You may not be familiar with Iroko, but it’s easily one of the best woods you can use for projects that need to last for an indefinite amount of time, and it can blend in seamlessly with modern décor styles.
If you’re a little hesitant about hopping on the Iroko bandwagon, here are three key benefits you should take into account before you pass on it.
Long-Lasting and Durable
One of the most important benefits of using Iroko wood is that it’s insanely durable. The grain of the Iroko tree is denser than that of similar options, and this prevents it from rotting easily; even if it’s untreated. This makes the most of your initial investment and ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy the results of your project for years to come. In many cases, it even produces heirloom-quality results that can be passed down for generations.
The high durability of Iroko also goes for its wear resistance. When used for flooring or other surfaces, it’s highly unlikely to become scratched or chipped unless you abuse it and refuse to maintain it. This removes much of the maintenance work involved with lesser quality woods.
However, Iroko is highly susceptible to watermarks when it’s left untreated. This doesn’t affect its performance much, but it does lower its lifespan and greatly decrease its visual appeal. Take the time to properly seal it if you want to get the most out of your investment.
High Strength
Iroko is very similar to Teak. It can be used for specific structural projects and perform admirably due to its high strength. This makes it great for heavy-duty tables, certain construction projects such as decks and patios, and other projects that require a heftier wood to provide a reliable result.
This strength drops off quite a bit around its side grain; greatly lowering its compression and bending resistance when heavy loads are placed on its sides, but that is easily worked around for most projects it’s suitable for.
Given its fair price, this makes Iroko a prime choice for high-strength projects when you need to work within a budget, and you won’t have to worry about potentially dangerous trade-offs for the lower price.
Price
The most attractive benefit of Iroko over comparable woods is its price. Iroko is a tree that is found in abundance along with the cost of West Africa. Due to its abundance and the lower cost of labor in the region, Iroko consistently maintains an affordable price despite all the benefits it brings to the table.
For example, Iroko generally costs about $12.99 per board foot, and you get the cream of the crop for that price. In comparison, its closest relative Teak can cost as much as $41 per board foot if you want the highest quality pieces for your project. For very small projects such as hand-crafted boxes, Teak’s price tag isn’t too extravagant. However, Iroko is the better option for everything from furniture to full-blown pool decks. The slight drop-off in performance is well-worth the savings and hardly recognizable.
Hop on the Iroko Bandwagon, Today
Iroko gives you the benefits of Teak and other similar woods at a fraction of the cost, and it’s commonly available. For 99% of projects, Iroko will not only meet your needs but exceed them while hitting your wallet too hard. Don’t let this lesser-known wood slip under your radar. Pick some up for your next project, today.
