Iroko
[I-ro-ko-]; [Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia]; Kambala (COG, BE); Iroko (CI, D, FR, NL); Abang (CM, GA, GN); Odum (GH)
|
Origin |
from all African forest countries |
|
Raw density |
0.55-0.65-0.75 g/cm³ |
|
Durability class |
1-2 |
|
Radial shrinkage |
0,13-0,19% |
|
Tangential shrinkage |
0,25-0,28 % |
|
Wood color |
golden brown |
|
Wood structure |
coarse-pored |
|
Use |
Exterior construction |
Iroko, also known as Kambala, refers to both Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia from the Moraceae family. This construction timber is only imported into the EU in small quantities due to its limited availability. The Milicia species are large trees with simple, pinnately-veined leaves that are alternate and arranged in two rows. The flowers are arranged in axillary, spike-like inflorescences, with male flowers having four stamens and female flowers having clearly recognizable stigmas. The drupes are fleshy and greenish. Iroko/Kambala is one of the most widespread types of wood in Africa and is valued for its technical properties, especially in exterior construction.
However, hardly any wood from FSC®-certified forestry is available. Large parts of the savannah forest, for example, have been destroyed as a result of the extensive harvesting and use of this type of wood.
Iroko is also characterized by its golden-brown wood with a yellowish-white sapwood. The heartwood varies from yellowish to greenish and darkens to a golden-olive brown to chocolate brown tone. The grain can be straight or alternately twisted, resulting in a matt, decorative texture. The coarse-pored wood with conspicuous eye-shaped storage tissue is easy to work, but shows possible fiber tears with strong alternating twist growth. Iroko is suitable for exterior construction thanks to its high natural durability, both with and without ground contact. It is used in landscaping, for garden furniture, children’s play equipment, windows, doors, conservatories, stairs, parquet flooring, furniture and even in shipbuilding. The wood is resistant to wood-destroying fungi and insects.
Sources: Holz-ABC GD Wood, Tropix, Wikipedia
from 6,60 €
Cumaru decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 70 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant
Disadvantages: ✗ Partly rough surface ✗ High force development
Tip: Sand the boards after the first weathering.
from 9,10 €
Cumaru decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 70 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant
Disadvantages: ✗ Partly rough surface ✗ High force development
Tip: Sand the boards after the first weathering.
from 11,85 €
Cumaru decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 70 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant
Disadvantages: ✗ Partly rough surface ✗ High force development
Tip: Sand the boards after the first weathering.
from 9,10 €
Garapa decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 65 per m2, resistance class: 1-2
Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ homogeneous, light color
Disadvantages: ✗ Ferrous materials lead to discoloration ✗ Tendency to warp if not screwed down
Tip: patio cleaning removes discoloration and
professional interim storage prevents warping.
from 9,80 €
Garapa decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 65 per m2, resistance class: 1-2
Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ homogeneous, light color
Disadvantages: ✗ Ferrous materials lead to discoloration ✗ Tendency to warp if not screwed down
Tip: patio cleaning removes discoloration and
professional interim storage prevents warping.
from 9,10 €
Jatoba decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 65 per m2, resistance class: 1-2
Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ strong color and grain
Disadvantages:✗Unoiled tends to crack ✗ Colored ingredients wash out
Tip: Clean and oil decking boards after installation.
from 2,95 €
Teak decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 130 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages: ✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracking and splintering
Disadvantages: ✗ Relatively expensive ✗ Not very long planks
Tip: Lay decking boards together.
from 13,25 €
Teak decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 130 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages: ✓ long teak planks up to 390cm long ✓ best durability and dimensional stability ✓ lowest risk of cracking and splintering
Disadvantages: ✗ Changing grain due to finger-jointing
Tip: Optical transitions of the finger-jointing fade when exposed to weathering.
from 5,45 €
Teak decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: € 130 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages: ✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracking and splintering
Disadvantages: ✗ Relatively expensive ✗ Not very long planks
Tip: Lay decking boards together.
