Iroko
Milicia excelsa, Milicia regia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a coarse texture with a striped or ribbon-like figure on the curved faces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to medium brown; color tends to darken with age. Sapwood is a pale yellow. Moderate luster and subtle chatoyance in figured areas.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and insect attack; often used as a Teak substitute.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, flooring, outdoor decking, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (East and West Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era (5-15 years), exhibiting surface oxidation and mechanical wear typical of a used workshop item.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Lower Risk/Near Threatened; not currently CITES listed, but populations are declining.
Workability
Generally works well but interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. High silica content can dull cutting edges.
Notable Features
Faint scent when being worked; known to cause skin and eye irritation in some woodworkers; features high tannin and silica content.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil finishes which highlight the golden-brown tones; a sealer is recommended due to potential surface oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse texture, golden-brown oxidation, and tropical vessel structure are characteristic of Milicia species.