Clicky

Iroko - The Blean
Shopping Cart

Iroko

What is Iroko Wood?

Iroko Wood

Iroko Wood is a unique material used in furniture and other products. The tree belongs to the genus Milicia and family Moraceae, and is widespread in tropical Central Africa. It is also known as iroko, intule, tule, and African teak. Its name stems from its native African habitat. During the early 1700s, the Iroko tree was known as the “African teak” tree.

Iroko tree

The iroko tree, also known as the intule and tule, is a species of the Milicia excelsa family of trees. It grows throughout tropical Central Africa. This species is one of two species of African teak. It is the most widely planted tropical tree in the world. Here are some facts about this tropical tree. Its name comes from the Portuguese word iroko, which means “little teak.”

The iroko tree produces an attractive timber that is sometimes referred to as “African teak”. It is highly valued for woodworking, especially as it resembles the beauty of teak wood. This tropical tree converts sunlight into stone through photosynthesis, which begins with the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air. Carbon is then converted into carbohydrates. Most plants release carbon dioxide when they decompose, so the iroko tree also releases carbon during the decomposition process.

Properties of Iroko wood

The characteristics of Iroko wood make it a valuable material for furniture, boat building, and construction projects. This medium-hard exotic wood has a light to medium-brown color and is relatively durable, as well as being resistant to decay and insect attacks. Its moderately coarse texture and good dimensional stability make it suitable for many common joinery tasks. Although a high-gloss finish is not possible in raw Iroko, it can be brought to a high gloss finish after filling.

The properties of Iroko wood make it an excellent choice for exterior building applications. It is also a desirable choice for interior design projects such as cabinets and mouldings. Due to its beautiful appearance, Iroko is frequently used in building construction, but is also suitable for interior applications. Some processing methods make Iroko look even more beautiful. In addition to furniture, Iroko is also a popular choice for cabinetry, especially in kitchen cabinets, where it is extremely durable. However, in humid environments, Iroko is susceptible to rotting, which is why it is not recommended for use in these applications.

Cost of Iroko wood

Iroko wood is an extremely durable tropical African hardwood that varies in colour from pale to golden brown. The wood’s texture and interlocking grain make it a favorite among furniture designers. This type of wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is also naturally resistant to insects and rot. The wood is easy to work with but can tear out when planing. However, fine sanding can remedy this problem. In addition to being extremely durable, iroko is also easy to work with. It responds well to nails, screws, and glues.

Although not listed in the CITES Appendices, Iroko is still considered a valuable resource and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Consequently, it is often used to replace Teak in projects, as it has similar characteristics and a moderate price. As a wood, Iroko is used in furniture, boatbuilding, veneer, and cabinetry. Its hardness and durability makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of wood products and can be found at a moderate price.