Wood Species Iroko

Iroko

Africa
Hardwood
Very durable

Iroko (Milicia excelsa / Milicia regia) is a medium to heavy tropical hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It typically ranges in colour from golden yellow to medium or dark brown, often darkening with age. The grain is usually interlocked with a coarse to medium texture, and the wood has a natural oily content that contributes to its good durability. Iroko is strong, stable and offers good resistance to decay, fungi and insect attack, making it suitable for both interior and exterior use. It machines reasonably well, though the interlocked grain can sometimes cause tear-out during planing.

In the timber industry, Iroko is widely used as a durable alternative to teak for exterior joinery, windows, doors, cladding and marine applications. It is also commonly specified for furniture, cabinetry, flooring and stair components due to its strength and attractive appearance. Its combination of durability, availability and cost-effectiveness has made it a popular choice in both residential and commercial construction, particularly for applications requiring long-term weather resistance without extensive treatment.

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