Iroko (African Teak)
Milicia excelsa · 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 and insect attack, frequently used as a Teak substitute for exterior applications.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and insect attack, frequently used as a Teak substitute for exterior applications.
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.
Common Uses
Exterior joinery, boat building, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and East Africa)
Workability
Generally works well, but interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Contains calcium carbonate deposits (stone) which can dull cutters rapidly.
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.
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.
