Sapele rough sawn lumber
Warm reddish-brown alternative with furniture and millwork appeal.
View optionIroko Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Iroko is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameMilicia excelsa and M.
Janka hardness1,190 lbf
Average dried weight41.2 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned items
Overview
Why choose Iroko?
Iroko is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Tropical Africa. Common uses include turned items, boatbuilding, cabinetry, furniture, flooring, veneer, plus other small specialty pieces.
Scientific nameMilicia excelsa and M.
DistributionTropical Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 3.3%, Tangential: 4.8%, Volumetric: 8.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.5 More images | Identification
DurabilityVery durable, iroko resists both rot and insects. It is sometimes used in place of true teak (Tectona grandis).
Iroko colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is usually yellow, golden or medium brown, and it tends to darken with time. The pale yellow sapwood is sharply set apart from the heartwood.
Interlocked and at times irregular grain, with a medium to coarse texture and good natural sheen. Bare surfaces can feel greasy or oily.
Working notes
It is generally easy to work, except that the interlocked grain can cause some tearout when surfacing. Calcium carbonate deposits are sometimes present and can dull cutters badly.
Serious reactions are rare, but iroko is a known sensitizer in some people.
Iroko should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Iroko
Best projects
Common uses include turned items, boatbuilding, cabinetry, furniture, flooring, veneer, plus other small specialty pieces.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Iroko from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Cherry lumber collection
Domestic warm-colour alternative when the customer wants easier sourcing and workability.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Iroko FAQ
What is Iroko best used for?
Common uses include turned items, boatbuilding, cabinetry, furniture, flooring, veneer, plus other small specialty pieces. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Iroko beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Iroko?
The buying section on this page links to any Iroko Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.