Iroko
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and coarse grain. The sample shows a rough-sawn texture with a somewhat irregular and fibrous grain structure common in tropical hardwoods with high silica content.
Color Description
Yellow to golden brown, maturing to a richer medium-to-dark brown over time. Grain illustrates characteristic light and dark streaks; sapwood is typically pale yellow and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, insect attack (including termites), and weathering. Often used as a substitute for Teak.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building, flooring, cabinetry, heavy construction, and window frames.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (from Ivory Coast to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Mozambique)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (varies by region)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern rough-sawn lumber, likely aged 1-5 years post-harvest based on the lack of deep oxidation and visible machine-cut marks.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; not currently CITES listed but subject to export restrictions in some African nations.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during surfacing. High silica content causes moderate to severe blunting of cutting edges.
Notable Features
Often referred to as African Teak. It has no characteristic odor and contains natural oils. Dust can be a significant respiratory irritant/sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Glass-smooth finishes require pore filling. Takes oils and varnishes well, but natural oils may slightly retard the drying of some oil-based finishes.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The fibrous, coarse texture, golden-brown hue, and rough-sawn appearance are highly indicative of Milicia excelsa, though it can resemble other tropical species like Afzelia or Teak.