Iroko wood has been popular for woodworking and carpentry for hundreds of years. Even to this day, Iroko has stood the test of time and is used for various domestic and commercial applications as a durable yet aesthetically pleasing solution. This includes the manufacturing of garage doors, side gates, side garage doors and driveway gates.
We’re big fans of Iroko wood here at Juke’s Timber, so read on below as we explore what exactly Iroko wood is and why it makes for a good option for your home.
What Is Iroko?
Iroko is a type of wood, originally from West Africa, more specifically countries such as Mozambique, Nigeria, and Ghana. It comes from the Iroko tree, and is dense, durable and has a distinctive golden-yellow colour that darkens into a deep honey-brown over time.
It is a large, slow-growing tree, from which planks of very durable timber can be harvested. This durability is what makes it an excellent choice for projects that require resistance to decay and insect attack, particularly in the damp, changeable UK climate.
Colour, Texture & Appearance
Iroko has a distinctive and attractive look that will mature over time.
Colour
When first machined, Iroko wood has a golden-yellow colour; however, it will deepen with age. With exposure to light and air, the wood darkens to a richer golden-brown colour.
Texture
Iroko has a medium to coarse texture. Its grain is interlocked and irregular, creating a unique, patterned look. When described, iroko is often referred to as having a good natural lustre.
Durability & Stability
One of the key reasons why Iroko is so popular in the UK is its exceptional performance in outdoor environments.
Iroko is referred to as a ‘very durable’ wood, classified as Durability Class 1, meaning the heartwood is highly resistant to rot, decay and is naturally repellent to insects and termite attacks. Whilst treatment is recommended to maintain the wood’s colour, it will still be durable without it, thanks to its own natural resistance.
It also has good stability. Iroko is an oily, waxy wood that is resistant to large changes in moisture, resulting in low levels of movement, shrinkage, and warping, even when it is exposed to the elements.
Strength & Hardness
Iroko has excellent strength and hardness properties. It is often compared to some species of oak and true teak.
The average dry density is around 600kg/m3. The hardness of wood is measured with the ‘Janka hardness test’. Iroko is at 1,260 lbf, which is considered very hard. This wood is high-density, and its hardness contributes to its excellent abrasion and impact resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic applications.
Iroko has a strength classification of D40. Therefore, it is highly resistant to bending, crushing, and shock loads.
Sustainability
Here at Juke’s Timber, we believe in the importance of having a positive environmental impact. That is why we only order our timber from sustainable sources. We supply our Iroko wood from Timber Connection Ltd. As a company, Timber Connection is fully committed to playing its part in eradicating illegal logging and poor forest management as set out by the United Timber Trade Federation (UTTF). Their work adheres to strict supply chain due diligence guidelines, which is why their wood is sourced from third-party verified legal sources and chain-of-custody certified sources (including FSC® and PEFC).
Therefore, all the Iroko wood we use avoids:
- Illegally harvested timber,
- Wood harvested in a way that violates traditional and civil rights,
- Wood harvested in forests in which conservation efforts are threatened through poor management,
- Wood harvested from the conversion of natural forests,
- Wood harvested from areas where GM trees are planted.
What Is Iroko Used For?
Iroko’s durability and attractive appearance make it a highly versatile choice for both interior and exterior projects in the UK.
Exterior
- Decking and Cladding: Iroko’s resistance to rot is excellent for exposed areas of decking and cladding.
- Outdoor Furniture and Gates: Iroko is also highly popular for garden furniture due to its attractive weathering properties.
Why Choose Iroko Timber?
Iroko is a popular choice for builders, joiners and homeowners alike in the UK, because it offers a wide range of benefits.
- High Durability – It is durable, and even without preservatives, it offers excellent longevity in harsh weather.
- Weather Resistance – The natural oils present in Iroko offer great resistance to moisture and decay. This makes it perfect for the UK’s often wet weather conditions.
- Cost-Effectiveness – Iroko is often more affordable than true Teak, giving you a premium look and performance without the premium price tag.
- Aesthetics – The rich, golden-brown colour of Iroko matures beautifully, giving a sophisticated and warm finish.
- Availability – Iroko is generally a more readily available hardwood, available in wider and longer planks.
How To Treat Iroko Timber
Whilst Iroko has natural oils that offer excellent protection, it’s recommended that you apply treatment to Iroko wood for various specific purposes.
Maintaining Colour
You should apply a UV-resistant wood oil if you want to maintain the original rich, golden-brown colour of your timber and prevent it from naturally weathering to a silvery-grey patina. This should be reapplied annually, especially for exterior wood.
Preparation
Before applying a finish, new or recently sanded Iroko should be wiped down to remove natural oils on the surface, to improve the finish’s penetration and adhesion.
Cleaning
Clean the timber regularly with a soft brush and a mild soapy water solution. Harsh chemicals should be avoided, as this can strip the wood’s natural oils.
Natural Weathering
If you prefer the classic, low-maintenance, silvery-grey weathered look of Iroko, you can leave the timber untreated.
Is Iroko Waterproof?
Iroko is highly water-resistant; however, it is not technically waterproof, as it is not completely impervious to water penetration.
However, it is naturally oily, and thanks to its dense cell structure, it is well-resistant to water absorption, rot and decay.
Remember that any wood will eventually suffer from moisture ingress, especially when exposed to standing water for a prolonged period. For maximum protection, especially in external applications, a water-resistant oil or stain is recommended to enhance the natural resistance and protect it from the UK’s weather.
Iroko vs. Teak – What’s The Difference?
Iroko is often referred to as African Teak, due to its similarities to genuine Teak; however, the two are botanically distinct.
| Feature | Iroko (Milicia spp.) | Teak (Tectona grandis) |
| Origin | West and Central Africa | South and Southeast Asia |
| Colour | Golden-yellow, then matures to rich golden-brown. | Starts honey-brown, matures to golden-brown. |
| Grain | Interlocked, sometimes irregular; medium/coarse texture. | Typically straight; smooth texture. |
| Durability | Very Durable (Class 1); excellent rot and insect resistance. | Extremely Durable (Class 1); superior natural oil content provides maximum weather resistance. |
| Hardness (Janka) | Approx. 1,260 lbf | Approx. 1,155 lbf |
| Price | More affordable; cost-effective alternative. | Premium price; one of the most expensive timbers. |
| Sustainability | Responsible sourcing (FSC/PEFC) is available. | Old-growth Teak is highly restricted/illegal in some cases; plantation Teak is the ethical choice. |
All in all, Iroko is a fantastic, durable and highly stable hardwood that has a very similar aesthetic and performance to Teak, at a much more economical price point. This is why it is an attractive choice in the UK.
Iroko Products From Juke’s Timber Solutions
At Juke’s Timber Solutions, we pride ourselves on supplying only certified, sustainably-sourced Iroko timber, guaranteeing you an ethical and premium material for a variety of products.
Our Iroko range includes garage doors, side garage doors, side gates and driveway gates. All are designed to create beautiful, long-lasting products that are durable and visually stunning for your home.
If you want to learn more about our range of Iroko products or wish to discuss your project requirements, get in touch with our team of experts today.
