Iroko
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Principally interlocked with a medium to coarse texture; produces a ribbon-like figure on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a yellow-brown to golden-brown, darkening to a deep brown over time. Sapwood is clearly demarcated in pale yellow.
Hardness Rating
1260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and insect attack, frequently used as a Teak substitute.
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, boat building, cabinetry, outdoor furniture, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (spanning from Sierra Leone to Tanzania and Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears to be roughly 5-15 years old based on the oxidation of the board's face and the dry condition of the bark edge.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened; not currently CITES listed, but availability of FSC certified stock varies.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Dust can be a sensitizer/irritant; contains lime deposits that can dull cutters.
Notable Features
Often called 'African Teak' despite no botanical relation; lacks the oily feel of teak but shares high stability and decay resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well, but oil-based finishes enhance the natural golden-brown chatoyance. Requires surface cleaning if mineral deposits are present.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the characteristic golden-brown hue, large open pores, and the presence of rough bark/sapwood transition common in exported African hardwoods.