Iroko
Milicia excelsa, Milicia regia · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical Africa (West and East Africa)
- Hardness
- 1,260 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and weathering; often used as a more affordable substitute for Teak.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, medium-to-coarse texture with an open-pored face. It often displays a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a yellow to golden or medium brown; color tends to darken significantly over time to a rich teak-like brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness (Janka)
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and weathering; often used as a more affordable substitute for Teak.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on region and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber. Given the light golden-brown oxidation and fresh milling marks on the edge, it appears to be recently surfaced stock (less than 1-2 years old).
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened; not currently CITES regulated, but population is in decline.
Common Uses
Boat building, outdoor furniture, flooring, cabinetry, joinery, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and East Africa)
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Contain small deposits of calcium carbonate (stone) which can dull tool edges quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Since it is often used outdoors, penetrating oils or marine-grade varnishes are common. For indoor use, lacquer or polyurethane works well after grain filling.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'teak-like' appearance without the oily feel; sawdust is known to be a potent respiratory irritant; high tannin and mineral content.
