Iroko and Teak
We work with water-resistant hardwoods such as iroko and teak for decks, wall cladding, garden furniture and boat joinery.
Our work
Kefken Ahşap Dekorasyon uses iroko and teak for decking, wall and ceiling cladding, garden tables and chairs, and boat joinery. We recommend these timbers instead of pine where the work must stand up longer to water, sun and heavy use.
What are iroko and teak, and why choose them?
Iroko and teak are tropical hardwoods with high natural durability; teak is also very oily. Natural substances in the wood resist water and rot, so they can be used outdoors, even right next to water, without a pre-treatment such as impregnation. Because they are dense, they wear more slowly underfoot and crack less. Teak is the traditional timber for boat decks and boat interiors.
What is the difference between iroko and teak?
Both suit outdoor use; the difference lies mostly in cost and where they are used.
- Teak: Very high oil content and one of the most water-resistant timbers. The classic choice for boat decks and surfaces that are always wet; it is expensive.
- Iroko: A timber from Africa. Its durability and look are close to teak and its cost is usually lower. A good balance for decking, garden furniture and cladding.
Both turn silver-grey over time if left untreated. This is not damage but the natural ageing of the wood; regular oiling is needed to keep the honey colour.
What do you make with iroko and teak?
- Iroko decking for gardens, terraces, pools and hot tub surrounds
- Iroko slat wall and ceiling cladding in outdoor kitchens
- Solid garden tables, folding chairs and bench sets
- Boat decks, flybridge cladding and cabin joinery
- Maintenance and repair of old teak surfaces
How does an iroko or teak job work?
- Site visit: We see the site or the boat and talk about how it is used and what you expect.
- Measurement and quote: We take measurements, settle the timber and details, and give a quote.
- Workshop fabrication: Parts are cut and assembled in our workshop in Arnavutköy and given a first coat of oil.
- Installation: The parts are fitted on site or on the boat and given a final oiling.
- Maintenance: After handover you can call us for oiling and refreshing.
How do you maintain iroko and teak?
With these timbers, maintenance is about keeping the colour. Washing the surface once or twice a year and, once dry, applying an oil suited to the wood is enough. Greyed teak or iroko can be brought back to its honey colour with sanding and oil. We also maintain and repair teak work done by others.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose iroko or teak?
Teak is the most water-resistant option and the classic choice for places that are always wet, such as boats, but it is expensive. Iroko is close to teak in durability and look and usually costs less; it is a good balance for decks and garden furniture.
Why do iroko and teak turn grey over time?
Sun and rain gradually take the natural oil and colour from the surface, and the wood turns silver-grey. This does not weaken it. Regular oiling keeps the honey colour.
Can greyed teak get its original colour back?
Yes. Once the surface is cleaned, sanded and oiled, most of the wood's natural colour comes back.
Do you do boat joinery?
Yes. We do boat decks, flybridge cladding and cabin joinery, as well as maintenance and repair of old teak surfaces.
How often should iroko and teak be oiled?
Usually once or twice a year is enough. Surfaces in strong sun or constantly wet may need it more often.
What determines the price?
The timber chosen, the size of the area or piece, the workmanship details and whether the work is on site or on a boat. We give an exact figure after the site visit and measurement.
Guides
- Wood types: which timber for which job?Timbers commonly used outdoors include pressure-treated pine, iroko, teak and thermowood. Pine is a softwood; outdoors it lasts only with pressure treatment and regular care, but it is the most economical option. Iroko and teak resist water and rot without treatment thanks to natural extractives in their heartwood. Thermowood is timber whose rot resistance has been improved by heat treatment. Indoors, hardwoods such as oak are also used for furniture, doors and stairs. The table below compares the common types.
- How do you choose poolside decking?A poolside deck gets wet often, sits in the sun and is used barefoot. So three things matter: a wood with high resistance to water, a surface that does not splinter or get too slippery when wet, and a substructure where water does not collect underneath. Hardwoods with high natural durability, such as iroko or teak, are usually preferred by the pool. Pressure-treated pine is more economical but needs more frequent care. Chlorine or salt in pool water wears the surface, so regular rinsing and oiling are needed.
- Iroko or teak? How they differ and where to use eachIroko and teak are both tropical hardwoods with high natural durability, and both suit outdoor use. Teak is oilier and is the traditional choice for surfaces that stay wet, such as boat decks; it also costs more. Iroko comes close to teak in durability and looks, and usually costs less, so it is often a good balance for garden decks, pool surrounds and garden furniture. Left without care, both weather to a silver grey; keeping their natural colour takes regular oiling.
Projects in this area
Get a price and timeline for Iroko and Teak
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Areas we serve: Istanbul and across Türkiye