Iroko (African Teak)
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. The image shows significant surface fuzzing and rough fibers characteristic of interlocked grain being torn during initial processing.
Color Description
Initial color is a yellow to golden brown, which darkens significantly to a rich deep brown with light exposure and age. Pale yellow sapwood is clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and marine borers; often used as a more affordable substitute for Teak.
Common Uses
Exterior joinery, boat building, decking, furniture, flooring, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and East Coast regions)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recently processed (estimated 1-5 years post-harvest). The surface shows fresh machine-stress and hasn't yet developed the deep oxidation/patina of older antique structures.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened. Not currently CITES listed, but populations are declining in certain ranges.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but interlocked grain causes significant 'tearout' during planing. It contains calcium carbonate deposits that can dull cutting edges quickly.
Notable Features
Often called 'African Teak' despite no botanical relation; it has no distinct scent but the dust is a known sensitizer that can cause skin and respiratory irritation.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though oil-based finishes can occasionally be slow to dry due to natural extracts. Requires sanding to high grits to flatten the interlocked grain fibers.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The coarse texture, color, and typical tropical interlocked grain fibers (visible in the fuzzy surface) strongly suggest Iroko, though some species of Meranti or Afzelia can appear similar in this rough-sawn state.