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Iroko Worktops

Iroko is a durable and rot resistant wood that is sometimes referred to as African teak, since it is most commonly found in tropical Western Africa. Increasingly sought after by homeowners, interior designers and property developers, iroko is a premium hardwood that starts out as a golden to medium brown and then darkens over time. When you buy iroko worktops, you can accelerate this darkening process by treating the wood with a suitable foodsafe product which will also protect it against damp conditions and insect attack.

The history of Iroko Timber

In parts of West Africa, the iroko tree is widely believed to possess healing properties and scientific research has confirmed that it does indeed possess certain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In its native homeland, the leaves, flowers, fruit and timber of the iroko tree are still used in traditional medicines.

In addition to being used for medicinal purposes, West Africans have used iroko wood in construction for centuries, placing high value on its durability and resistance to insects, which make it ideal for outdoor joinery projects without the need for specialist treatments or preservatives.

During the 1950s and 1960s, iroko gained prominence in the UK, offering a cost-effective alternative to oak and teak. Its attractive appearance, coupled with its ability to withstand fluctuating environmental conditions, made it the perfect choice for shipbuilding, architectural projects and outdoor furniture manufacturing and this is why it continues to be such a popular timber today.

Iroko has a naturally oily or waxy finish, making it an easy wood to work with that takes on surface treatments and finishes well. It has traditionally been used for outdoor purposes such as decking and boat building where its water resistant qualities enhance its performance and longevity. In more recent times, it has become a popular choice for indoor use as well.

The main reason why iroko is increasingly being used for kitchen worktops is that it offers outstanding resistance to moisture. Unlike other hardwoods, iroko’s natural oils protect it against water ingress and humidity, meaning that it tends not to swell or stain when exposed to steam, splashes and changing temperatures, all perils that are common in the kitchen and which dissuade some consumers from solid wood worktops.

Iroko Sources

Iroko trees are commonly found in West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique and are characterised by their height and width, easily reaching 100 metres tall and 5 feet in diameter and living for up to 500 years if not harvested.

While it may be referred to as African teak, the two trees are wholly unrelated, with true teak trees most commonly found in India, Indonesia and Costa Rica. Teak and iroko do, however, share several properties, including hardness and density, which is most likely why iroko timber is referred to as African teak in some circles.

Iroko Colours and Textures

Iroko worktops are timelessly elegant and age beautifully. When first machined, they are a medium golden yellow colour but over time, as they are exposed to air and humidity, treated and cleaned, they darken slowly to a gorgeous medium golden brown colour. When you keep your iroko worktops in situ and well cared for for a prolonged period, you will be treated to yet another subtle colour shift as they take on a rich and luxurious copper tone.

If untreated and exposed to moisture and UV rays, iroko wood experiences a unique shift, losing its colour and fading to a distinctive silvery grey patina. Though the vast majority of designers favour the golden tones of treated timber, this silvery grey colour is gaining in popularity with some actively encouraging the timber to drift into this colour zone before halting further fading with a liberal application of a suitable oil-based preservative.

Not only are the many colours of solid iroko worktops a thing of beauty, so too are their textures. Iroko is a deeply textured medium to coarse timber with an open pored, interlocked grain, meaning that each worktop we produce is entirely unique. Though iroko is malleable enough to accept glueing, nailing and varnishing, it retains its character and always delivers a water-resistant, smooth finish.

As you’ve probably realised, no two pieces of iroko are exactly the same, meaning that natural variations in grain pattern and colour intensity give each piece its own unique character. These variations are one of the main reasons why a solid wood worktop is the perfect choice for your home, offering an authentic appearance that simply cannot be replicated by engineered materials.

Full stave

Full stave iroko wood worktops are the perfect statement piece for both contemporary and traditional kitchen designs. They are ideally suited for use on kitchen islands and countertops, where the continuous length of timber showcases the natural grain of the wood and adds visual interest to your space.

Super stave

Super stave iroko countertops are usually broader than full stave worktops, offering a uniform grain pattern that continues across the entirety of the worktop. Super stave worktops are made from premium timber and are most popular with people wanting to buy iroko worktops for luxury properties.

Ideal Applications

Super Stave worktops are perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious and modern look in your kitchen. They work exceptionally well in large, open-plan spaces where the grandeur of the worktop can truly shine. They are also a popular choice for high-end, designer kitchens where attention to detail and luxury finishes are paramount.

Table top

Iroko countertops can be cut into square and round shapes to be used as table tops and when ordered for this purpose, they are typically supplied untreated with finished edges ready for oiling. They are available in a variety of dimensions and irrespective of size, showcase the unique grain pattern and honey colour for which iroko is renowned.

Top Worktops UK and Responsible Sourcing

At Top Worktops UK, we have a strong commitment to sustainability and always strive to minimise our carbon footprint. We are proud to recycle all of our offcuts, pallets and packaging materials to minimise landfill waste and engage in sustainable sourcing by proactively monitoring our suppliers’ environmental certifications.

Our iroko timber is a renewable resource that we take great care to source from responsibly managed forests, offering environmentally conscious consumers the perfect alternative to manufactured worktop materials. When you buy iroko worktops from Top Worktops UK, you are supporting forest management practices that prioritise biodiversity and encourage future growth.

Additionally, when properly cared for, solid iroko worktops will last for decades, negating the need for replacement, minimising waste and representing a very low environmental cost.

Why you should buy iroko worktops

Iroko is an African hardwood that offers many benefits to homeowners here in the UK, including superior durability and moisture resistance when compared to oak and teak. Iroko’s unique grain patterns and ever-evolving colours mean that worktops will experience a long lifespan, representing outstanding value for money and superior environmental sustainability credentials.

Iroko worktops are particularly well suited to installation around sinks and hobs. Where other hardwoods may warp or swell in these environments, iroko’s natural waxy finish means it is resilient to changing temperatures and moisture levels, resisting shrinkage and cupping and retaining its glorious appearance for decades to come.

Iroko is a low-maintenance timber that is easily cleaned and can be sanded and re-oiled to remove surface imperfections. It is the perfect choice for family homes, rentals and even commercial kitchens.

FAQs

Q1. What properties separate iroko kitchen worktops from other timbers such as oak?

A1. Iroko is a durable timber with an oily finish that naturally resists rot and fungal attack. Having evolved and grown in a tropical climate where intense heat, wind and rain are common, iroko is widely promoted for outdoor use, including in the marine industry, however these properties also make it well suited to kitchen use, especially around hobs and sinks where it easily withstands temperature fluctuations and moist conditions without warping, cracking or discolouring.

Iroko wood is solid and stable, tending not to move or shrink even when exposed to damp and humidity, and its strength and density render it resistant to scratching. Combined, these properties set it apart from other timbers and make it the perfect choice for use in both domestic and commercial kitchens.

Q2. How should I care for my iroko worktops?

A2. When you buy iroko worktops from Top Worktops UK, they will be supplied untreated with finished edges and it is important that you apply a suitable foodsafe oil to seal the timber. We recommend that at least 3 coats of Danish oil are applied to the faces and edges and 5 coats to the endgrain to protect the timber, smooth the surface and deliver a non-porous finish.

We recommend that you always make sure to mop up spills straight away and don’t allow water to pool on the surface. Though iroko is water resistant, it is not waterproof and immersing your worktop in liquid can affect its appearance.

It is recommended that trivets are used to protect the timber from hot or dirty cookware and that chopping boards are used when cutting food. Iroko worktops should be cleaned with a damp soapy cloth and dried once clean. These small measures will ensure that your worktops look their best for years to come, protecting your investment and preserving their functional properties.

If, after a period of use, you notice the sheen diminishing and water failing to bead, this is a good indication that the timber needs to be re-oiled. We recommend that iroko surfaces are re-oiled at least every three months, but this may need to be increased in high wear conditions such as professional kitchens. If you fail to keep your iroko worktops oiled, they may fade to a silvery grey colour and be more likely to sustain scratches and stains, which will spoil their appearance and reduce their anti-bacterial properties.

Q3. Can iroko worktops be repaired if damaged?

A3. Yes, as with most solid wood worktops, iroko can be repaired if its surface is roughened, cracked, chipped or stained. The best way to eliminate surface damage is by sanding lightly in the direction of the grain until the surface is smooth and the damaged area is imperceptible. At this point, the timber will require liberal re-oiling to restore its water-resistant protective qualities. There may be a difference in colour between the repaired and original surfaces but this will soon even out again, provided care is taken to maintain the worktops.

If the timber is too badly damaged for sanding and re-oiling to be effective, you should speak to a joiner to determine whether the damaged area can be cut out and replaced with a matching piece of timber. Our team at Top Worktops UK can assess the damage and recommend an appropriate course of action where necessary.

Q4. Where can I buy iroko worktops?

A4. Top Worktops UK is a leading supplier of solid iroko worktops. Our commitment to environmental sustainability and use of dedicated facilities in Essex means that you are guaranteed the highest quality iroko wood worktops in the UK, combining exceptional artisanship, superior customer service and outstanding value for money.

To find out more about our range of iroko kitchen worktops, please give us a call. We supply both trade customers and consumers and many of our products can be viewed in our London and Manchester showrooms. Samples of our iroko kitchen worktops and table tops are available and we offer a professional installation service within eligible postcode areas.

Our team is always on hand to answer any questions you have and to support you with measuring and fitting your worktops. We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service and aftersales support, so if you need help sourcing the perfect kitchen worktop for your home, put us to the test and call us today. We look forward to helping you make your dream kitchen a reality.

Installations

Summer Sale: Up to 30% OFF on Oak Worktops

Pre Oiling per Metre

OSMO Top Oil Worktop Kit

Edging to Desired Profile per Metre

Template & Installation

Iroko Worktops

Iroko Worktop

Luxury Iroko Worktop

Price

The history of Iroko Timber

Iroko Sources

Iroko Colours and Textures

Full stave

Super stave

Table top

Top Worktops UK and Responsible Sourcing

Why you should buy iroko worktops

FAQs

Q1. What properties separate iroko kitchen worktops from other timbers such as oak?

Q2. How should I care for my iroko worktops?

Q3. Can iroko worktops be repaired if damaged?

Q4. Where can I buy iroko worktops?

Summer Sale: Up to 30% OFF on Oak Worktops

Pre Oiling per Metre

OSMO Top Oil Worktop Kit

Edging to Desired Profile per Metre

Template & Installation

Iroko Worktop

Luxury Iroko Worktop

Price

Width

Length

Thickness

The history of Iroko Timber

Iroko Sources

Iroko Colours and Textures

Full stave

Super stave

Table top

Top Worktops UK and Responsible Sourcing

Why you should buy iroko worktops

FAQs

Q1. What properties separate iroko kitchen worktops from other timbers such as oak?

Q2. How should I care for my iroko worktops?

Q3. Can iroko worktops be repaired if damaged?

Q4. Where can I buy iroko worktops?