Iroko (African Teak)
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, creating a ribbon-like figure on quarter-sawn surfaces with a medium to coarse texture and open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden to medium brown; color darkens with age and light exposure. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and insect attack, commonly used as a substitute for Teak in marine environments.
Common Uses
Exterior joinery, boat building, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, and decking.
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 depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 1-5 years based on the sharp edges and lack of significant surface oxidation or wear.
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, but interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Contains calcium carbonate deposits which can dull cutting edges rapidly.
Notable Features
Often called 'Poor Man's Teak' due to similar properties; lacks the oily feel of true teak but has a faint, pleasant scent when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. Teak oil or Danish oil enhances its natural golden-brown hue; polyurethane is recommended for high-wear exterior surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-brown color, distinct coarse open pores, and interlocking grain visible on the surface is characteristic of Milicia excelsa.