iroko,for flooring instead of teak?

[Todd Pearce]

I am thinking of putting a teak n holly style floor in the galley and head, I want to do a 3-5 mm over lay on 6mm ply so as to get a custom pattern and finish, but the cost of teak is so high and its bound to get well used by the kids , (so I think thin veneer is out) and a friend suggested Iroko (African teak ,but not ) as an option mixed with maple, anybody had any experience with it?
Regards Todd

[CaptPatrick]

Todd,

Iroko will be just fine for an interior sole once it's sealed and finished. Today's teak and holly is actually teak and maple anyway. so the maple is fine also...

Iroko is light to medium brown when newly installed; has a significant color change and turns to brown/dark brown over time according to the National Wood Flooring Association, so you might want to think twice about adding a stain.

[MarkS]

I do still a few feet left of Amtico strip vinyl teak with some scroll border too. It never changes color is unaffraid of water and requires little if any maintainence. I have a bucket of glue as well and all can be had for a donation to the site. I'll even ship it free.

[CamB25]

I like Iroko. It does look like a grainy teak and machines easily. 1/4 the price. I am using it for all my wood accents on the 25 - coaming board, center console door, helm seat, dash on the helm, etc. Iroko would make a very nice flooring material.

There is some variation in color. To even things out and give it an overall darker appearance, I stained the boards with aniline(sp?) dye. Powered variety, mixed with water. The water-based penetrates well and does not interfere with epoxy. Seal with a couple coats of low viscosity epoxy. Sand and spray with clear LP.

This stain may be a little dark for your floor. This is light oak Transtint mixed 1/4 tbsp./16oz water, 2 coats.



Cam

[Todd Pearce]

as usual, you guys are great,mark that's a very nice offer but I am in New Zealand ,and I am sure the shipping would be to expensive to justify ,Cam are you turning that 25 into a CC? looks very cool ,keep the photos coming on that , I love a good project,keeps you awake n kickn

[Todd Pearce]

what about mahogany ? its the same price as iroko

[CaptPatrick]

Mahogany would work too, except that it's a much softer wood than Iroko and won't hold up as well for a sole.

[scot]

Looking good Cam!! Beautiful wood and really nice work.

I am in the process of fairing the transom cap now. I'll paint because I don't have the wood working skills, or patience needed to do the wood! I consider myself a mechanical "rough-in" guy, not a body shop guy! I picked up a Harbor Freight 16" x 2 3/4" air vibrating sander (body file).. that thing is saving me a lot future embarrassment, makes a pro out of anyone lol.

[CamB25]

Thanks, Scot! I'm sold on Iroko, It's a great wood to work with at a reasonable price....for now.

Todd - If you are after a darker color, consider Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) mixed with maple or other light colored wood. Very good flooring and it finishes very well with teak oil. I made a bathroom vanity some time ago from BC and it still looks like new. Teak oil is very good if the wood is not exposed to direct sunlight as it has no UV inhibitors. Easy to re-apply if the finish starts to fade. It's not a hard finish, but should stand up to bare feet and flip flops!

[Todd Pearce]

thanks again guys, I am going to do a trial run of iroko/maple and see how it looks, will let you know the out come

[Navatech]

thanks again guys, I am going to do a trial run of iroko/maple and see how it looks, will let you know the out come

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate a picture :-)