Iroko
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a coarse texture; often produces a striped figure on quarter-sawn surfaces
Color Description
Currently weathered to a silvery-gray. Freshly cut heartwood is yellow to golden-brown, darkening to deep brown over time. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. Performs exceptionally well in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boat building, garden furniture, exterior joinery, flooring, and cabinetry (often used as a substitute for Teak).
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (spanning from West Africa to East Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The silvery-gray patina and surface checkering suggest the wood has been exposed to UV and moisture for 1 to 3 years without protective oiling.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened. Listed as lower risk due to over-exploitation; FSC certified stock is often available.
Workability
Generally good with machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Containment of dust is recommended as it can be a sensitizer. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as African Teak; high oil and mineral content (calcium carbonate deposits) can dull cutters. No characteristic odor once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
For exterior use, a high-quality penetrating oil (Teak oil or Australian timber oil) is recommended to restore color. If left unfinished, it will continue to silver.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the African origin, outdoor application, interlocked grain structure, and characteristic gray weathering pattern is distinctive of Milicia excelsa.
Notes
Outdoor African