Iroko

Technical data

Botanical name

Milicia excelsa, Milicia regia (Moraceae)

Other names

Odum, Mvule, Abang, Kambala, Moreira

Density (12 % MC)

≈ 640 kg/m³ (550–750)

Durability (EN 350)

1–2 (very durable – durable)

Drying

Kiln-dried, target moisture 8–12 %

Grade

FAS (First and Seconds)

Origin

West and Central Africa

Forms

Sawn timber (kiln-dried), Squared logs, Round logs

Sizes

Timber: 27, 34, 41, 52, 65, 80 and 100 mm thick; 150 mm and wider (random widths); 2.1–5.8 m long. Squared logs: 30–60 cm section, 3–6 m long.

Colour

Yellowish when freshly cut, it darkens to golden and mid brown within weeks of light. Left unoiled outdoors it weathers to silver grey.

Working it

The grain can be interlocked, and occasional calcium carbonate deposits blunt cutters, so tungsten-carbide tooling is advised. The dust can irritate the airways and skin of sensitive people: wear a dust mask. Not recommended in direct ground contact; outdoors, use it in details that shed water.

Uses

• Pool and terrace decking
• Jetties and boat building
• Garden furniture
• Doors, windows and joinery
• Cladding
• Flooring and stair treads