when processing iroko wood?
>> 5. How long does iroko wood last outdoors without treatment?
Iroko wood is a highly durable, visually appealing tropical hardwood that has become a staple material for builders, furniture makers, architects, and designers worldwide. Its reputation as “African teak” is rooted in its resilience, performance in harsh environments, and distinctive golden-brown hue. Iroko's versatility, coupled with a balanced market price, positions it as an attractive alternative to expensive exotic timbers.[2][10][11]
Iroko is sourced from Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia, which grow natively across West and Central Africa. The trees reach heights of 30–46 meters (100–150 ft) and trunk diameters of up to 1.8 meters (6 ft), with lifespans sometimes exceeding 500 years. In African cultures, the iroko tree is revered as a symbol of endurance, wisdom, and spiritual power, featuring prominently in folklore, rituals, and traditional architecture.[6][10][12][13][2]
- Color: The heartwood starts pale yellow to golden, darkening to rich brown or olive with age and exposure to light.[4][2]
- Grain: Moderately interlocked, often with ribbon stripes in quarter-sawn boards, producing a unique visual depth.[4][6]
- Texture: Coarse but even, sometimes mottled; sapwood is lighter and clearly demarcated from heartwood.[4]
- Natural Luster: Accepts oils and varnishes well for a glossy finish.[14][2]
| Property | Value | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Average dried weight | 660 kg/m³ (41.2 lbs/ft⊃3;) | wood-database |
| Janka hardness | 1,260 lbf (5,310 N) | wood-database |
| Specific gravity | 0.56–0.66 (at 12% MC) | wood-database |
| Modulus of rupture | 97.1 MPa (14,080 lbf/in⊃2;) | k-timbers |
| Elastic modulus | 10.9–13.6 GPa (1,360,000–1,580,000 lbf/in⊃2;) | k-timbers |
| Crushing strength | 53.5–53.8 MPa (7,750–7,832 lbf/in⊃2;) | k-timbers |
| Shrinkage (radial/tangential) | 3.3% / 4.8%–5.4% | wood-database |
| T/R ratio | 1.4–1.5 | cameroontimberexport |
| Fiber saturation point | 23% | cameroontimberexport |
Iroko's density and stability make it a moderate choice for musical instruments, yielding a measured musical quality factor of around 120–127 (at standard frequency). Its tonal properties are suitable for percussion instruments, guitar necks, and xylophones.[7]
- Machining: Interlocked grain and calcium carbonate deposits can dull tools, requiring frequent blade sharpening and high-quality equipment.[10][4]
- Surface finishing: Glues, nails, stains, and varnishes adequately; de-oiling with methylated spirits recommended before painting.[4]
- Steam bending: Acceptable, though not outstanding.[2]
- Planing/Turning: Tears and snipes may occur if not handled expertly.[10][4]
Classified as “very durable” to “durable” (EN standards), iroko resists decay, termites, and dry-wood borers. The heartwood's natural oils mitigate fungal attack, making it ideal for exterior use and ground-contact environments.[5][8][7]
Iroko offers moderate to high stability with low volumetric shrinkage (typically under 9%), making it suitable for fluctuating humidity and direct rainfall. Exposure to sunlight eventually transforms the surface color to a silver-grey patina if left unfinished.[8][7][2][4]
Untreated iroko cladding may last 60 years or more in occasionally wet environments and up to 30 years in frequent wet conditions. Minimal maintenance is needed for exterior joinery beyond periodic cleaning and oiling.[8]
Iroko is not endangered, though Milicia regia is considered vulnerable, and Milicia excelsa is near threatened because of unsustainable harvests in some regions. Responsible sourcing, certification (e.g., FSC), and clear documentation are imperative.[11][15][16]
Leading suppliers now focus on sustainable forestry and chain-of-custody transparency, helping consumers avoid illegally logged timber and support biodiversity efforts.[16][2]
- Cladding: Long, wide iroko boards accommodate seamless exterior siding for residences, commercial buildings, and yacht clubs.[6][8]
- Windows and Doors: Kiln-dried iroko is popular in window frames, external doors, and moldings.[4]
- Flooring: Dense, impact-resistant; ideal for hallways, lobbies, dining rooms, and outdoor patios.[2][6]
- Stairs and Railings: High compressive strength suits durable installations.[14][6]
- Tables and Desks: Wide slabs allow for monolithic appearance and river table designs.[14]
- Chairs and Cabinets: Consistent coloring and attractive grain suit both contemporary and traditional styles.[17][6]
- Boatbuilding: Used for decking, hull structures, and cover boards due to water resistance and available board length.[11][6]
- Pergolas, Gazebos, and Fences: Natural rot and insect resistance make iroko a preferred material, especially for humid climates.[8][14]
- Musical Instruments: xylophones, guitars, and percussion benefit from iroko's tonal stability and polish.[17]
- Kitchenware: Cutting boards and serving trays retain shape despite moisture.[14]
Iroko boards may vary in color from honey brown to caramel, sometimes even within the same shipment. Specifying color-matched material may incur extra cost. Designers should account for natural color evolution over time—a process accelerated by UV exposure.[6]
For best results:
- Use professional-grade carbide-tipped tools to counter mineral blunting.[4]
- Employ dust extraction and wear protective gear when machining—iroko dust may cause minor allergies.[13][10]
- For outside installs, apply high-quality wood oils or water-based preservatives to slow color change and maximize structural life.[11][14]
Iroko's price point is moderate. It's less expensive than teak but commands a premium over common softwoods and several other African hardwoods. Its availability supports large-scale projects—from flooring to massive exterior cladding—without sacrificing uniformity or performance.[11]
| Species | Average Price (USD/m³) | Durability | Processability | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iroko | $1,600–$2,250 | High | Good | Needs certification |
| Teak | $2,800–$4,500 | Highest | Excellent | Widespread, variable |
| Sapele | $1,250–$1,950 | High | Moderate | Sustainable options |
| Oak | $850–$1,200 | Moderate | Easy | Widespread |
- Highly durable, rot resistant, and naturally insect proof.[2][8]
- Attractive appearance with lively grain and rich coloration.[2][14]
- Less expensive than teak, widely available in large plank sizes.[6][11]
- Minimal maintenance required for outdoor use.[8]
- Suitable for high-impact locations and heavy load-bearing.[2]
- Used for both modern and traditional applications.
- Calcium carbonate inclusions may dull cutting tools rapidly.[10][4]
- Interlocked grain can cause tearout when planing or routing.[10][4]
- Dust may cause respiratory or skin irritation (use PPE).[13][10]
- Extraction and transport require sustainability assurances.[16][11]
- Slightly less water resistance than teak—extra finish may be needed for harsh exposure.[6][2]
The iroko tree occupies a revered status in West African folklore. The Yoruba and Igbo peoples, among others, view the tree as the abode of spirits—a source of luck, wisdom, or danger, depending on how it is treated. These traditions inform respectful use and contemporary conservation attitudes.[12][13]
Iroko wood is a premier hardwood solution that bridges tradition and innovation. Celebrated for its durability, visual appeal, and adaptability to both outdoor and indoor settings, iroko has achieved global prominence among designers, builders, and craftspeople. Its lower cost compared to teak, availability in substantial board sizes, and capacity to endure harsh environments make it ideal as a material of choice. However, consumers must increasingly prioritize responsible sourcing and sustainability certifications to ensure the long-term future of this unique resource. For anyone seeking longevity and aesthetics—whether in a yacht deck, modern office, or family home—iroko wood provides performance that stands the test of time.
Iroko wood is used in flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, decking, cladding, joinery, and musical instruments due to its outstanding durability and natural rot/insect resistance.[11][14][6][2]
Iroko is less expensive, slightly less water-resistant, and has unique mineral deposits, but offers comparable strength and appearance. Teak remains easier to work and has a longer lifespan—even in extreme conditions.[18][6][11][2]
Not endangered, but some populations are threatened. Only buy FSC-certified iroko and verify supplier credentials to protect forests and local ecosystems.[15][16][11]
Due to interlocked grain and calcium carbonate particles, use sharp carbide tools and dust control systems. Wear gloves and masks; finish surfaces with consistent oiling or sealing for best results.[10][14][4]
Untreated iroko may last 30–60 years depending on moisture exposure; periodic oiling and maintenance lengthen service life, with minimal risk of rot or insect damage.[8][14]
[1](https://www.ohc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IROKO-1.pdf)
[2](https://k-timbers.com/iroko-wood-properties-characteristics-uses/)
[3](https://tropix.cirad.fr/FichiersComplementaires/EN/Africa/IROKO%202023.pdf)
[4](https://www.anyonewood.com/iroko/)
[5](https://cameroontimberexport.com/iroko-wood-properties-characteristics-uses/)
[6](https://www.mcilvain.com/iroko/)
[7](https://www.ohc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Iroko-Technical-Data-.pdf)
[8](https://ecovaclad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Iroko-Datasheet.pdf)
[9](https://www.novawood.com/details-about-the-iroko-wood)
[10](https://www.wood-database.com/iroko/)
[11](https://duffieldtimber.com/the-workbench/buyers-guides/your-guide-to-iroko)
[12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroko)
[13](https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=57348)
[14](https://lignawooddesign.com/blog/iroko-wood-uses/)
[15](https://www.gowercroft.co.uk/news/sustainable-timber-choices-why-we-avoid-certain-woods/)
[16](https://bluestreamme.com/iroko-wood-from-forests-to-furniture-a-journey-of-sustainable-supply-and-value-creation/)
[17](https://mfinelumber.com/blogs/post/the-magical-benefits-of-iroko-wood-and-why-everyone-is-talking-about-it)
[18](https://k-timbers.com/iroko-wood-vs-teak-wood-compared/)
[19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07-mRBLfjQQ)
