Iroko decking is one of the most popular hardwood decks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and it is easy to see why. Iroko is durable outdoors, stable when wet and dry, comfortable underfoot and good-looking, with a golden-brown colour that resembles teak. It costs much less than teak and is easier to work than the very heavy decking species. Homeowners, landscapers, hotels and restaurants choose iroko decking when they want a natural, long-lasting deck that feels refined rather than industrial.
In this guide we cover iroko’s properties as a decking timber, standard board sizes and profiles, prices per cubic metre and per square metre, how the colour changes, installation and maintenance tips, and how iroko compares with teak, tali and composite decking. At Global Timber Trade Hub we supply kiln-dried iroko decking sawn and profiled in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
In short
- Iroko is durable, stable and comfortable underfoot, often called African teak.
- Common boards are 21–28 mm thick and 120–145 mm wide.
- Kiln-dried iroko decking starts from about $1,150 per m³ FOB.
- That is roughly $26–30 per m² FOB in board value for 21 mm boards.
- Its golden colour darkens, then weathers to silver-grey if left unoiled.
- It is not CITES listed, so supply and paperwork are straightforward.
Why choose iroko for a deck?
Iroko combines several qualities that matter on a deck. Its heartwood is naturally durable, resisting rot and most insects without chemical treatment. It is very stable, so boards stay flat and gaps stay even as the weather changes. It has a smooth surface with few splinters, which makes it comfortable for bare feet and children. And it looks warm and natural, with a colour that suits gardens, terraces and pool areas. Compared with the densest decking species, iroko is lighter, easier to cut and fix, and kinder to tools, which lowers installation time.
For many projects, iroko sits in the sweet spot between economy and luxury: more refined and stable than tali or okan, more affordable than doussie or afrormosia, and far cheaper than teak.
Iroko decking at a glance
| Property | Iroko |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Milicia excelsa, Milicia regia |
| Colour | Yellow-brown, darkens to golden brown |
| Density (dry) | about 640–700 kg/m³ |
| Durability | Durable to very durable |
| Stability | Very good |
| From (USD/m³, FOB, KD decking) | $1,150 |
Standard board sizes and profiles
- Thickness: 21 mm for residential decks on close joists; 25–28 mm for wider spans and commercial use.
- Width: 90, 120 or 145 mm; narrower boards move less.
- Length: random lengths, typically from 1.8 m up to 4.5 m or more.
- Profiles: smooth both sides, smooth with fine ribs, or grooved anti-slip.
- Edges: eased or rounded edges for comfort; some profiles accept hidden clips.
For barefoot areas, smooth or fine-ribbed profiles are more comfortable than deep grooves. See our best wood for pool deck guide.
Iroko decking price
Kiln-dried, profiled iroko decking starts from about $1,150 per m³ FOB. For 21 × 145 mm boards laid with gaps of about 5 mm, one cubic metre covers roughly 40–45 m² after cutting waste, so the board cost is around $26–30 per m² FOB. Thicker boards cover less area per cubic metre and cost more per square metre. Add joists, fixings, freight, duties and installation to get the full project cost. See our hardwood decking cost and iroko wood price guides.
Colour change and weathering
Freshly machined iroko is pale yellow-brown, sometimes with lighter and darker bands. Within weeks of sun exposure it darkens to a warm golden brown, close to teak. If left unoiled, it then weathers over a year or two to an even silver-grey, which many owners like. To keep the golden colour, apply a UV-protective decking oil once or twice a year. In its first months, iroko can release some coloured extractives in the rain, which may stain light paving below, so protect pale stone or wash it regularly at first.
Iroko vs teak decking
Teak is the benchmark for luxury decks and yachts, but it is very expensive and supply of high-quality teak is limited. Iroko gives a similar colour, very good durability and excellent stability at a fraction of the price. It is a little coarser in texture and lacks teak’s natural oily feel, but on a garden or terrace deck most people cannot tell the difference after a few months of weathering. See iroko vs teak.
Iroko vs tali and okan
Tali and okan are denser, harder and often cheaper per cubic metre, which makes them strong choices for public boardwalks and heavy commercial decks. Iroko is lighter, more stable, smoother and easier to install, which suits homes, hotels and pool areas. Many projects use tali or okan for heavy-use walkways and iroko for terraces where people sit and walk barefoot. See our tali wood price and okan wood price guides.
Iroko vs composite
Composite decks need little routine care but can get hot in the sun and cannot be sanded back to new. Iroko stays cooler, feels natural and can be refreshed by sanding and oiling. Premium composite often costs about as much as iroko. See hardwood vs composite decking.
Installation tips
- Joists: use durable hardwood or aluminium joists, spaced around 400–500 mm for 21 mm boards.
- Ventilation: leave at least 100–150 mm of airflow under the deck.
- Gaps: leave 5–8 mm between boards for drainage and movement.
- Fixings: stainless steel screws, pre-drilled and countersunk, or hidden clip systems.
- End grain: seal cut ends to reduce checking.
- Acclimatise: store boards on site, covered and stickered, for a few days before laying.
Maintenance
Iroko decks need very little maintenance. Brush and wash the deck a couple of times a year to remove dirt, leaves and algae. If you want to keep the golden colour, clean and oil once or twice a year. If you prefer silver-grey, simply clean it. Avoid high-pressure washers, which raise the grain. After several years, a light sanding and fresh oil can make an iroko deck look almost new.
Health and safety when cutting
Iroko dust is a known irritant and sensitiser for some people. Cut boards outdoors where possible, use dust extraction or a vacuum on saws, wear a good dust mask and gloves, and clean up dust rather than sweeping it into the air.
Legal status
Iroko is not CITES listed. EU buyers must meet due diligence and EU deforestation regulation requirements, and US buyers must comply with the Lacey Act. We provide legal origin documents with each shipment. See our sustainability page.
A worked example for a hotel terrace
Imagine a coastal hotel replacing a tired softwood terrace around its restaurant and pool, about 250 square metres in total. Guests walk barefoot near the pool and in shoes around the restaurant tables, and the deck must look good all year with minimal closures for maintenance. The designer chooses 25 × 145 mm iroko boards with a smooth face for the pool area and a fine-ribbed face for the restaurant, on aluminium joists with good ventilation. The total decking volume is around seven to eight cubic metres, which fits easily in a mixed container with joinery timber for the hotel’s other projects. The hotel decides to let the deck weather to silver-grey near the pool, where oil might make surfaces slippery, and to oil the restaurant area once a year to keep a warmer tone. Because iroko is stable and smooth, complaints about splinters disappear, and the deck needs only regular cleaning. The upfront cost is higher than replacing it with softwood, but the hotel avoids closing the terrace every few years.
Ordering iroko decking
When you request a quote, tell us the board thickness and width, profile, total deck area or volume, any fixed lengths, whether you need matching fascia boards, stair treads or joists, and your destination port. We will calculate the volume with a sensible waste allowance and quote FOB or CIF. For larger projects, ask for a sample board first, so you can check the profile and colour.
Lead times and payment
Kiln-dried iroko decking is usually ready to load in 5–8 weeks. For spring and summer projects in Europe, order in winter to avoid the seasonal rush. For first orders, a letter of credit or a deposit with balance against copy documents keeps both sides protected. See our letter of credit for timber guide.
Matching fascias, steps and furniture
A deck looks best when the edges, steps and nearby furniture match. Iroko is available in thicker sections for stair treads, fascia boards, planters and benches, so the whole terrace can be built in one species with a consistent colour. Ordering these parts with your decking, from the same parcel, gives the best colour match and saves freight. See our best wood for outdoor furniture guide for matching garden pieces.
Common mistakes
- No ventilation under the deck: boards cup and decay faster.
- Plain steel screws: they rust and stain the wood.
- Not protecting pale paving: early extractive bleed can stain.
- Deep grooves around pools: uncomfortable for bare feet.
Our honest advice
Iroko decking gives you a teak-like, durable, stable and comfortable deck at a sensible price. Choose a smooth or fine-ribbed profile, build on a ventilated, durable frame, use stainless fixings and decide early whether you want to oil it or let it weather. For heavy public walkways, consider tali or okan; for premium pool and yacht decks, doussie.
Sources
Related guides
- Best hardwood for decking
- Bilinga vs iroko
- Ipe alternatives
- Heavy construction and marine timber
- Buy iroko wood
Frequently asked questions about iroko decking
How long does iroko decking last?
With good ventilation and installation, often 25 years or more.
How much is iroko decking per square metre?
Roughly $26–30 per m² FOB in board value for 21 mm boards, before freight and installation.
Does iroko decking need oiling?
Only if you want to keep the golden colour; otherwise it weathers to silver-grey.
Is iroko decking good around pools?
Yes. It is stable, smooth and comfortable for bare feet.
Get an iroko decking price
Send us your board size, profile, deck area and destination through our quote form. We will reply with a firm price and lead time.