Iroko (African Teak)
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. The sample shows distinct ribbon-like striping characteristic of quarter-sawn tropical hardwoods with interlocked fibers.
Color Description
Initial yellow to light brown heartwood that darkens to a medium-dark golden brown over time. Grain appears as darker streaks against a lighter lustrous background. Sapwood is typically narrow and pale yellow.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and insect attack, frequently used as a Teak substitute for exterior applications.
Common Uses
Exterior joinery, boat building, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and East Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut, likely kiln-dried and recently surfaced. The lack of deep oxidation suggests it has not been exposed to UV for a long duration.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a population decline of over 20% in the last three generations; not CITES listed but subject to export restrictions in some countries.
Workability
Generally works well, but interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Contains calcium carbonate deposits (stone) which can dull cutters rapidly.
Notable Features
Often referred to as African Teak though unrelated to Tectona grandis. It has a faint, pleasant scent and the dust can be a sensitizer/irritant to some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Due to its oily nature and large pores, a grain filler is recommended for a smooth finish, and polyurethane or oils work best for outdoor use.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The combination of color, coarse interlocked grain, and streak patterns is very characteristic of Iroko, though some Meliaceae species (like Sapele) can look similar in certain cuts.