African Teak
Milicia excelsa
Laxmi Lumber, working with Bharti Enterprises, was the first to introduce African teak to the Indian market (1989–1991). Iroko offers much of teak's durability and golden colour at a more accessible price point, making it a popular specification for exterior doors, decking substructures and commercial furniture.
In short — What is African Teak?
African teak (Milicia excelsa, commonly Iroko) is a durable tropical hardwood from West and Central Africa, widely used as a cost-effective, weather-resistant alternative to genuine teak for outdoor joinery, furniture and structural work.
Best uses for African Teak
- Exterior doors and window frames
- Outdoor furniture
- Commercial joinery
- Boat building components
- Flooring and worktops
Less suited to: Fine work needing flawless tear-free surfaces without care.
Working & performance
Workability
Works reasonably well, but interlocked grain can tear during planing and occasional calcium deposits ('stone') blunt tooling. Glues, screws and finishes well.
Drying
Dries fairly quickly and well with minimal degrade.
Decay resistance
Very durable; good resistance to rot and insect attack, suitable for exterior use.
Treatability
Heartwood is extremely resistant to preservative treatment.
Odour
Little to no characteristic odour.
Allergies / safety
Dust may cause irritation, asthma-like symptoms and dermatitis in some workers.
Sustainability
IUCN: Near Threatened — source responsibly — TODO: document legal sourcing / certification for African teak.
How African Teak compares
Side-by-side with similar species we supply.
| Property | African Teak | Burma Teak | White Oak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Milicia excelsa | Tectona grandis | Quercus alba |
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Janka hardness | 1,260 lbf | 1,070 lbf | 1,350 lbf |
| Dried weight | 660 kg/m³ | 655 kg/m³ | 755 kg/m³ |
| Natural durability | High | Very high | High |
| Origin | Cameroon, West & Central Africa | Myanmar (Burma) | USA, Europe |
| Best uses | Exterior doors and window frames, Outdoor furniture, Commercial joinery | Superyacht and boat decking, Premium exterior doors and windows, Luxury flooring | Engineered and solid flooring, Furniture and cabinetry, Interior joinery and panelling |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Premium | Mid-range |
African Teak — FAQ
Is African teak the same as Burma teak?
No. 'African teak' usually refers to Iroko (Milicia excelsa), a different species from genuine teak (Tectona grandis). Iroko mimics teak's golden colour and durability at a lower cost, but lacks teak's high oil content and fine grain.
How durable is African teak outdoors?
Iroko is rated very durable and performs well outdoors with good resistance to rot and insects, making it a sound choice for exterior doors, decking and garden furniture.
Is African teak cheaper than genuine teak?
Yes — African teak (Iroko) is typically significantly more affordable than Burma teak while offering comparable durability, which is why it is popular for projects on a tighter budget.
Source African Teak from India's timber pioneers
Tell us your grade, dimensions and quantity — we'll get back to you with availability and pricing.