Content Menu
● Understanding Iroko Wood: Properties & Specifications
>> Mechanical Properties Table
>> Rot Resistance & Treatability
>> Sustainability and Green Building
● Where To Buy Iroko Wood: Sourcing Strategies
>> Retail Channels for Small Orders
>> Authenticity & Quality Checks
>> Bulk vs Single-Piece Orders
>> Sustainability Considerations
>> Luxury Furniture and Flooring
● FAQ
>> 1. What makes Iroko wood a good teak alternative?
>> 2. Is Iroko wood suitable for outdoor projects?
>> 3. How do suppliers certify sustainable Iroko wood?
>> 4. How is Iroko lumber priced and sold?
>> 5. Where can bulk Iroko wood orders be placed?
Iroko wood—often called African Teak—is prized worldwide for its exceptional durability, rich hues, and impressive versatility. Used from high-end furniture and architectural millwork to marine decking and industrial structures, Iroko's strength matches its beauty. This guide thoroughly examines proper sourcing, buying strategies, technical specs, supplier choices, sustainability, and practical considerations, empowering contractors, woodworkers, architects, and residential builders to buy smarter.[3][5][8][10][11][12][13][14]
- Species: Milicia excelsa, Milicia regia (formerly Chlorophora excelsa).[5][3]
- Origin: Tropical Africa—Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia.[15][5]
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft (30–40 m) tall; trunk diameter 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m).[3][5]
- Distribution: Widely exported to Europe, North America, Asia.[13][15]
- Sapwood: Pale yellow, sharply demarcated from heartwood.[8][3]
- Heartwood: Golden yellow to medium/dark brown, often deepening with age; may show visible stripes or zigzag patterns on flat-sawn surfaces.[7][5][8][3]
- Texture: Medium to coarse, noticeably oily or greasy feel.[5][3]
- Grain: Interlocked, sometimes irregular—can cause moderate tear-out in machining.[4][7][3][5]
- Calcium Carbonate Inclusions: Iroko often contains mineral deposits, which add to blunting effect on tools but increase weather resistance.[4][7][8]
- Gloss: Capable of a highly polished finish after filling and de-oiling.[4]
| Property | Specification | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Dried Weight | 41.2 lbs/ft⊃3; (660 kg/m³) | Moderate density | wood-database |
| Specific Gravity | 0.56–0.66 | Strong, moderately heavy | wood-database |
| Janka Hardness | 1,190–1,260 lbf (5,310–5,610 N) | Hard, durable | wood-database |
| Modulus of Rupture | 14,080 lbf/in⊃2; (97.1 MPa) | High (flexural strength) | wood-database |
| Elastic Modulus | 1,580,000 lbf/in⊃2; (10.90 GPa) | Good stiffness | wood-database |
| Crushing Strength | 7,750–7,832 lbf/in⊃2; (53.5 MPa) | Structural use | wood-database |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 4.8–5.4% | Stable | wood-database |
| Radial Shrinkage | 3.3–3.5% | Very stable | wood-database |
| TS/RS Ratio | 1.5 | High stability | wood-database |
- Rot Resistance: Highly resistant to fungi, dry wood borers, termites.[6][7][3][5]
- Durability Class: 1–2 (very durable to durable).[6][7][5]
- Treatability: Heartwood class 4—not easily impregnated.[7][5]
- Weathering: Can be left untreated in outdoor settings and will weather to a silver-grey.[8][4]
- Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, although interlocked grain may cause tear-outs.[3][5][7][4]
- Blunts cutters and blades quickly due to mineral content; small chip angles recommended in planing.[7][4]
- Glues, nails, stains, and screws well. Needs to be de-oiled before painting or finishing for lasting surface quality.[4]
- Can achieve high-gloss finishes suitable for showpiece furniture and luxury joinery.[8][4]
- Carbon Sequestration: Iroko absorbs CO₂ and transforms it into limestone-like minerals, enhancing soil fertility.[5]
- Certifications: FSC, FLEGT, and CITES label sustainable harvested wood.[13]
Tables, cabinets, chairs, and beds made with Iroko offer lasting beauty and performance, often favored by luxury brands.[16][17]
Flooring, wall cladding, stairs, and millwork—ideal for commercial and high-end residential projects needing durability and style.[17][18][16]
- Decking, exterior stairs, gates, garden furniture, pergolas, and marine installations like boat decks, thanks to its resistance to decay and rot.[11][18][17]
- Can withstand harsh climates with minimal chemical treatment.[14][17]
- Doors, windows, exterior joinery, musical instruments, and uses requiring dimensional stability.[18][7][4]
- Ideal for concrete formwork (though some reports indicate Iroko slows concrete curing due to internal compounds, so substrate choice matters).[7]
Sustainable forestry management and carbon absorption profile make Iroko a responsible choice for green architecture.[13][5]
- KJP Select Hardwoods: From rough boards to dimensioned packs, prices range between $20–$35 per board; good for hobbyists and small contractors.[10]
- Woodworkers Source: Standard grades from $13 per board foot with online buying and local pickups in the U.S..[19][20]
- Hearne Hardwoods: Full slabs and specialty pieces, great for custom furniture makers and architects.[11]
- West Wind Hardwood: Offers both West/East African stock, $17–$20 per board foot, with technical guidance for selection.[21]
- Wood Vendors: Real-time bulk pricing, easily quoted online; best for commercial use, $10.25 down to $6 per board foot in large lots.[12]
- K-Timber (Vietnam): Offers certified, sustainable Iroko for international projects, $450–$750 per cubic meter; focuses on container orders for construction, shipbuilding, and joinery works.[13]
- Rex Lumber: Wholesale specialist for North American markets; supports both retail and B2B solutions.[15]
- Edensaw Woods, Rare Woods USA, California Exotic Hardwoods: Premium options for large custom jobs or high-grade, unique pieces.[22][23][24]
- Always verify scientific labeling ("Milicia excelsa" or "Chlorophora excelsa") and request documentation of origin and sustainability certification (FSC, FLEGT, CITES).[23][13]
- For bulk orders, negotiate shipping terms—INCOTERM compliance for global logistics.[13]
| Supplier | Type | Price Range | Certifications | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KJP Select Hardwoods | Retail & Online | $20–$35/brd ft | FSC possible | US/Canada |
| Woodworkers Source | Retail & Online | $13–$14/brd ft | FSC, FLEGT | US |
| Wood Vendors | Bulk Online | $10–$6/brd ft | FSC, FLEGT | US |
| K-Timber | Int'l B2B Manufacturer | $450–$750/m³ | FSC, FLEGT, CITES | Vietnam |
| Hearne Hardwoods | Boutique, Custom | Varies | FSC, FLEGT possible | US |
| West Wind Hardwood | Specialist Retail | $17–$20/brd ft | FSC, FLEGT | Canada |
- Check for distinct yellow sapwood and golden-brown heartwood coloring, along with visible stripes and grain pattern.[3][5][7]
- Inspect for splits, knots, and mineral deposits; favor boards with minimal inclusion for easy machining and less waste.[4][7]
- Confirm kiln drying, which ensures stability in various climates and reduces risk of movement post-installation.[8]
- Small projects (tables, cabinets) often use board foot pricing, while construction, marine, and architectural builds rely on bulk purchase per cubic meter.[12][13]
- Sample boards and finish tests can be ordered from most major suppliers for evaluation prior to larger contracts.[10][13]
- Demand suppliers supply eco-label certificates and transparent chain-of-custody documentation for all shipments, particularly when importing across borders.[15][13]
- Consider managed forestry sources to help maintain biodiversity and long-term supply.[5][13]
- Bulk orders ship by sea freight—request CIF, FOB, or DDP terms. Retail orders typically ship domestic ground or air, often tracked for security.[20][13]
- Lead times can range from several days for retail pickups to 4–6 weeks for container shipments on international projects.[13]
Boat decking and yacht joinery benefit from Iroko's water resistance, with untreated boards lasting years in exposed coastal environments.[14][11]
Top designers select Iroko for high-gloss tables and staircase installations; expert finishing techniques create dazzling effect with minimal effort after de-oiling and filling.[18][8][4]
Public parks and resorts use Iroko for outdoor benches, garden gates, decking, and shaded pavilions, blended seamlessly with other tropical hardwoods for landscape unity.[16][17][8]
Sourcing Iroko wood—African Teak—requires understanding its mechanical properties, durability, workability, and the critical importance of supplier documentation and forestry certification. Whether for furniture, marine construction, flooring, or high-stress industrial applications, Iroko's golden hue, natural resistance to rot, and environmentally friendly profile make it a top hardwood choice for projects demanding longevity and aesthetics. Choose established suppliers, confirm authenticity and certification, and consider practicalities such as drying, shipping, and project-specific grades for an optimal result.[6][10][11][12][14][18][13]
Iroko's similar density, hardness, and resistance to decay allow it to rival genuine teak in applications ranging from luxury furniture to shipbuilding, often at a more accessible price point.[14][18][3][5]
Absolutely. Natural oils and mineral inclusions grant Iroko outstanding weather resistance, making it ideal for decking, cladding, garden gates, and marine uses—often with minimal maintenance.[16][18][14][8][4]
Leading exporters provide FSC, FLEGT, and CITES documentation to verify legal, environmentally-friendly harvesting practices—a requirement for import into most countries.[15][13]
Retail suppliers sell by board foot for small projects; international B2B sales use cubic meter pricing. Rates range from $10–$20/brd ft in North America and $450–$750/m³ for bulk shipments depending on grade and finish.[20][12][13]
Bulk orders can be placed through manufacturers like K-Timber (Vietnam), Rex Lumber (U.S.), and other wholesalers who facilitate container shipments and provide all necessary documentation for customs compliance.[15][13]
[1](https://www.ohc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IROKO-1.pdf)
[2](https://tropix.cirad.fr/FichiersComplementaires/EN/Africa/IROKO%202023.pdf)
[3](https://www.wood-database.com/iroko/)
[4](https://www.anyonewood.com/iroko/)
[5](https://cameroontimberexport.com/iroko-wood-properties-characteristics-uses/)
[6](https://www.ohc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Iroko-Technical-Data-.pdf)
[7](https://www.denderwood.com/swfiles/files/iroko-en.pdf)
[8](https://www.wooduchoose.com/wood-database/iroko/)
[9](https://www.novawood.com/details-about-the-iroko-wood)
[10](https://kjpselecthardwoods.com/collections/iroko)
[11](https://www.hearnehardwoods.com/iroko-lumber-2/)
[12](https://woodvendors.com/iroko-lumber/)
[13](https://k-timbers.com/product/iroko/)
[14](https://www.mcilvain.com/iroko/)
[15](https://www.rexlumber.com/lumber/product/iroko/)
[16](https://mfinelumber.com/blogs/post/the-magical-benefits-of-iroko-wood-and-why-everyone-is-talking-about-it)
[17](https://k-timbers.com/outstanding-uses-of-iroko-wood-in-daily-life/)
[18](https://duffieldtimber.com/the-workbench/buyers-guides/your-guide-to-iroko)
[19](https://www.woodworkerssource.com/lumber/iroko-african-teak.html)
[20](https://www.woodworkerssource.com/iroko-african-teak/iroko-84-lumber.html)
[21](https://www.westwindhardwood.com/product/hardwoods/iroko/)
[22](https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/product/iro1012/)
[23](https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/species/iroko/)
[24](https://californiaexotichardwoods.com/products/best-iroko-dealer-iroko-lumber)
