Looking for a golden‑brown hardwood that shrugs off moisture and daily wear? This guide explains what iroko wood is, where it comes from, how it performs, and where it excels in the home.
What Is Iroko Wood?
What Is Iroko Wood? Quick Definition & Origin
1. Iroko Wood Botanical Profile
Iroko wood comes from Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia, large West and Central African trees sometimes called “African teak.” It’s naturally oily and very durable, which is why it’s prized for demanding applications from boats to kitchen worktops.
2. Regional Varieties and Naming
Both Milicia species produce similar timber: pale yellow when freshly cut that matures to warm honey and coppery brown. You may see iroko sold as “African teak” because its performance overlaps with teak, but iroko is a distinct species with its own grain and colour.
What Is Iroko Wood? Quick Definition & Origin
1. Iroko Wood Botanical Profile
Iroko wood comes from Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia, large West and Central African trees sometimes called “African teak.” It’s naturally oily and very durable, which is why it’s prized for demanding applications from boats to kitchen worktops.
2. Regional Varieties and Naming
Both Milicia species produce similar timber: pale yellow when freshly cut that matures to warm honey and coppery brown. You may see iroko sold as “African teak” because its performance overlaps with teak, but iroko is a distinct species with its own grain and colour.
History of Iroko Wood
1. Traditional Uses of Iroko Wood
Across coastal Africa, iroko has a long history in boatbuilding, exterior doors, temple carvings and heavy furniture thanks to its durability and resistance to decay. Craftspeople valued it where timber meets weather, water and wear.
2. 20th Century to Now
As global trade expanded, iroko became a go‑to substitute for teak in joinery, lab benches and kitchen surfaces. In modern interiors, it offers a naturally warm tone with a low‑maintenance finish, ideal for contemporary, Scandi and rustic schemes alike.
History of Iroko Wood
1. Traditional Uses of Iroko Wood
Across coastal Africa, iroko has a long history in boatbuilding, exterior doors, temple carvings and heavy furniture thanks to its durability and resistance to decay. Craftspeople valued it where timber meets weather, water and wear.
2. 20th Century to Now
As global trade expanded, iroko became a go‑to substitute for teak in joinery, lab benches and kitchen surfaces. In modern interiors, it offers a naturally warm tone with a low‑maintenance finish, ideal for contemporary, Scandi and rustic schemes alike.
Characteristics & Performance of Iroko Wood
1. Grain, colour & grade of iroko wood
Freshly machined boards start yellow‑brown and darken in light to a rich golden or coppery brown. Grain is generally interlocked with a medium‑coarse texture; lighter sapwood can appear at edges. Select grades give a cleaner face; character grades show small pin knots and lively figure.
2. Strength, hardness & stability
On the Janka scale iroko sits around 1,260 lbf, similar to oak, so it stands up well to everyday knocks. Its natural oils help resist moisture and fungal attack, making it a smart choice near sinks and hobs. Like any hardwood, it moves with seasonal humidity, so allow ventilation and expansion gaps.
3. Workability & finishing
Iroko machines well, though interlocked grain can tear if cutters are dull, and mineral content may blunt tools faster than usual. The oily surface finishes beautifully with hardwax oils; for gluing or heavy finishes, wipe with solvent before bonding to ensure strong adhesion.
Pros and Cons of Iroko Wood
Advantages of Iroko Wood
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Naturally oily, highly durable and moisture‑resistant
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Ideal around wet areas; excellent for kitchen worktops
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Hard‑wearing yet workable with standard tools
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Ages from yellow‑brown to a handsome golden/copper tone
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Lower maintenance than many pale hardwoods
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Great value as a teak‑like option
Disadvantages of Iroko Wood
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Interlocked grain can cause tear‑out if tools are blunt
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Oily surface may need solvent wipe before gluing or finishing
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Mineral deposits can dull cutters quicker than oak or maple
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Colour variation between boards requires careful selection
Pros and Cons of Iroko Wood
Advantages of Iroko Wood
-
Naturally oily, highly durable and moisture‑resistant
-
Ideal around wet areas; excellent for kitchen worktops
-
Hard‑wearing yet workable with standard tools
-
Ages from yellow‑brown to a handsome golden/copper tone
-
Lower maintenance than many pale hardwoods
-
Great value as a teak‑like option
Disadvantages of Iroko Wood
-
Interlocked grain can cause tear‑out if tools are blunt
-
Oily surface may need solvent wipe before gluing or finishing
-
Mineral deposits can dull cutters quicker than oak or maple
-
Colour variation between boards requires careful selection
Best Uses of Iroko Wood in the House
1. Iroko wood for kitchen worktops
Iroko worktops bring warm colour and practical performance to busy kitchens. The timber’s natural oils resist splashes, making upkeep straightforward. Simply oil generously at first, then top up as required. Planning a project? Explore our iroko worktops for sizes, grades and finishing advice.
2. Furniture, flooring & joinery
Beyond worktops, iroko suits dining tables, utility benches, window boards and exterior‑adjacent joinery. On floors, it delivers a distinctive golden tone that hides day‑to‑day scuffs better than very pale species.
Best Uses of Iroko Wood in the House
1. Iroko wood for kitchen worktops
Iroko worktops bring warm colour and practical performance to busy kitchens. The timber’s natural oils resist splashes, making upkeep straightforward. Simply oil generously at first, then top up as required. Planning a project? Explore our iroko worktops for sizes, grades and finishing advice.
2. Furniture, flooring & joinery
Beyond worktops, iroko suits dining tables, utility benches, window boards and exterior‑adjacent joinery. On floors, it delivers a distinctive golden tone that hides day‑to‑day scuffs better than very pale species.
Iroko Wood Care & FAQs
Is Iroko Durable For Busy Kitchens?
Yes. With correct installation, stable indoor humidity and periodic oiling, iroko stands up to family life. Use trivets for hot pans and chopping boards for knives to protect the finish.
How Do You Maintain An Iroko Worktop?
Oil generously before first use (several coats until the surface is saturated). In the first few months, re‑oil more often; afterwards, top up when water stops beading or the surface looks dry. Around sinks and dishwashers, add extra coats and wipe spills promptly.
Is Iroko Sustainable and Available?
Iroko is sourced from West and Central Africa. Choose FSC‑ or PEFC‑certified material and reputable suppliers to ensure legal, responsibly managed harvesting. Certification provides traceability and supports long‑term forest health.
Does Iroko Change Colour Over Time?
Yes. Fresh, yellow‑brown boards mellow to a deeper golden or coppery brown with exposure to light and regular oiling, developing a rich, even patina.
How Does Iroko Compare to Oak For Worktops?
Iroko is naturally oilier and more moisture‑resistant, making it excellent near sinks. Oak is a touch more traditional in appearance with visible ray fleck. If you prefer a classic golden look, you might also consider oak worktops.
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