iroko wood

[paulpa]

Just wondering how this compared to oak for kitchen worktops.
Is one more suitable than other or just down to preference?

 

[AronSearle]

There are a few differences, but the relevant one is that it's a smaller movement timber.

Otherwise, apart from it being from Africa (famous for it's sustainable forest management), it's personal preference.

 

[maltaron]

Iroko will twist enough to make propellers.

 

[AronSearle]

It has interlocked grain, so yes will twist during drying, but once it's kiln dried it should be stable.

 

[merlin50]

Iroko is the most Toxic wood you can get

 

[paulpa]

I read it was the most hygienic?

 

[AronSearle]

The sawdust is carcinogenic, and can cause all kinds of nastiness like asthma and dermatitis, but that is true of nearly all tropical timbers and less so but still somewhat in most temperate timbers (oak sawdust is also carcinogenic and also causes asthma etc).

This is an issue for the woodworker however, as a finished item the timber extractives will act as an antibacterial agent on the timber surface, you only need to worry about the toxicity if you sand it, (wear a mask, ensure ventilation).

 

[Jasonb]

Being an oily wood the Iroko will resist water far better than the oak and it won't have the tendancy to go black when water does get to it.

Some people have a reaction to the wood but thats only while working with it will be fine once its in place and oiled.

J

 

[Leedavid]

All i can say is that i chose iroko over oak For my own kitchendue to its wonderful deep brown colour. i use oak more often though and like the fact its a local hardwood and i know its traceabilty. iroko is great for a worktop if you want a statement ps no warping etc

 

[Burnerman]

Lebanese Iroko can be incredibly stable and resistant to many substances (hence its use in school lab benches). Put it through the circular saw though, and off it goes
If you want a toxic wood, try sawing Mansonia (aka pepper wood) and you'll see what I mean
John