Iroko (African Teak)
Milicia excelsa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain which can create a ribbon stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces; texture is coarse and uneven with large open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a yellow to golden or medium brown, darkening significantly over time with light exposure. Sapwood is clearly demarcated pale yellow. Medium luster.
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 longevity.
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, boat building, cabinetry, outdoor furniture, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (from Sierra Leone to Tanzania and Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be freshly milled or recently planed stock, likely less than 5 years old based on the light golden tone and lack of deep oxidation/weathering.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List category 'Near Threatened' due to overexploitation; not currently CITES listed but FSC certified timber is available.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. It has a high silica content which can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive smell when being worked; dust is a known sensitizer and can cause respiratory irritation. Often contains inorganic 'stones' (calcium carbonate deposits) that can damage blades.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to highlight the grain, or high-quality polyurethane for exterior durability. If used outdoors, UV-inhibiting finishes are required to slow the darkening process.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open vessel pores, yellowish-brown hue, interlocked grain texture, and typical board dimensions are characteristic of Milicia species.