Iroko vs. Cedar for Cladding - What is The Difference?

Iroko offers superior durability and natural resistance to rot and insects, making it ideal for long-lasting cladding applications. Cedar provides excellent thermal insulation and a stable, lightweight option with a rich aroma and aesthetic appeal for exterior siding.

Table of Comparison

Introduction to Iroko and Cedar Cladding

Iroko and cedar are popular wood choices for cladding due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Iroko, often called African teak, offers a rich golden to dark brown hue with high resistance to rot, insects, and weathering, making it suitable for exterior applications. Cedar, valued for its natural oils and resin, provides excellent moisture resistance and a distinctive reddish tone that ages gracefully to a silvery gray when exposed to the elements.

Key Differences Between Iroko and Cedar Wood

Iroko wood is significantly denser and more durable than cedar, making it highly resistant to rot and insect damage, which is ideal for exterior cladding in harsh climates. Cedar wood offers superior natural insulation and a lighter, more flexible profile, providing excellent resistance to moisture and decay while being easier to work with during installation. Both woods feature distinct color and grain patterns, with Iroko showcasing a rich golden to medium brown hue and cedar offering a warm reddish-brown tone that weathers gracefully over time.

Durability and Lifespan Comparison

Iroko wood exhibits exceptional durability with natural oils that resist decay, insects, and moisture, making it ideal for exterior cladding in harsh climates; its lifespan typically ranges from 25 to 40 years when properly maintained. Cedar also offers good durability, containing natural preservatives that protect against rot and insect damage, with a lifespan of approximately 15 to 25 years in similar conditions. Iroko generally outperforms cedar in longevity and resistance to environmental factors, making it a more robust choice for long-term cladding projects.

Appearance and Color Variations

Iroko cladding features a rich golden to medium brown hue with occasional dark streaks, offering a warm, natural appearance that deepens with age and exposure to sunlight. Cedar cladding showcases a more varied color palette, ranging from light amber to reddish-brown, often with distinct grain patterns and knots that create a rustic, textured look. Both woods develop a silver-gray patina over time if left untreated, but cedar's lighter base tones provide more versatility in blending with different architectural styles.

Weather Resistance and Maintenance

Iroko wood offers exceptional weather resistance due to its natural oils that repel moisture and resist decay, making it highly durable for cladding in wet and humid environments. Cedar is also praised for its weather resistance, with natural antifungal properties and dimensional stability, but it requires regular maintenance such as sealing or staining to preserve its longevity. While Iroko demands less frequent upkeep, cedar's lighter weight and ease of handling make it a popular choice despite needing more routine protective treatments.

Cost Analysis: Iroko vs Cedar

Iroko wood typically costs more than cedar due to its durability and density, which contribute to a higher upfront investment for cladding projects. Cedar is generally more affordable and widely available, making it a cost-effective choice for large-scale exterior applications. Life-cycle expenses should also be considered, as iroko's superior resistance to weathering and pests can reduce long-term maintenance costs compared to cedar.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Iroko wood offers excellent durability and natural resistance to termites and decay, making it a sustainable choice with a longer lifespan and less frequent replacement. Cedar is a renewable resource, known for its low environmental impact due to rapid growth and its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, supporting sustainable forestry practices. Both woods provide eco-friendly cladding options, but cedar tends to have a lower carbon footprint, while iroko's longevity reduces waste over time.

Workability and Installation Considerations

Iroko wood offers excellent workability due to its moderate density and straight grain, making it easier to cut, nail, and sand compared to cedar, which is softer but prone to splintering. Installation of Iroko cladding benefits from its dimensional stability and resistance to warping, reducing the need for frequent adjustments or securing methods, while cedar requires careful handling to prevent surface damage and may need additional treatments to enhance durability. Both woods require pre-drilling to avoid splitting, but Iroko's hardness necessitates stronger tools and fasteners, impacting installation time and labor costs.

Common Uses and Popular Applications

Iroko wood is prized for exterior cladding due to its high durability, natural resistance to decay, and rich golden-brown coloration that enhances modern architectural facades. Cedar is widely favored for residential siding and decorative exterior panels, offering superior weather resistance, natural insect repellent properties, and a warm reddish hue that ages gracefully to a silver patina. Both woods are popular in decking, fencing, and garden structures, with Iroko chosen for heavy-duty commercial use and Cedar preferred for eco-friendly, low-maintenance home applications.

Which Is Better for Cladding: Iroko or Cedar?

Iroko offers exceptional durability and natural resistance to rot, making it ideal for long-lasting cladding in harsh weather conditions, while cedar provides superior thermal insulation and a naturally appealing aroma that repels insects. Iroko's dense grain structure ensures minimal maintenance and high impact resistance, whereas cedar's lightweight and flexible fibers make installation easier and reduce structural load. Choosing between Iroko and cedar depends on priorities: durability and robustness favor Iroko, whereas aesthetic appeal and insulation properties highlight cedar as the better cladding option.