Wholesale African Iroko Wood: The Complete Guide for Exterior and Marine Use

When your project needs a hardwood that combines attractive appearance with excellent natural resistance to weather and moisture, choosing the right wood is important.

African Iroko (Milicia excelsa / Milicia regia), often known as African Teak, is widely used for demanding exterior, marine, and architectural applications. With a Janka hardness rating of approximately 1,260 lbf (5,600 N) and good dimensional stability, African Iroko offers many of the qualities buyers look for in teak at a more accessible price.

Sourcing wood that is consistently high quality, properly dried, and legally harvested can be difficult for commercial buyers and professional woodworkers. We make the process easier by supplying African Iroko wood directly from our warehouse, with certified timber available for delivery to your port, workshop, manufacturing facility, or job site.

Whether your project requires exterior cladding, luxury boat work, custom outdoor furniture, architectural joinery, or durable decking, our supply network can accommodate your required sizes and quantities.

Technical Information on African Iroko Wood

Understanding the physical properties of timber helps ensure that the selected wood meets the requirements of an exterior, marine, or structural project.

African Iroko offers a strong combination of hardness, density, strength, and dimensional stability.

Property	Technical Information	Engineering Reference
Scientific Name	Milicia excelsa / Milicia regia	African Iroko / Kambala
Janka Hardness	1,260 lbf (5,600 N)	Strong; similar to White Oak
Air-Dried Density	41–43 lbs/ft³ (660–690 kg/m³)	High density and good strength-to-weight ratio
Modulus of Rupture	12,700 psi (87.6 MPa)	Good resistance to bending and sagging
Compressive Strength	7,900 psi (54.5 MPa)	Good resistance to heavy loads
Radial Shrinkage	2.8%	Very low movement with environmental changes
Tangential Shrinkage	3.8%	Very good dimensional stability outdoors

When you order from our stock, each board is checked for moisture content and visually inspected to help ensure consistent quality and reduce movement after installation.

Why Woodworkers and Builders Choose African Iroko

African Iroko is a versatile hardwood for exterior and marine applications. The natural oils found in African Iroko help protect the wood against moisture, decay, and outdoor exposure.

Key Benefits of African Iroko

• Excellent Weather and Rot Resistance: African Iroko offers natural resistance to decay, fungi, mold, and moisture.
• Good Dimensional Stability: Low shrinkage and expansion make African Iroko suitable for accurate joinery in humid and changing environments.
• Natural Insect Resistance: The dense heartwood provides resistance to termites and other wood-damaging insects.
• Attractive Aging: Freshly cut African Iroko has a warm golden-brown appearance. With outdoor exposure, African Iroko gradually develops a deeper brown or silver-gray appearance.

Buy African Iroko Wood for Exterior and Marine Projects

Why do boat builders, architects, and high-end construction professionals choose African Iroko?

African Iroko offers a useful combination of appearance, durability, stability, and strength that makes the wood suitable for many demanding applications.

When you buy African Iroko wood from our stock, you can order material for applications such as:

1. High-End Exterior Decking and Cladding

African Iroko is suitable for residential and commercial exterior projects. The relatively stable grain helps decking and cladding remain flat and attractive when exposed to sun, rain, and changing temperatures.

2. Boat Building and Marine Joinery

Often used as an alternative to teak, African Iroko performs well in areas exposed to moisture. African Iroko can be used for boat decks, hatches, interior components, trim, and other marine applications.

3. Custom Doors and Windows

The dimensional stability of African Iroko makes the wood suitable for custom doors, window frames, exterior shutters, and other precision joinery that must withstand changing weather conditions.

4. Durable Outdoor Furniture and Seating

Furniture makers use African Iroko for outdoor tables, garden benches, chairs, and other furniture designed for long-term exterior use.

Our Wholesale African Iroko Stock: Sizes, Types, and Specifications

Commercial woodworking and construction projects often require specific dimensions and clean, consistent material. Our warehouse carries standard African Iroko sizes and can also accommodate custom cutting when required.

Available African Iroko Profiles

• S4S Deck Boards: Four sides surfaced with eased or rounded edges, including sizes such as 5/4 × 4″ and 5/4 × 6″, ready for installation.
• Rough-Sawn Boards: 4/4, 6/4, 8/4, and 12/4 thicknesses for custom cutting, furniture, and fine joinery.
• Square Beams: Sizes such as 4×4″ and 6×6″ for exterior structures, covered walkways, entrances, and architectural projects.
• Book-Matched Slabs: Natural-edge slabs for custom outdoor tables, bar tops, counters, and other specialty furniture.

Each board is carefully inspected for heartwood, grain quality, moisture content, and overall condition before shipment.

Wholesale Sizes and Product Availability

Product Type	Standard Sizes	Main Use	Shipping & Packaging
Decking & Cladding	5/4″ × 6″ (21 × 145 mm)	High-end homes, decks, and exterior walls	Bundled, waxed ends, palletized
Joinery Pieces	4/4 (1″) to 12/4 (3″) thickness	Doors, windows, cupboards, and fine joinery	Sold by board foot or cubic meter
Architectural Posts	4×4″ up to 8×8″	Exterior structures and entrances	Wrapped and securely strapped
Live-Edge Slabs	2″ to 4″ thick, custom widths	Custom tables, counters, and bars	Individual boxes or full containers

Buy African Iroko Wood From Our Stock

Why risk project delays with unreliable suppliers or unnecessary middlemen when you can purchase directly from an established source?

We handle the key steps involved in preparing and shipping African Iroko so your project can stay on schedule.

When you buy African Iroko wood through our website, you receive:

• Direct Pricing: Competitive pricing for buyers purchasing directly from our main stock and in larger quantities.
• Proper Drying: Joinery-grade African Iroko is dried to approximately 6%–8% moisture content.
• Export Support: We manage the required documentation, export procedures, and international shipping arrangements.
• Dedicated Support: Our timber team can assist with quantity calculations, shipping requirements, and detailed cut lists.

Browse our inventory or contact our sales team to place an order or request a custom quotation.

Practical Tips for Working With African Iroko

Working with African Iroko can be rewarding for professional woodworkers and experienced DIY builders. Like many tropical hardwoods, African Iroko has a few characteristics that should be considered before cutting, machining, or gluing.

Interlocked Grain and Surface Tear-Out

African Iroko can have interlocked grain, which may cause tear-out during planing and jointing. Use sharp blades, shallow cuts, and a helical or spiral cutterhead when possible.

Carbide Tools Recommended

African Iroko can contain mineral deposits, including calcium carbonate. Carbide-tipped blades and cutters are recommended for clean cuts and longer tool life.

Proper Gluing Method

African Iroko contains natural oils that can interfere with bonding. Wipe the surfaces with acetone immediately before applying adhesive, following proper safety procedures and the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.

Epoxy and polyurethane adhesives can provide good results when the surfaces are properly prepared.

Dust Safety

African Iroko dust can cause irritation for some workers. Use an effective dust-collection system and wear suitable respiratory protection when sanding, routing, or machining African Iroko.

Working Guide for African Iroko

Shop Activity	Recommended Tools	Machine Settings	Expert Tip
Ripping & Cutting	Carbide blades, 40–60 teeth	Normal to moderate speed	Keep blades clean of natural oils and resin
Planing & Jointing	Helical blades with carbide knives	Small cut depth, up to 1/16″	Follow the grain direction to reduce tear-out
Routing & Shaping	Sharp carbide bits	Steady feed rate	Use sharp bits for cleaner edges and profiles
Finishing & Sealing	Teak oil, marine varnish, or polyurethane	Apply thin, even layers	Prepare and clean the surface before finishing

Buy African Iroko Wood for Responsible Building Projects

Responsible sourcing is important when purchasing tropical hardwood. We work with certified forest managers and established supply chains to support responsible harvesting practices.

When you buy African Iroko wood from our warehouse, you can benefit from a supply process that includes:

• Selective Harvesting: Mature trees are selected while younger trees remain in the forest to continue growing.
• Supply Chain Tracking: Timber can be tracked from the forest through processing and shipment.
• Responsible Export Practices: We follow applicable environmental and international timber-trade requirements.

Buying responsibly sourced African Iroko helps support managed forests and long-term timber availability.

Order Custom African Iroko Sizes for Your Project

Standard lumber sizes do not always match project drawings. If your project requires non-standard dimensions, special profiles, or custom milling, we can help.

Contractors can order African Iroko wood cut to specific requirements, including:

• Custom Building Posts: Long timber pieces cut according to project specifications.
• Custom Exterior Panels: Panels prepared for installation with tongue-and-groove or other profiles.
• End-Sealed Timber: End-grain coating applied to help reduce checking and cracking during transportation.

Send your required dimensions and quantities to our team for a clear quotation.

Buy African Iroko Wood for Commercial Projects

Commercial projects require materials that combine attractive appearance with durability and resistance to heavy use and weather.

African Iroko provides a practical combination of appearance, strength, stability, and exterior durability.

Why Commercial Buyers Choose African Iroko

• More Affordable Than Teak: African Iroko provides many similar qualities to teak while generally costing less.
• Low Maintenance: African Iroko can be allowed to weather naturally to a silver-gray color or treated to maintain a warmer brown appearance.
• Works Well With Finishes: African Iroko can accept suitable oils, varnishes, and other finishes when the surface is properly prepared.

Using African Iroko for exterior projects can provide a durable material with a natural, attractive appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About African Iroko

Is African Iroko a replacement for Teak?

African Iroko is often called African Teak because African Iroko offers good resistance to decay, natural oils, and suitable density for many of the same applications.

African Iroko is generally more affordable and more widely available than genuine teak, although the two woods are not identical.

How does African Iroko handle weather without a finish?

When left unfinished outdoors, African Iroko gradually changes from its original golden-brown color to a silver-gray appearance. Properly maintained African Iroko can retain good exterior durability during this process.

Can I buy African Iroko wood in custom sizes?

Yes. We maintain standard sizes in stock and can also supply custom-cut decking, thick boards, beams, and other dimensions for commercial and specialty projects.

How is African Iroko packaged for ocean shipping?

African Iroko can be sealed at the ends to help reduce rapid moisture loss, securely strapped onto pallets, and wrapped in protective material to reduce the risk of damage during transportation.

What finish works best on African Iroko decks and furniture?

Penetrating oils, teak oils, marine varnishes, and other suitable exterior finishes can be used depending on the desired appearance and application.

For glued joints, properly preparing the surface and wiping away excess natural oils before applying adhesive can improve bonding.

Get African Iroko Wood for Your Next Project

Do not compromise your project with unsuitable wood or unreliable suppliers. When your project requires attractive hardwood with good strength, dimensional stability, and natural resistance to decay, African Iroko is a practical choice.

Buy African Iroko wood directly from our warehouse and request the sizes and quantities required for your project.

Browse our inventory or contact our sales team today for a custom quotation.