Fritz Kohl Furnierwerk

Iroko

Chlorophora excelsa

Trade Names

Iroko, Kambala, African Teak

Latin Names

Chlorophora excelsa

Similar to

Teak, Doussie

Origin

West, Central and East Africa

Range

West and Central Africa, e.g. in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon etc.. Here, trees are partly growing in the tropical lower rain forests. Most frequently, however, Iroko is native to the tropical, semi-deciduous rain forests and tropical, humid, rain-green forests.

Uses

In its countries of origin, Iroko is used as construction wood in boatbuilding and for furniture. Due to its abundance, Iroko rather ranks among the low-priced veneers and is consequently used and demanded more often in price-sensitive countries. Rather insigni cant as veneer in Europe. Nevertheless, it is often used for parquet ooring and outdoor terraces because of its durability.

Properties

The consistently yellowish brown wood is not very decorative, however, has good dimensions and widths. Very resistant to pest-infestation, however, as opposed to real teak, not entirely. The saw dust of Iroko is considered to be deleterious, in England even as carcinogenic.

Machining

This wood species can be worked well. Due to mineral inclusions in the pores, carbide tipped tools have to be used, otherwise tools become dull quickly. Iroko can, however, be sliced, grinded and planed easily. Moreover, it is well-suited for turning. Pre-drilling of screw and nail joints is recommended

Seasoning

Iroko can be kiln-dried without dif culty. Nonetheless, same should be carried out carefully. The wood shows an excellent stability and only a slight tendency to check and warp.

Finishing

Surface treatment with lacquers is complicated. Repeatedly, varnish irregularities occur. Therefore, it is recommended to pre-clean the surface with nitro thinner and to possibly apply barrier layers.

Jointing

Gluing is partly dif cult as there are thyloses and inclusions in the wood and, therefore, glue cannot be absorbed properly. Preferably, synthetic adhesives are to be used.

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