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What is Iroko Hardwood?
Iroko, also known as Kambala, is a tropical hardwood species originating from Africa. The wood mainly comes from two botanical species: Chlorophora regia and Chlorophora excelsa. Iroko is known for its durability, strength, and aesthetic properties, making it a popular choice for various applications, both indoors and outdoors.
Origin
- Chlorophora regia: Found in the wet regions of the West African rainforest, from Gambia to Ghana.
- Chlorophora excelsa: Found in forest types with more leaf loss, from Senegal to Mozambique.
Characteristics of Iroko Hardwood
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color and Texture | The heartwood is golden brown and darkens in the air to dark brown. The sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood has a moderately fine grain and a straight to interlocked grain pattern. |
| Weight | Iroko has an average density of about 650 kg/m³. |
| Durability | The heartwood is durable to very durable (natural durability class I-II). The sapwood is not durable (natural durability class V). |
| Workability | Iroko is easy to work with, both machine and hand tools. With interlocked grain, tear-out may occur, requiring adjusted cutting angles. |
| Finishing | The wood contains water-soluble extractives that can sometimes cause white spots. A sealer is recommended when finishing with water-based products. |
| Drying Characteristics | After cutting, Iroko is stacked in battens and shipped immediately – without drying. It dries fairly quickly but can crack and warp with interlocked grain. |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 94 N/mm² |
| Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 11,000 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength (parallel to grain) | 53 N/mm² |
| Shear Strength | 12.4 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) – Along | 5,600 N |
Applications of Iroko Hardwood
Iroko wood is valued for its durability and aesthetic qualities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications:
- Outdoor Structures: Ideal for decks, cladding, garden furniture, and boat decks due to its weather resistance.
- Interior Joinery: Used for flooring, stairs, and other interior applications.
- Furniture: Both indoor and outdoor furniture is often made from Iroko due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
- Shipbuilding: Used for boat decks and other exposed parts of ships.
- Miscellaneous Joinery: Suitable for windows, doors, bridge railings, and laboratory tables.
Advantages of Iroko Wood
- Excellent Durability: Iroko belongs to the highest durability class, making it suitable for applications exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- Aesthetic Value: The golden brown color and fine grain make Iroko an attractive choice for decorative and visible applications.
- Weather Resistance: Thanks to its natural extractives, Iroko is well resistant to moisture, fungi, and insects.
Disadvantages of Iroko Wood
- Workability: Although Iroko is easy to work with, mineral inclusions can quickly wear out tools.
- Cost: Iroko is often more expensive than other wood species due to its durability and aesthetic qualities.
- Discoloration: Without finishing, Iroko can discolor over time when exposed to light and moisture.
Conclusion
Iroko hardwood is a versatile and durable wood species that is popular for its strength, weather resistance, and attractive appearance. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, from furniture and flooring to cladding and boat decks. While working with Iroko may present some challenges, the benefits make it a valuable investment for high-quality and long-lasting projects.