Gabarro

Iroko

Scientific name: Clorophora excelsa Benth.&Hooff.; C. regia A. Chev

Geographic origin: Africa.

Iroko
Description

  • Sapwood: yellowish white colour.
  • Heartwood: yellowish brown that changes into reddish grey with the lights effects.
  • Fiber: straight, usually slightly intertwined.
  • Grain: medium size to rough.

Capacity of being impregnated

  • Sapwood: capable of being impregnated.
  • Heartwood: no capable of being impregnated.

Mechanization

  • Sawing process: no difficulties except certain abrasivity due to the chalky deposits.
  • Drying process: medium to high speed. Little risk of deformation and crack formation.
  • Planing process: generally easy in exception of its abrasivity and the risk of repelling when it has intertwined fibers.
  • Gluing process: difficulties with the casein glues.
  • Nailing and screwing process: no difficulties.
  • Finish: It has tannins that can inhibit oxidant varnishes (such as poliurethan and others) ,drying process.

Physical properties

  • Apparent density at 12% humidity 650 kg/m3 semi-heavy wood.
  • Dimensional stability
  • - Volumetric contraction coefficientm 0.36 % stable wood.
  • - Relation between contractions 1.57% no tendency to deformity.
  • Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 3.9 semi-hardwood.

Iroko
Mechanical properties

  • Resistance to static flexion 955 kg/cm2.
  • Elasticity module 105,000 kg/cm2.
  • Resistance to compression 540 kg/cm2.
  • Resistance to parallel traction 800 kg/cm2.

Iroko
Observations

  • Sapwood CANNOT be used
  • In some areas, and erroneously, they call it Teka.
  • When sawn, it presents different colors that are later equalized
  • It has characteristics similar to that of Teak wood, hence it is known such as African Teak. However, it is somewhat lighter and less greasy. Currently, it is our best-selling wood and the one we have the most stock of.