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IROKO LUMBER | IMPORTERS | UNITED KINGDOM

United Kingdom Iroko Lumber Importers: Complete Company Directory 2020

A comprehensive guide to the leading UK-based timber importers specialising in iroko and other tropical hardwood species, serving the construction, furniture, joinery, and marine industries.

9Featured Importers

200+Combined Years Experience

1.2M m3UK Annual Timber Imports

3.8B GBPUK Timber Market Value

Stacked iroko hardwood lumber planks in warehouse storage showing rich golden-brown tropical wood grain texture

Understanding Iroko Wood: The African Teak

Iroko (Milicia excelsa) is a large deciduous tree species native to the west and central African tropical rainforests, commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is widely referred to as "African Teak" due to its remarkable similarity in appearance, durability, and workability to genuine Asian teak (Tectona grandis). This resemblance has made iroko one of the most commercially significant tropical hardwood species in international timber trade.

Close-up macro photograph of iroko wood grain texture showing rich golden-brown colour and natural interlocking grain patterns

The heartwood of iroko ranges from a pale yellow-brown to a deeper golden-brown colour, often darkening with exposure to a richer medium brown. Its grain is typically interlocked, sometimes irregular, and it possesses a moderately coarse but even texture. One of iroko's most valued characteristics is its natural durability; the heartwood is highly resistant to decay, fungal attack, and insect infestation, including termites. This makes it an excellent choice for exterior applications, marine environments, and any situation where longevity in the face of weather exposure is paramount.

In the United Kingdom, iroko is primarily imported for use in exterior joinery, boat building and marine fit-outs, high-end furniture manufacturing, shopfitting, and architectural woodwork. Its stability, workability with both hand and machine tools, and ability to accept a wide range of finishes make it a favourite among British joiners, boat builders, and furniture makers.

Featured UK Iroko Lumber Importers

1. Boss Lumber UK Ltd

Hardwood SpecialistFSC/PEFC Certified

Boss Lumber UK Ltd is a specialist hardwood importer dedicated to supplying the highest quality timbers sourced from reputable sawmills around the world. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing, offering products that carry both FSC and PEFC certification. Their product portfolio includes a wide range of tropical hardwoods, with iroko being one of their key species for the UK market.

Boss Lumber caters primarily to trade professionals, joinery workshops, furniture manufacturers, and shopfitting companies across the United Kingdom. They maintain strong relationships with established sawmills in West and Central Africa, ensuring a consistent supply of well-seasoned iroko lumber that meets the exacting standards required by British craftsmen.

Specialisation: Tropical hardwoods including iroko, sapele, mahogany, and utile
Certifications: FSC and PEFC chain of custody certified
Key Markets: Joinery, furniture manufacturing, and architectural woodwork
Supply Chain: Direct partnerships with African and South American sawmills

2. Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd

Largest Private Timber Co.Est. 1800s

Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd holds the distinction of being the United Kingdom's largest privately owned timber company, with a heritage that stretches back to the 19th century when the company began as timber porters on the River Thames in London. Over more than a century and a half of continuous operation, Brooks Bros has grown from a small riverside operation into a major national timber supplier with multiple distribution centres and a comprehensive product range.

Their tropical hardwood division is particularly well-regarded in the trade, offering iroko alongside other sought-after species such as sapele, utile, and American white oak. Brooks Bros operates a modern sawmill and machining facility that can process iroko to precise customer specifications, including planing, profiling, and custom moulding.

Specialisation: Comprehensive timber merchant with hardwood, softwood, and engineered products
Services: Cladding, decking, flooring, machining, and custom profiling
Heritage: One of the oldest timber companies in the UK, dating back to the 1800s
Capacity: Multiple distribution centres with national delivery capability

Aerial view of shipping containers at a commercial port with tropical hardwood timber logs being loaded for export and import logistics

3. C P Timber Limited

Global SourcingHardwood & Softwood

C P Timber Limited has established itself as a leader in timber supply and distribution within the United Kingdom. The company specialises in trading both hardwood and softwood timber products, backed by a team of industry experts who source timber from around the globe. Their global sourcing network spans Africa, Asia, South America, and North America, ensuring a diverse and reliable supply of species.

C P Timber's approach to iroko imports focuses on quality consistency and competitive pricing. They work closely with their overseas partners to ensure that all iroko shipments meet UK market requirements for moisture content, grading standards, and dimensional accuracy. The company serves builders' merchants, joinery manufacturers, furniture makers, and construction companies nationwide.

Products: Iroko, sapele, oak, ash, and a wide range of tropical and temperate species
Logistics: Efficient warehousing and nationwide delivery across the UK
Customers: Builders' merchants, joiners, furniture makers, and construction firms

4. Danzer UK Limited

90+ Years HeritageVeneer & Lumber

Danzer UK Limited is the British subsidiary of the Danzer Group, one of the world's leading companies in the production and distribution of sliced veneer, lumber, and innovative value-added wood products. With over 90 years of industry heritage, the Danzer Group has built a global reputation for quality, reliability, and sustainable forest management. The company owns and manages forests in North America and operates production facilities across multiple continents.

In the UK market, Danzer supplies high-quality decorative hardwood veneers and lumber to furniture manufacturers, interior designers, architects, and joinery companies. While their core strength lies in sliced veneer production, they also supply iroko and other tropical hardwood lumber for matching projects.

Parent Company: Danzer Group (Austria) with 90+ years of global operations
Sustainability: Owns and manages forests in North America; FSC/PEFC certified
Markets: Furniture, interior design, architecture, and premium joinery

5. East Bros (Timber) Limited

Family-Run SawmillEst. 1886

East Bros (Timber) Limited, trading as East Brothers, is a family-run sawmill and timber merchant with a heritage that spans well over a century. Founded in 1886, the company has been supplying quality timber for more than 135 years, building an outstanding reputation in the British timber trade. East Brothers specialises in sawing and machining large cross-section, graded hardwood timbers.

Their expertise in handling large-format iroko timber is particularly valued by customers in the construction, civil engineering, and marine sectors. East Brothers operates their own sawmill, which gives them full control over the cutting, grading, and seasoning process.

Heritage: Family-run since 1886, over 135 years of trading history
Facilities: Own sawmill with full cutting, grading, and seasoning capabilities
Applications: Construction, civil engineering, marine, and heavy joinery

$Modern timber workshop with woodworking machinery processing hardwood planks in an industrial setting$

6. Gilmour & Aitken Ltd

Hardwood & Softwood StockistComprehensive Range

Gilmour & Aitken Ltd are established suppliers and stockholders of a comprehensive range of high-quality sawn and engineered hardwood and softwood timber products. The company serves a wide range of applications across the UK construction and manufacturing sectors. Their inventory includes both temperate hardwoods and tropical species, with iroko being an important part of their tropical hardwood offering.

Gilmour & Aitken pride themselves on their technical knowledge and customer service. Their experienced team can advise on the most appropriate species and grade of iroko for any given application. They maintain well-stocked warehouses for quick turnaround, and their delivery network covers the entirety of the UK mainland.

Range: Oak, ash, beech, iroko, sapele, and many other species
Services: Technical advice, custom machining, and nationwide delivery
Quality: Rigorous inspection and moisture content monitoring

7. Hardwood Sales Ltd

200+ Years ExperienceLeading Independent Importer

Hardwood Sales Ltd stands as the United Kingdom's leading independent hardwood specialist importer, with a combined experience of over 200 years within the timber industry among their team. They are the go-to importer for trade professionals across the UK who demand the very best in premium hardwood lumber.

Iroko is one of Hardwood Sales Ltd's flagship tropical species. They source their iroko directly from carefully selected mills in West Africa, ensuring that every shipment meets their stringent quality criteria. They also operate their own sawmill facilities for custom cutting and machining services.

Experience: Over 200 years of combined industry expertise
Operations: Own sawmill with custom cutting and machining capabilities
Clients: Prestigious furniture makers, joiners, boat builders, and architects

8. Lathams Ltd (James Latham Group)

260+ Years HeritageStock Market Listed

Lathams Ltd, operating as part of the James Latham Group plc, is one of the United Kingdom and Ireland's most knowledgeable and experienced timber importers and distributors. Founded over 260 years ago, James Latham has grown from a small London-based timber merchant into a publicly listed company with multiple distribution centres across the UK.

The Latham Timber Manufacturing division provides value-added services such as profiling, machining, and custom panel production. Their tropical hardwood offering includes iroko alongside sapele, utile, idigbo, and American hardwoods.

Heritage: Over 260 years of trading history; publicly listed (LSE)
Product Range: Hardwoods, softwoods, sheet materials, veneers, and laminates
Manufacturing: Custom profiling, machining, and panel production

9. N H G Timber Limited

Del Credere AgentHardwood Specialist

NHG Timber Ltd operates as a del credere agent specialising in hardwood, representing quality suppliers who offer a wide range of products including lumber, logs, boules, and sawn timber. Based in Sanderstead, Surrey, NHG Timber serves as a vital link between overseas timber producers and the UK market. Their del credere status provides both supplier and buyer with financial security in every deal.

NHG Timber's product portfolio includes iroko and other premium tropical hardwoods sourced from West and Central Africa. Their role is particularly valuable for smaller UK timber merchants and manufacturers who may not have the volume or infrastructure to import directly. By aggregating demand and managing international timber trade complexities, NHG Timber makes iroko accessible to a broader range of UK businesses.

Location: Sanderstead, Surrey, England
Role: Intermediary between overseas producers and UK buyers
Products: Iroko, sapele, mahogany, and other tropical hardwood species

United Kingdom map showing major timber import ports and distribution centres including London, Liverpool, and Southampton

UK Iroko Import Market Overview

Importer	Established	Specialisation	Key Strength
Boss Lumber UK Ltd	Active	Tropical Hardwoods	FSC/PEFC Certified Supply
Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd	1800s	Full-Range Merchant	UK's Largest Private Timber Co.
C P Timber Limited	Active	Global Trading	Worldwide Sourcing Network
Danzer UK Limited	1930s	Veneer & Lumber	90+ Years, Forest Ownership
East Bros (Timber) Ltd	1886	Large-Section Sawmill	135+ Years Heritage
Gilmour & Aitken Ltd	Active	Sawn & Engineered	Comprehensive Stock
Hardwood Sales Ltd	Active	Premium Importer	200+ Yrs Experience
Lathams Ltd	1760s	Publicly Listed	260+ Yrs, LSE Listed
NHG Timber Limited	Active	Del Credere Agent	Financial Security

Why the UK Imports Iroko Lumber

Marine Industry: Iroko is extensively used in boat building and marine joinery due to its natural resistance to water, rot, and marine borers. Major UK boat building centres such as Southampton, Plymouth, the Hamble, and the River Clyde create consistent demand.
Exterior Joinery: Its dimensional stability and weather resistance make iroko ideal for exterior doors, window frames, and conservatory construction throughout the UK.
Furniture Manufacturing: British furniture makers value iroko for its attractive golden-brown appearance, workability, and ability to take a fine finish.
Architectural Woodwork: High-profile commercial and public building projects frequently specify iroko for interior panelling, cladding, and feature joinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is iroko wood and why is it called African Teak?

Iroko (Milicia excelsa) is a tropical hardwood species native to West and Central Africa. It is commonly called "African Teak" because it shares many characteristics with genuine Asian teak, including a similar golden-brown colour, natural durability, and excellent workability. However, iroko is botanically unrelated to teak (Tectona grandis). The comparison is due to iroko's outstanding resistance to decay, insects, and weathering, which makes it a popular and more affordable alternative to genuine teak.

How is iroko lumber graded in the UK market?

Iroko lumber imported into the UK is typically graded according to international tropical hardwood grading rules, most commonly the ATIBT standard. The main grades include First European Quality (FEQ), which selects for the best colour and grain consistency, and Standard/Benchmark grade for general purpose use.

What are the main ports of entry for iroko imports into the UK?

The primary UK ports for tropical hardwood imports include the Port of London (Tilbury and Purfleet), the Port of Southampton, the Port of Liverpool, and the Port of Hull. Southampton and Tilbury handle the largest volumes of containerised tropical timber.

Is iroko a sustainable timber choice?

Iroko can be a sustainable choice when sourced from responsibly managed forests. Many importers listed here offer FSC or PEFC certified iroko, providing assurance that timber has been harvested from well-managed forests. Iroko's exceptional durability also means products do not need frequent replacement.

What is the typical cost range for iroko lumber in the UK?

Standard grade iroko typically ranges from approximately 600 to 1,200 GBP per cubic metre, while premium FEQ grade can command 1,500 to 2,500+ GBP per cubic metre. Prices are influenced by shipping costs, exchange rates, and seasonal supply fluctuations.

How should iroko lumber be stored and maintained?

Store in a dry, well-ventilated area on level bearers. For exterior use, treat with exterior-grade wood finish or oil. Left untreated, iroko weathers to an attractive silver-grey patina. Regular oil application preserves the golden-brown colour.

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