Iroko Lumber in Houston – Overview

Specifications

Thicknesses (Commonly Stocked at Houston Hardwoods in): 4/4. We also offer custom milling to your exact specifications (e.g., 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, or other custom dimensions), as well as various options including S4S, S2S, S2S1E, and SLR1E.
Species: Milicia excelsa or Milicia regia
Hardness (Janka): 1,260 lbf
Color: Heartwood is typically yellow to golden-brown, darkening to a medium to dark brown over time with exposure to light. Sapwood is pale yellow and distinct.
Grain: Usually interlocked, sometimes straight. Coarse texture with a medium natural luster.
Workability: Generally good, but the presence of silica can rapidly dull tools. Requires sharp, often carbide-tipped tools. Glues and finishes well, though filling open grain might be desired for a perfectly smooth surface.
Common Uses in Houston: Outdoor furniture, boat building, exterior trim, cabinetry, and other heavy construction.

What Makes Iroko Unique

Iroko is often referred to as “African Teak” due to its similar appearance and exceptional natural durability, particularly in outdoor applications. While not botanically related to teak, it shares many of its prized characteristics, including resistance to rot, insects, and moisture, making it an outstanding choice for demanding environments. Its warm golden-brown color develops a rich patina over time, echoing the timeless appeal of more expensive tropical hardwoods. Iroko’s robust nature and attractive grain make it a versatile material for both exterior projects and interior pieces where longevity and a natural aesthetic are highly valued.

Why Choose Iroko

Exceptional Natural Durability: Highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack, making it one of the best choices for outdoor and marine applications.
Stable and Reliable: Once properly seasoned, Iroko is known for its excellent dimensional stability, resisting warping and movement, even in fluctuating climates.
Attractive Appearance: Its initial golden-brown color deepens beautifully with age and sunlight, developing a rich, appealing patina.
Good Workability (with caveats): Despite its density and silica content, it can be worked relatively well with appropriate tools, and it finishes smoothly.
Value for Performance: Offers comparable performance and aesthetic to teak but often at a more accessible price point, making it a smart investment for durable projects.

Why You Might Not Choose Iroko

High Silica Content: The presence of silica in the wood means it will rapidly dull cutting edges, requiring frequent resharpening or the use of carbide-tipped tools. This can increase processing time and cost for Houston woodshops.
Interlocked Grain Challenges: Its often interlocked grain can lead to tearout during planing or jointing, especially if tools are not perfectly sharp or feed rates are too fast.
Color Variation and Changes: While it develops a nice patina, the initial color can be quite varied, and the final aged color may not be uniform across all pieces.
Potential for Allergic Reactions: The sawdust can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or asthma-like symptoms in some individuals. Adequate dust collection and personal protective equipment are crucial in Houston workshops.

Iroko in the Houston Climate

Acclimation for Best Results

Iroko is an exceptional choice for Houston’s humid climate, particularly for outdoor applications where its natural resistance truly shines. For interior projects, however, like all quality hardwoods, it needs to properly settle into indoor conditions before being worked. Our high humidity (often 70-90%) and sudden temperature shifts make this acclimation step vital to ensure the wood remains stable and prevents issues like warping or cracking in your finished pieces, especially those intended for precision or fine craftsmanship.

Ideal for Outdoor & Marine Projects

This wood is a fantastic choice for both interior and exterior projects across Houston. Its renowned natural durability and resistance to moisture make it perfect for outdoor furniture on patios in The Woodlands, boat components for Galveston Bay enthusiasts, or sturdy exterior trim on homes in Seabrook. Indoors, it’s a robust option for custom cabinetry in high-traffic areas or built-ins in humid spaces like pool houses in Sugar Land. Its ability to withstand the intense Houston sun and frequent rains makes it a reliable material for long-lasting outdoor investments.

Color and Grain Stability

The golden-brown tones of Iroko will gracefully mature and darken with age and exposure to Houston’s abundant sunlight, developing a beautiful, rich patina that is highly prized. This natural color evolution adds warmth and character over time. The typically interlocked grain provides good overall stability. While its texture is coarse, applying a high-quality finish will protect its appearance and enhance its natural luster, ensuring your Iroko projects remain durable and visually appealing in the diverse conditions of a Houston environment.

Popular Iroko Applications in Houston

Iroko’s impressive natural durability and appealing aesthetic make it a favored material among Houston’s custom furniture makers, boat builders, and homeowners seeking robust and beautiful wood for both interior and demanding exterior applications. Its resistance to the elements is particularly valued in our climate.

Popular Applications Include:

Outdoor Furniture: Crafting durable and long-lasting patio sets, benches, and outdoor dining tables that can withstand Houston’s humidity and sun, popular in master-planned communities like Cinco Ranch.
Boat Building and Marine Applications: Highly sought after for boat decking, cabin soles, and various marine components due to its excellent resistance to water and rot, a common choice for vessels docked in Clear Lake.
Exterior Trim and Siding: Used for durable fascia, soffits, window frames, and exterior cladding that stands up to the elements, seen on custom homes throughout the city.
High-Traffic Interior Cabinetry: A robust choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, or custom built-ins where durability and resistance to moisture are beneficial, particularly in humid areas of the home.
Fencing and Gates: Employed for robust and naturally resistant outdoor structures that require minimal maintenance.
Garden Planters and Raised Beds: Ideal for outdoor planters where constant moisture exposure is a factor.

Current Design Trends Featuring Iroko:

Resort-Style Outdoor Living: Essential for creating durable and elegant outdoor spaces that mimic luxury resorts, common in larger Houston properties.
Natural and Sustainable Aesthetics: Fits well into designs that emphasize natural materials and long-term durability.
Coastal and Modern Farmhouse Styles: Its warm tones and robust nature complement popular design trends in areas like Galveston and rural outskirts.
Durable Commercial Millwork: Utilized in commercial spaces like restaurants or hotels for bar tops, paneling, or outdoor seating that require resilience.

Looking for Iroko for Your Next Project?

We stock this incredibly durable and versatile wood in 4/4 thickness, perfect for your demanding exterior projects or robust interior creations. Whether you’re building lasting outdoor furniture, working on a marine project, or crafting durable cabinetry, our team is here to help you pick the right material.

Visit Houston Hardwoods or contact us to check availability, request a quote, or discuss your project plans.