Bespoke Iroko for the project

The wedding tent sits within the grounds of Blenheim Palace, with views out towards the palace itself. Inside, the bespoke Iroko decking runs the full length of the tent, creating a warm hardwood floor beneath the dining area, rugs and bar.

The natural golden-brown colour of Iroko works particularly well alongside the canvas, timber-panelled walls and other natural materials used throughout the interior.

Why use Iroko decking?

Iroko is a dense West African hardwood and a popular choice when you want the appearance and performance of a premium hardwood without moving into some of the more expensive species. There are a few reasons it worked particularly well for this project:

Hard-wearing

Iroko is a dense hardwood, making it well suited to areas that are going to see regular foot traffic and furniture being moved around.

Naturally durable

Its natural oils give Iroko good resistance to rot and insects, which is one of the reasons it is widely used for decking and other exterior applications.

Good stability

Iroko has an interlocked grain and good dimensional stability, an important consideration when covering a large area with timber.

Natural colour

Fresh Iroko can range from golden-yellow through to warmer brown tones and will generally darken as it matures. If it is left untreated outside, it will gradually weather towards silver-grey.

These properties make Iroko a good option not only for residential decking, but also for commercial hardwood decking where durability and appearance are both important.

Iroko 20 x 140mm decking

For other projects, we stock Iroko 20 x 140mm decking boards readily available on our website, giving you the same characteristic colour and durability for gardens, terraces and commercial spaces. They can be used for projects including garden decking and patios, hotel and restaurant terraces, event structures, glamping sites and lodges, pool surrounds and covered outdoor areas.

Other profiles readily available for order include the Iroko 20 x 120mm and 20 x 90mm. For something outside our standard sizes, speak to us. As with the Blenheim Palace project, we can supply bespoke Iroko machined to suit your requirements, depending on the sizes, profiles and quantities needed.

Iroko decking FAQs

Is Iroko good for decking?

Yes. Iroko is a dense, naturally durable hardwood with good resistance to rot and insects, making it well suited to decking and other exterior applications.

Can Iroko be used indoors as flooring?

Yes. Although we often talk about Iroko as a decking timber, this project shows how it can also be used to create a hard-wearing hardwood floor in covered spaces, marquees and event structures.

What colour is Iroko decking?

Fresh Iroko can have golden-yellow tones which gradually mature into a richer brown. When used outside and left untreated, it will eventually weather towards silver-grey. Using a suitable oil can help maintain more of the timber’s original colour.

Why is Iroko called African teak?

Iroko is sometimes referred to as African teak because it shares some characteristics with teak, including natural durability, oils within the timber and its warm colour. However, Iroko and teak are different timber species.

Can you supply bespoke Iroko sizes?

Yes. If you need a particular size or profile, get in touch with the Southgate Timber team with the dimensions and quantities you’re looking for and we can advise on what’s available.

Planning an Iroko project?

Whether you’re planning a garden deck, commercial terrace or something a little less conventional like this project, we can help with standard and bespoke Iroko. Shop our Iroko decking or order a sample online today. If you need bespoke sizes, larger quantities or advice on your project, contact our team today.