Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2025-10-23 Origin: Site
Content Menu
>> Durability and Weather Resistance
>> Stability and Dimensional Consistency
>> Affordable Teak Alternative
● Best Places to Buy Iroko Wood
>> Architectural and Structural Uses
>> Easy to Work With – But Tool Dulling Is Possible
● Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
● How to Identify High-Quality Iroko
>> 1. What makes Iroko wood so durable?
>> 2. Can I use Iroko for marine applications?
>> 3. How do I maintain the color of Iroko wood outdoors?
>> 4. Is Iroko sustainable and legally harvested?
>> 5. What are the main differences between Iroko and teak?
Iroko wood, often called "African Teak," is one of the world's most durable and versatile hardwoods. Sourced primarily from West and Central Africa, it is celebrated for its golden-brown color, impressive resistance to rot and insect damage, and long lifespan. Whether for furniture, flooring, decking, or marine construction, Iroko offers both exotic beauty and reliability that rivals genuine teak—at a fraction of the cost.
This guide explores where to buy Iroko wood, what to look for when purchasing it, and how to ensure you're investing in high-quality, sustainably-sourced timber.
Iroko wood comes from two closely related species: *Milicia excelsa* and *Milicia regia*, native to tropical Africa. It's known for its naturally oily texture and high resistance to moisture, pests, and decay, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.[1][2][4]
- Color: Ranges from yellow to golden or dark brown, deepening with age.
- Grain: Interlocked or irregular grain gives it a striking appearance.
- Texture: Medium to coarse with a natural luster and sometimes oily feel.
- Hardness: On the Janka scale, Iroko measures about 1,260 lbf, comparable to teak and oak.[2][3]
Its appearance often evolves over time—from a warm golden hue to deeper, richer tones that add character to any woodworking project.[6]
Iroko is incredibly durable, making it an excellent choice for demanding outdoor environments. It resists rot, fungi, and insect attacks—even including termites—without the need for surface treatment or preservatives. Its natural oil content acts as a protective barrier against decay and harsh weather.[5][1]
Due to its dense, oily composition, Iroko has minimal shrinkage and warping, even when exposed to drastic temperature or humidity changes. This makes it popular not only for outdoor furniture but also for marine-grade applications such as decking and boat panels.[7][2]
Often referred to as “African Teak,” Iroko shares many mechanical and aesthetic similarities with true teak but comes at a much lower cost. It is a favorite among builders, designers, and wood enthusiasts seeking sustainable alternatives to overharvested tropical species.[3][6][7]
There are numerous reputable online and physical stores where you can purchase Iroko wood in slabs, boards, veneers, or finished products. Below are top global and regional suppliers to consider.
1. Rare Woods USA – Offers kiln-dried Iroko lumber, both in dimensional sizes and slabs, ideal for furniture and cabinetry.[9][10]
2. Hearne Hardwoods – Known for premium exotic wood stocks, including quarter-sawn Iroko lumber.[11]
3. Rex Lumber Company – Provides imported hardwoods for wholesale and large-scale construction use.[12]
4. McIlvain Company – Supplies sustainably sourced “African Teak,” popular for boat building and architectural applications.[3]
5. Woodworkers Source – Perfect for hobbyists and small woodworkers offering cut-to-size Iroko boards.[13][14]
- KJP Select Hardwoods (Canada): Online retailer offering Iroko blanks, planks, and sheets suitable for flooring and woodworking.[15]
- Duffield Timber (UK): One of the largest British timber importers with FSC-certified Iroko wood products.[2]
- Edensaw Woods (USA/UK hybrid distribution): Provides imported African hardwoods including Iroko in premium grades.[16]
- Cameroon Timber Export SARL: A leading African exporter specializing in Iroko slabs and logs directly from sustainable forests.[17]
- Alibaba Market: Reliable marketplace to find verified suppliers for both wholesale and retail solid Iroko boards.[18][19]
Iroko's natural resilience allows it to be used in multiple environments without extensive maintenance.
Due to its exceptional durability and resistance to saltwater, Iroko is favored for docks, ships, and coastal furniture. Its stability under humid or dry conditions ensures longevity even without sealing.[7][3]
Its golden-brown tones make Iroko a staple for luxurious furniture and indoor paneling. Designers often use it to achieve a warm, earthy aesthetic in interior projects. Its hardness makes it suitable for high-traffic floor areas.[4][5]
Because of its straight, dense grain and high bending strength, Iroko is a go-to wood for window frames, doors, stair treads, and decorative cladding. Architects appreciate its combination of beauty, ease of machining, and endurance.[6][2][7]
While Iroko glues, nails, and finishes well, the presence of calcium carbonate deposits can quickly dull blades. To avoid excessive wear, ensure cutting tools are sharpened frequently when working with this timber.[2][3]
Iroko has a natural oily surface that provides a smooth, glossy appearance even without heavy finishing. For optimal preservation:
- Use teak or Danish oil to maintain the golden hue.
- Light sanding followed by polyurethane sealing enhances resistance to UV radiation.
- Avoid excessive varnish — the natural oil content already protects the wood effectively.[1][5][6]
Iroko's increasing popularity presents environmental challenges. Although not endangered, it is listed as “Lower Risk” by the IUCN; however, some regions have faced overharvesting concerns.[5][2]
To ensure sustainable sourcing:
- Look for FSC-certified suppliers.
- Purchase from exporters practicing selective logging.
- Consider alternative species like Sapele or Merbau when availability is low.
Sustainable suppliers, such as Rare Woods USA and Duffield Timber, emphasize ethical forestry and transparent origin certificates for each shipment.[5][2]
When shopping for Iroko, distinguishing genuine, properly seasoned wood is crucial:
- Check moisture content: Should be below 12% for furniture use.
- Inspect color variation: Natural streaking from golden-yellow to dark brown indicates authenticity.
- Avoid splitting or oily exudate: These signs may suggest under-seasoned or improperly dried wood.
- Ask for certificates of origin and kiln-drying reports from the supplier.[4][1]
Iroko offers excellent value compared with teak. While teak can cost $25–$35 per board foot, Iroko ranges from $13–$18 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.[3][7]
Because it lasts decades without significant maintenance, it represents a long-term investment for both residential and commercial woodworking.
Purchasing Iroko online is safe if you follow a few precautions:
1. Check factory certifications (FSC, CE, or PEFC).
2. Read customer reviews and request sample photos.
3. Calculate total shipping weight—dense hardwoods incur higher freight charges.
4. Ask suppliers for proper fumigation and customs documentation before importation.[9][17][18]
Iroko wood is a robust, sustainable, and aesthetically captivating hardwood that meets nearly every requirement for both decorative and structural projects. Whether sourced from North American dealers like Rare Woods USA or African exporters like Cameroon Timber Export, Iroko provides a perfect balance between luxury, practicality, and responsibility.
Its durability equals or even surpasses teak in some conditions, making it a top choice for discerning woodworkers and architects seeking longevity without sacrificing visual appeal. Choosing certified, responsibly harvested Iroko ensures your projects contribute to a greener, more sustainable timber trade.
Iroko's natural oils resist moisture, decay, fungi, and insects, which allows it to last for decades without treatment, even in outdoor environments.[1][2][5]
Yes. Due to its saltwater resistance and stability under humidity, Iroko is ideal for boats, docks, and marine panels.[7][3]
To retain its golden brown hue, apply UV-resistant oils periodically. Otherwise, it will gracefully weather to a silver-gray patina.[8][6]
When sourced from FSC-certified forests and verified exporters, Iroko can be considered environmentally sustainable. Buyers should always check certifications and avoid unverified sources.[2][5]
While teak is slightly denser and more uniform, Iroko offers comparable durability and aesthetics at a lower cost, making it a strong alternative for most outdoor and furniture applications.[6][3]
[1](https://www.wood-database.com/iroko/)
[2](https://duffieldtimber.com/the-workbench/buyers-guides/your-guide-to-iroko)
[3](https://www.mcilvain.com/iroko/)
[4](https://www.lab23.it/en/iroko-wood-properties-and-advantages/)
[5](https://mfinelumber.com/blogs/post/the-magical-benefits-of-iroko-wood-and-why-everyone-is-talking-about-it)
[6](https://stylenations.com/selecting-the-right-furniture-materials-iroko-wood-versus-teak-what-you-need-to-know)
[7](https://rahlumber.com/product/iroko/)
[8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroko)
[9](https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/product/iro1014/)
[10](https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/product/iro1112/)
[11](https://www.hearnehardwoods.com/iroko-lumber-2/)
[12](https://www.rexlumber.com/lumber/product/iroko/)
[13](https://www.woodworkerssource.com/iroko-african-teak/iroko-84-lumber.html)
[14](https://www.woodworkerssource.com/lumber/iroko-african-teak.html)
[15](https://kjpselecthardwoods.com/collections/iroko)
[16](https://www.edensaw.com/pl/import-woods-iroko/293)
[17](https://cameroontimberexport.com/product/iroko-slabs/)
[18](https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/iroko-lumber.html)
[19](https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/solid-iroko.html)
