Iroko / Kambala - Chloraphora, excelsa - Wood Flooring International

Species Information / Iroko/Kambala

The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: Iroko/Kambala
Botanical Name: Chloraphora, excelsa
Lumber Name: Iroko/Kambala
Grows In: West Africa

Products Available in Iroko/Kambala

See page below for a listing of all the products available in this specie: Products / Iroko/Kambala

Description:

Iroko / Kambala is an open pored wood which has been used in the past for a teak substitute. As it ages it is similar in color to teak.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: Iroko/Kambala exhibits a medium range of color variation once it has fully aged. As it ages from fresh cut to fully aged, it will vary greatly in color.

Color Change: Iroko/Kambala exhibits an extreme degree of color change with pronounced darkening from a bright gold color when freshly milled to a medium brown color once fully oxidized.

View WFI's Color Properties Chart below to compare this specie with other species: WFI's Color Properties Chart

View WFI's Iroko/Kambala Photo Page for photos of the typical color range & change to be expected: Iroko/Kambala Photo Page

Hardness:

Iroko/Kambala is the same hardness as red oak (1260 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak).

For hardness comparisons to additional species, please go to: WFI's Species Hardness

Where to Use:

Iroko/Kambala may be used residentially wherever the look of a tan/brown colored wood with unique graining is desired.

Special Characteristics / Issues Specific to this Species:

Stability: average, similar to Red Oak. For additional information, see:
WFI's Wood Properties Chart on the WFI Downloads page.
Finish Issues: (for site sanding/finishing only) - none known at this time, see:
WFI's Finish Recommendations on the WFI Downloads page before commencing any site finishing.
Safety/Allergic Reaction Issues: Iroko/Kambala is known to cause both contact dermatitis and respiratory reactions when coming into contact with the dust. Care must be taken when cutting or sanding this wood. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard. See
WFI's Material Safety on the WFI Downloads page for safety issues with wood dust.
Other Characteristics/Issues specific to this species: none known at this time - see Feedback / Iroko/Kambala on the WFI Site Map to see what others have experienced with this species.

Technical Information:

Note:

Additional Technical Information on this species can be accessed from the links below:
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory - Iroko/Kambala Only
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory - to access all species