The Lodge At Pur Due

Iroko wood is super awesome for your next backyard deck! It’s not just pretty to look at, it’s also got some amazing natural powers. And guess what? Having a fancy Iroko deck can make your house worth more! So, if you want to enjoy your outdoor space more and boost your home’s value, Iroko might just be the way to go!

Coming from the forests in coastal West Africa and tropical Central Africa, there’s a tree called Iroko. People sometimes call it ‘African teak’ because it’s so beautiful, strong, and tough, just like teak wood.

Now, let’s dive into learning more about this special type of wood that architects, designers, and people who like to make their homes look nice are interested in.

What makes Iroko so good for decking?

Beauty

When freshly cut, Iroko hardwood, also known scientifically as Milicia excelsa, starts with a yellow color. But as it ages, it transforms into a striking golden brown shade, sometimes with dark streaks.

If you look closely at the wood, you’ll notice the special grain pattern that gives it a sense of uniqueness. Many people consider it a luxurious choice for various projects. What’s great about Iroko is that it’s versatile. It’s bold and exotic enough for some, yet it fits in well with any project without being too flashy.

African hardwoods like Iroko, Sapele, Wenge, Utile, and Zebrano add an intriguing element to your projects and have become quite popular in architectural design circles. They offer something different—a focal point with a wood that’s not only visually captivating but also has an interesting backstory.

Due to their similar color and grain, many people compare Iroko to Teak. Both woods are exceptional, beautiful, and highly durable for outdoor use.

Durability

Iroko decking looks good, and it stays that way for a long time. It’s because Iroko has lots of natural oils and resins that keep bugs away and stop them from rotting. This means you don’t have to always treat it or look after it, especially if you use it outside.

When you think about how good it looks and how strong it is, it’s easy to understand why people call Iroko timber the best kind of decking, like the Rolls-Royce of decks.

Strength

African hardwoods like African Iroko grow very slowly, so they become really tough and strong. This toughness makes them great for surfaces that get a lot of use and might get scratched or bumped a lot, like decks.

Iroko is super dense, with a density of 660kg/m3, which means it’s really strong. It’s as strong as other types of wood used for decking, like European Oak and Siberian Larch, which are also known for being strong.

Iroko Timber Decking: What Does it Look Like?

Even though Iroko wood is super strong and tough, one big reason people love it so much is because it looks really good. Iroko just screams fancy!

With its special golden brown colors and unique patterns, it gives off a vibe of luxury that you can’t find in many other types of wood.

Iroko decking: treatment and maintenance

If you have a deck made of Iroko wood, it’s important to take care of it. We suggest using a product called Owatrol Aquadecks to treat your deck. This product is like paint that you put on the wood to protect it. It’s made of water and helps keep the wood’s natural color.

Treating your deck will stop it from getting damaged by the sun. Sunlight can make the wood turn gray over time, but this treatment can prevent that. It also helps the wood to stay dry when it rains, which is good because wet wood can rot.

Even though Iroko wood is strong against bugs and rot, putting on a finish will make it even stronger. This stops the wood from getting old, bending, or breaking easily. It means your deck will last longer.

Before you put on the treatment, make sure your deck is clean and dry. Then, on a sunny day, apply the treatment and let it dry for a day.

If your deck is new, you can wait about a year before putting on the treatment. But keep cleaning it gently. Depending on how much sun and rain your deck gets, you might need to put on more treatment every 2 to 3 years.

And when you’re installing your Iroko deck, use stainless steel nails or screws. Other types can make stains on the wood.

How Much is Iroko Decking?

Is Iroko wood expensive? Well, Iroko wood is quite valuable because it’s in high demand and takes a long time to grow. That means it usually costs more than many other types of wood used for decking.

For instance, if you want Iroko decking with a smooth finish, it’ll cost you £8.95 per meter, plus VAT. But if you compare that to other woods, like Siberian Larch, which costs £6.95 per meter, or ThermoWood, which costs £5.25 per meter, you can see that Iroko is a bit pricier. Even Balau, another fancy type of wood, costs £7.75 per meter.

We suggest it’s smart to invest in good quality wood for your deck, rather than going for cheaper options you might find at local home improvement stores. Those cheaper woods often aren’t as strong or long-lasting. So, remember the saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice” when you’re picking out wood for your deck!

FAQs

What is Iroko decking, and why is it popular?

Iroko decking is made from Iroko wood, a highly sought-after timber species known for its durability and attractive appearance. It’s popular because it can withstand harsh weather conditions and is resistant to decay and insect damage.

How does Iroko decking compare to other types of decking materials?

Iroko decking is often considered superior to many other decking materials due to its strength, durability, and natural resistance to decay. It may be more expensive than some alternatives, but its longevity and low maintenance requirements make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

Is Iroko decking environmentally friendly?

Iroko wood is typically sourced from sustainable forestry practices, making it a relatively environmentally friendly choice for decking. However, it’s essential to ensure that the wood is certified by reputable organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to verify its sustainability.

How should I maintain and care for Iroko decking?

To maintain Iroko decking, regular cleaning, and periodic resealing or staining are recommended to protect it from moisture and UV damage. Additionally, it’s essential to remove debris and avoid placing heavy furniture directly on the deck surface to prevent scratching.

Can Iroko decking be installed DIY, or do I need professional help?

While some experienced homeowners may choose to install Iroko decking themselves, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional contractor for proper installation. Professional installers have the expertise and tools necessary to ensure the decking is installed correctly, minimizing the risk of issues such as uneven surfaces or structural instability.