Iroko vs. Cherry for Table - What is The Difference?

Iroko offers exceptional durability and natural resistance to moisture and decay, making it ideal for heavy-use tables. Cherry provides a rich, warm color and smooth grain that deepens over time, enhancing the table's aesthetic appeal.

Table of Comparison

Introduction to Iroko and Cherry Wood

Iroko wood, often referred to as African teak, is a durable hardwood known for its golden to medium brown color and high resistance to decay, making it ideal for furniture and tables. Cherry wood features a rich reddish-brown hue that deepens with age and is prized for its smooth grain and workability, offering a warm and elegant look for fine woodworking. Both woods provide unique aesthetic qualities and durability, with Iroko favored for outdoor use and Cherry commonly chosen for indoor tables.

Physical Appearance: Color and Grain Comparison

Iroko wood features a golden to medium brown color that darkens with age, showcasing a coarse, interlocked grain with a natural oily texture that enhances durability. Cherry wood displays a rich reddish-brown hue that deepens over time, characterized by a fine, straight grain with occasional wavy patterns, offering a smooth and elegant finish. The contrasting color evolution and grain patterns make Iroko ideal for rustic, robust tables, while Cherry suits refined, classic designs.

Durability and Hardness

Iroko wood, known for its high durability and natural resistance to decay and insects, rates around 1,260 on the Janka hardness scale, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting tables. Cherry wood, while prized for its beautiful grain and smooth texture, has a lower Janka hardness of approximately 995, which means it is softer and more prone to dents and scratches over time. Tables made from Iroko are better suited for heavy use environments due to their superior hardness and durability compared to Cherry.

Workability and Ease of Crafting

Iroko wood offers moderate workability with a coarse texture and interlocked grain, which can cause occasional tear-out during planing but generally responds well to hand and machine tools. Cherry wood is highly favored for crafting furniture due to its fine, straight grain and smooth texture, making it easy to cut, shape, and finish with minimal effort. While Iroko is more durable and resistant to decay, Cherry's superior workability and ability to take a fine finish make it a preferred choice for intricate detailing in tables.

Cost and Availability

Iroko wood typically costs less than cherry due to its abundance in West African forests, making it more readily available for table manufacturing. Cherry wood, prized for its rich color and fine grain, commands a higher price and can be harder to find, especially in large, defect-free boards. The cost-effectiveness and widespread availability of Iroko make it a popular choice for budget-conscious furniture makers seeking durable hardwood.

Maintenance and Longevity

Iroko wood offers exceptional durability and is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it a low-maintenance option for tables, requiring only periodic cleaning and occasional oiling to maintain its rich color. Cherry wood, while beautiful with its smooth grain and warm tones, demands more frequent care, including protection from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping. Iroko's superior resistance to environmental wear ensures longer longevity, often outlasting cherry wood when used in high-traffic or outdoor environments.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Iroko wood, sourced from fast-growing tropical African trees, offers sustainable benefits due to its rapid replenishment and high durability, reducing the need for chemical treatments in table manufacturing. Cherry wood, predominantly harvested from temperate North American forests, poses concerns related to slower growth rates and deforestation risks, impacting long-term forest health. Choosing Iroko supports eco-friendly table production through responsible forestry practices and lower environmental impact compared to Cherry wood.

Table Applications: Suitability for Dining and Work Tables

Iroko wood offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, making it highly suitable for both dining and work tables that require longevity and easy maintenance. Cherry wood, prized for its rich color and smooth grain, provides a warm aesthetic ideal for formal dining settings, although it is softer and more prone to dents under heavy work use. For work tables needing robustness against wear, Iroko's hardness surpasses Cherry, while Cherry excels in creating elegant dining environments where visual appeal is a priority.

Pros and Cons of Iroko vs Cherry for Tables

Iroko wood offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture and insects, making it an excellent choice for tables in humid or high-traffic environments, but it can be heavier and harder to work with compared to Cherry. Cherry wood provides a fine, smooth grain and deepens in color over time, giving tables a rich, warm aesthetic ideal for indoor use, although it is softer and more prone to scratches and dents than Iroko. Choosing between Iroko and Cherry depends on prioritizing toughness and outdoor suitability versus elegant appearance and ease of finishing.

Final Recommendation: Which Wood is Best for Your Table?

Iroko wood offers exceptional durability, natural resistance to moisture and insects, making it ideal for high-traffic or outdoor tables requiring longevity. Cherry wood provides a warm, rich reddish-brown patina over time, favored for indoor tables needing a refined aesthetic and smooth finish. For a robust, weather-resistant table, Iroko is the best choice, while Cherry excels in elegant, indoor furniture emphasizing classic beauty and aging grace.