Iroko
Milicia excelsa
Iroko is often called "African Teak" due to its similar appearance and properties to genuine teak, though it is unrelated. This highly durable African hardwood offers excellent weather resistance, dimensional stability, and workability at a more accessible price point than teak. Its golden to dark brown color, combined with natural rot and insect resistance, makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, decking, boat building, and exterior joinery.
Janka Hardness
1260 lbf
Moderately hard
Density
41 lbs/ft³
Medium density
Shrinkage
Low (4.5% tangential, 2.5% radial)
Very stable
Appearance
Color: Golden yellow to medium brown heartwood, darkening to deeper brown with age. Color varies considerably. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly distinct.
Grain: Interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture. Occasional mineral deposits and stone inclusions.
Key Characteristics
- •Excellent natural durability
- •Good weather and decay resistance
- •Low shrinkage and swelling
- •Resists termites and marine borers
- •Works well with hand and power tools
- •Cost-effective teak alternative
Common Applications
Maintenance
Can be left unfinished to weather to silver-gray, or oiled regularly to maintain golden color. Highly resistant to decay with minimal maintenance required.
Advantages
- +Excellent weather and rot resistance
- +Very stable with low movement
- +Works easily despite hardness
- +More affordable than genuine teak
- +Good natural pest resistance
- +Long service life in exterior applications
Considerations
- •Occasional mineral deposits can dull cutting tools
- •Color and grain can vary significantly
- •May cause skin and respiratory irritation
- •Stone inclusions require careful machining
- •Not as oily or naturally lustrous as teak
- •Can blunt cutting edges