iroko timber care
Iroko: a durable and weather-resistant hardwood
Solid hardwood iroko is inlaid throughout the kitchen, creating a beautiful contrasting seam to the cabinetry. It’s a beautiful design feature, and its natural feel subtly softens the appearance.
However, you may be wondering – does this wood require a lot of care?
The short answer is no. Iroko was the timber of choice in our outdoor kitchens because it is an extremely durable, low maintenance hardwood. In appearance, it will silver beautifully over time, whilst still retaining its resistance to the elements.
What will untreated Iroko timber look like over time?
To show you what uncoated Iroko will typically look like after a few years, please see the pictures below. As you can see from the below images, the untreated ‘silvered’ Iroko still matches perfectly with the signature black finish of the cabinets.
Grillo showroom on day 1:
Grillo showroom 18 months later:
Is it necessary to treat Iroko timber?
We sometimes get asked the question, is it necessary to treat the wood in a Grillo kitchen? and once again the answer is – no, it does not require any ongoing treatment. Some Grillo owners do put oil or varnish on the timber if they prefer to maintain the browner ‘new wood’ colour.
An oil that some of our customers have used successfully is Teak wood oil. It’s a great product and easy to apply. All this requires is an initial thorough and even treatment, and then a yearly maintenance coat to keep it looking fresh.
What will treated Iroko look like?
Below is a comparison between newly treated Iroko with Teak wood oil and untreated aged Iroko, and also between Iroko one year after treatment and untreated aged Iroko.
What is the best way of keeping Iroko clean?
Like any outdoor product, during winter you could get specks of mould or lichen on the iroko. To keep things in tip-top condition, we have a little trick to share: Mould and Mildew remover!
Much like using it in the bathroom, just spray it on evenly, avoiding anything that could be damaged by bleach (surrounding paintwork, BBQ covers, plants etc.) Leave it a few minutes and rinse it off with water. The product we have found to work well is this ProKleen spray.
We recommend testing cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before you start, to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage any other surfaces. Once you have applied any such cleaning products, ensure you wash the whole kitchen down thoroughly. Read more about kitchen care here.
A low maintenance design
When we designed the kitchen, one of the key things in our minds was how to make it as low maintenance as possible. The brief was that it should be able to bear the brunt of being outdoors all year round, but be party-ready at a moment’s notice!
To help you keep your kitchen in tip-top condition, we provide a Care Kit as standard (Vantage range only). This includes our recommended cleaning products, as well as Grillo touch-up paint for if a mishap causes a scratch or chip in the coatings.
Other Iroko Considerations
Iroko is an amazingly durable hardwood which requires no treatment to maintain its structural integrity outdoors. In fact, along with other tropical hardwoods, it is used untreated in groynes, in which capacity it has an expected lifespan of 25 years. It silvers beautifully with age, with the rate of silvering largely dependent on UV exposure.
1. Natural Colour Variation
1. Natural Colour Variation
One of the most noticeable features of iroko is its colour variation. Boards can range from very pale, almost white tones through to deeper golden yellows and even dark chocolate browns. The most typical appearance is a warm, yellow straw colour with darker streaks running through the grain.
This variation isn’t a flaw – it’s a hallmark of natural timber. Every piece is unique, and when installed together, the variation creates depth and visual interest that simply can’t be replicated with man‑made materials.
What to expect:
It’s completely normal for adjacent boards to look quite different when first installed.
2. Blending Over Time
2. Blending Over Time
Fresh iroko often looks quite varied at first, but this contrast usually softens as the timber is exposed to the elements. Over the first few weeks outdoors, sunlight and weathering help the tones to settle and blend more harmoniously.
While some variation will always remain, the overall appearance becomes more balanced as the timber matures.
3. Darkening & Silvering
3. Darkening & Silvering
Like most hardwoods, iroko changes colour over time:
- Short term: Exposure to sunlight causes the timber to darken, enriching its golden tones.
- Long term: Without treatment, iroko will gradually weather to a soft, silvery grey.
Both stages are completely natural and widely appreciated in outdoor design. If you prefer to maintain the original colour, this can be achieved with appropriate oils or protectants.
4. Grain & Surface Texture
4. Grain & Surface Texture
Iroko has a natural grain pattern, which can sometimes feel slightly raised or uneven:
- During manufacturing, differences in grain direction can result in areas that feel smoother or slightly rougher.
- Once installed outdoors, exposure to changing temperature and humidity can cause the grain to lift slightly over time.
This is not a defect but a natural response of timber. If required, any rough areas can be easily smoothed with light sanding.
5. Shakes & Splits
5. Shakes & Splits
Small cracks (often called shakes or splits) can occur in timber. These are a natural feature of hardwood and may develop or change over time as the wood expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes.
They are typically cosmetic and do not affect the structural integrity or longevity of the timber.
6. Embracing Natural Timber
6. Embracing Natural Timber
Iroko is valued precisely because it is a natural material. Its colour variation, evolving tones, and organic characteristics are what give it warmth and authenticity.
Every installation is unique – and that’s what makes it special.
