Articles: What is Iroko wood?

Iroko, nicknamed - African Teak, is a durable hardwood often used as a more available alternative to Genuine Teak (Tectona grandis). As with all tropical timbers, Iroko produces a high grade with little to no knots and features a striking grain pattern. Both its exceptional durability and aesthetics make Iroko a popular timber for projects like furniture making, outdoor decking, and constructional work.

Where does Iroko wood come from?

Iroko (Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia) is native to western and central Africa in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. The iroko tree can grow up to 50 meters (164 feet) tall, with a girth of over a meter in diameter, making it one of the larger African trees.

As a result of its impressive size, alot of usable material is produced from harvesting. This availability helps keep pricing much lower than similar tropical species and has a much lower price point than Teak.

Is Iroko Wood Strong

Due to their slow growing conditions, most tropical timbers offer exceptional durability and strength and Iroko is no different. Boasting a D40 strength classification and density that clocks in at 1,190 lbf on the Janka scale. Iroko is highly impact and scratch resistant, making it ideal for high traffic areas such as decking.

How to clean Iroko wood?

To maintain Iroko wood and keep its natural lustre, proper cleaning is essential. Below are some tips to keep your Iroko looking fresh:

  • Consistent Dusting: Dust and debris accumulate and to prevent scratching and dulling, regular dusting with a soft cloth goes a long way.
  • Use Mild Cleaners: Water isn't quite enough sometimes so if a deeper clean is needed, use a mild cleaner with water and a soft cloth. Iroko is stable but excess moisture can damage the natural oils so avoid soaking the wood.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemical cleaners can strip the wood of its natural oils which will quickly dry it out and make the wood more brittle.
  • Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, ensure the wood is completely dry to prevent water spots.

For outdoor furniture or decks, use a mild soap and water mixture and clean with a soft-bristle brush. Remember to rinse and dry thoroughly.

How to you treat Iroko

Iroko wood has natural oils that make it resilient, but treating it periodically can enhance its durability and appearance. Here's a quick guide on how to treat iroko wood:

  • Preparing the Iroko: First and foremost, you need to remove any excess natural oils on the surface of the Iroko. For this, use methylated spirits.
  • Applying Wood Treatment Oil: Once the Iroko is prepped you can add oil treatment. The main benefit to treating Iroko is to preserve it's natural colour but it can also increase it's durability as it seals the wood from moisture absorption.
    Apply the treatment using a soft cloth, ensuring you follow the wood grain. Let it absorb, then wipe away any excess.
  • Polishing: For indoor furniture, you may prefer to polish the Iroko which can help maintain a smooth, glossy finish. Choose a natural wax polish that will add a protective layer without causing buildup.
  • Annual Maintenance: Follow treatment guidelines as suggested by the product you use but typically you will want to retreat any external Iroko furniture or decking yearly to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. For untreated Iroko used externally, it will naturally weather to a silvery-gray, which can gives the it a more traditional look alongside its unique grain.

Buy Iroko wood online

We offer a selection of Iroko products at iWood suitable for a range of projects, from a Iroko beams and Iroko posts to Iroko cladding and Iroko Joinery, find prices online or get in touch at enquiries@iwood.co.uk or call us on 01889 597 281