Iroko
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a distinctive ribbon stripe figure, with a medium to coarse texture and open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a yellow to golden brown, maturing to a darker teak-like chocolate brown over time; sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and insect attack, often used as a Teak substitute.
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, boatbuilding, cabinetry, outdoor furniture, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (East and West)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried or recently planed; minimal oxidation or wear patination suggests less than 5 years since processing.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Lower Risk/Near Threatened; not currently listed on CITES Appendices.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but interlocked grain can cause tearout during surfacing; contains calcium carbonate deposits which can dull cutting edges.
Notable Features
Often called African Teak; lacks the oily feel of true Teak; possible skin irritation from sawdust.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well; grain filler is recommended for a smooth surface due to large pores; oils or lacquers enhance the ribbon stripe.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific ribbon stripe figure, golden-brown hue, and coarse vessel structure are characteristic of Milicia excelsa.