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Iroko (Milicia excelsa) Hardwood
Iroko (Milicia excelsa) is a large tropical hardwood native to the forests of West and East Africa. Often referred to as "African Teak" due to its similar color, durability, and outdoor performance, I...
Janka Hardness
1,260 lbf
Durability
Class 1-2
Lifespan (Exterior)
25-40 years
Density
40 lbs/ft³
What Is Iroko Wood?
Iroko (Milicia excelsa) is a large tropical hardwood native to the forests of West and East Africa. Often referred to as "African Teak" due to its similar color, durability, and outdoor performance, Iroko has been a go-to species for marine construction, outdoor furniture, and exterior joinery across Europe and Africa for decades.
With a Janka hardness of 1,260 lbf, Iroko sits in the medium-hard range — harder than Teak (1,070 lbf) but softer than Ipe (3,680 lbf). Its standout quality is exceptional natural rot and insect resistance, earning it a Class 1-2 durability rating. This makes Iroko one of the most reliable and cost-effective species for exterior applications where longevity matters.
Iroko's heartwood is a golden-yellow when freshly cut, darkening to a rich medium brown with age and light exposure. The grain is typically interlocked, producing an attractive figure on quartersawn surfaces. It machines well with carbide tooling, glues reliably, and takes oil finishes beautifully — making it a versatile choice for both structural and decorative outdoor projects.
Key Facts
- Known as "African Teak" for its similar outdoor performance to genuine Teak
- Class 1-2 natural durability — highly resistant to rot, decay, and insects
- Golden-yellow heartwood darkens to rich medium brown over time
- More affordable than genuine Teak with comparable outdoor performance
- Excellent dimensional stability for an African hardwood
- Widely used in European marine and outdoor construction for decades
Why Choose Iroko?
Outstanding Rot Resistance
Class 1-2 natural durability rating — one of the best non-tropical-American species for ground contact and marine use
Teak Alternative
Delivers Teak-like performance at a significantly lower price point for outdoor projects
Stable Outdoors
Good dimensional stability even through wet-dry and temperature cycles
Attractive Aging
Golden-yellow heartwood develops into a warm, rich brown patina over time
Versatile Applications
Works for everything from heavy structural timbers to fine exterior joinery and furniture
Good Workability
Machines well with carbide tools, glues reliably, and accepts oil finishes beautifully
Common Applications
Iroko is well-suited for a range of interior and exterior applications.
Outdoor Furniture
Benches, tables, and garden furniture that withstand years of weather exposure
Boat Building
Marine planking, decking, trim, and structural components
Decking & Cladding
Exterior decking, siding, and cladding with natural weather resistance
Flooring
Interior and covered exterior flooring with warm, inviting character
Exterior Joinery
Windows, doors, gates, and architectural trim for lasting performance
Garden Structures
Pergolas, raised beds, fencing, and landscape timbers
Iroko by Application
Learn how Iroko performs across different project types.
Iroko Outdoor Furniture & Structures
Iroko is one of the premier woods for outdoor furniture, garden structures, and landscape features. Its Class 1-2 natural durability means benches, tables, pergolas, and raised beds will last decades without chemical treatment. The warm golden-brown color adds natural elegance to any outdoor space, and the wood's good dimensional stability means minimal warping and movement through seasonal changes. For projects where Teak's premium price is prohibitive, Iroko delivers comparable performance at a fraction of the cost.
Explore all outdoor furniture & structures optionsIroko Boat Building & Marine Use
Iroko has been a trusted marine timber in Europe and Africa for generations. Its natural resistance to rot and saltwater degradation makes it ideal for planking, decking, interior joinery, and structural components in boats and yachts. The wood bends reasonably well with steam, fastens reliably with silicon bronze or stainless steel, and takes marine-grade finishes beautifully. For boat builders seeking a durable, workable timber that won't break the budget, Iroko is a proven performer.
Explore all boat building & marine use optionsInstallation & Working Tips
- Use carbide-tipped blades and bits — Iroko contains calcium carbonate deposits that dull standard steel
- Pre-drill for all fasteners near board ends to prevent splitting
- Use stainless steel or silicon bronze fasteners for exterior applications
- Allow 7-14 days acclimation to local conditions before installation
- Apply end-grain sealer to all cut ends to prevent checking
- Iroko dust can cause skin and respiratory irritation — wear appropriate PPE
For complete guidance, see our installation guide and custom milling services.
Maintenance & Care
Iroko's natural durability means minimal maintenance is required for exterior applications. The wood performs well even without finish, though treatment enhances appearance and extends lifespan.
Exterior Oil Finish
Apply a UV-protective penetrating oil 1-2 times per year to maintain the golden-brown color. Without treatment, Iroko will weather to an attractive silver-gray patina — perfectly acceptable and purely cosmetic.
Cleaning
Clean exterior surfaces annually with a mild wood cleaner and soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before re-oiling if desired.
Interior Finishing
For interior use, oil, varnish, or lacquer all produce excellent results. Iroko takes finish well and develops a warm, rich tone over time.
Important Considerations
Calcium Deposits
Iroko contains calcium carbonate inclusions that can dull cutting tools quickly. Use carbide tooling and expect more frequent sharpening.
Dust Irritation
Iroko dust is a known skin and respiratory sensitizer. Always wear dust masks and protective clothing when machining.
Color Variation
Fresh Iroko varies from pale yellow to golden brown. The wood darkens significantly over time, which should be factored into design plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iroko
Quick answers to common questions
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