Iroko is a very tough, durable wood that has been traditionally
used in a multitude of applications in its native Africa. Its
golden to medium brown color, course texture and interlocked grains
give it an appearance very similar to that of Teak; although it is
significantly less dense, it has been utilized in Africa in many of
the same functions / duties that Teak has in other parts of the
world. Despite its toughness (and interlocked grains), it is
generally not difficult to work; it glues and finishes
well.
Working properties for hand and machine tools are generally good
but variable; the interlocked grain may hamper sawing and planing.
The wood is rather abrasive due to the presence of hard deposits
(iroko stones, mainly consisting of calcium carbonate), which can
blunt cutting edges. Tearing in planing can be avoided by using
cutting angles of 15° or less. The wood has good nailing, screwing,
mortising and gluing properties and turns easily. It finishes well,
but filler is needed.
