Thermowood vs. Iroko for Doors - What is The Difference?

Thermowood offers superior thermal insulation and dimensional stability for doors, while Iroko provides exceptional durability and natural resistance to decay and insects. Choosing Thermowood enhances energy efficiency, whereas Iroko ensures long-lasting strength and aesthetic appeal.

Table of Comparison

Introduction to Thermowood and Iroko

Thermowood is a heat-treated softwood known for enhanced durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to decay, making it an eco-friendly option for exterior doors. Iroko is a dense hardwood native to West Africa, prized for its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and rot, often compared to teak in terms of strength and longevity. Both materials offer robust performance for doors but differ in origin, texture, and maintenance requirements, influencing their suitability based on environmental conditions and design preferences.

Origins and Production Processes

Thermowood, derived primarily from Scandinavian softwoods like pine or spruce, undergoes a proprietary thermal modification process that heats the wood to approximately 160-220degC in a low-oxygen environment, enhancing its durability and dimensional stability. In contrast, Iroko is a naturally durable hardwood native to West Africa, harvested from the Milicia excelsa tree, known for its high density and resistance to decay without additional treatment. The thermal modification of Thermowood alters its chemical and physical properties, reducing moisture absorption and increasing resistance to fungal decay, while Iroko achieves natural longevity through its inherent oils and dense grain structure.

Physical Characteristics Comparison

Thermowood features enhanced durability and dimensional stability due to its heat-treated process, making it highly resistant to moisture and warping, ideal for exterior doors. Iroko, a dense African hardwood, offers natural resistance to decay and insect attacks, with a coarse texture and golden to medium brown color that darkens over time. While Thermowood is lighter and easier to machine, Iroko provides superior strength and hardness, making both excellent choices depending on the climate and usage requirements for doors.

Durability and Longevity

Thermowood and Iroko both offer exceptional durability for doors, with Thermowood's heat-treated pine providing enhanced resistance to decay and insect attacks, extending its lifespan significantly. Iroko, often called African teak, boasts natural oils and a dense grain structure that delivers superior longevity and weather resistance, making it ideal for exterior doors in harsh conditions. While Iroko generally offers a longer service life due to its hardwood properties, Thermowood's eco-friendly treatment ensures a stable and durable alternative with excellent dimensional stability.

Resistance to Weather and Insects

Thermowood offers superior resistance to weather due to its heat-treated process, which enhances dimensional stability and reduces moisture absorption, making it highly durable in varying climates. Iroko, a naturally dense hardwood, provides excellent insect resistance with inherent oils that deter termites and pests, while also exhibiting strong weather resilience, especially in outdoor applications. Choosing between Thermowood and Iroko depends on prioritizing enhanced weather stability versus natural insect deterrence for door longevity.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Thermowood undergoes a heat-treatment process that enhances durability without chemical additives, making it a highly sustainable choice due to its extended lifespan and reduced need for replacement. Iroko, sourced primarily from West African forests, is durable and naturally resistant to decay but raises concerns regarding deforestation and habitat impact if not responsibly harvested. Choosing FSC-certified Thermowood or sustainably managed Iroko ensures minimized environmental impact and supports responsible forestry practices for door applications.

Aesthetic Differences: Color and Grain

Thermowood doors showcase a rich, warm brown hue with subtle golden undertones that deepen over time, highlighting a uniform grain pattern that offers a sleek, modern aesthetic. In contrast, Iroko doors feature a more varied color palette ranging from golden yellow to medium brown, displaying a pronounced, interlocking grain that creates a textured, exotic appearance. The distinct grain intricacy in Iroko delivers a dynamic visual appeal, while Thermowood's consistent tone provides a refined, minimalist look.

Workability and Maintenance Requirements

Thermowood offers enhanced workability due to its uniform stability and reduced moisture content, making it easier to cut, shape, and fasten for doors. Iroko, a dense hardwood, requires more effort to machine because of its high density but provides excellent durability and natural resistance to decay. Maintenance for Thermowood doors involves periodic sealing to maintain its thermal modification benefits, while Iroko doors typically need less frequent maintenance due to their inherent oils and toughness.

Cost Analysis and Availability

Thermowood offers a cost-effective alternative to Iroko, with prices typically 30-50% lower due to its heat-treated softwood origin, making it accessible for budget-conscious door projects. Iroko, a dense African hardwood, commands higher prices because of its durability and resistance, with market availability often limited due to regional sourcing constraints. While Thermowood is widely available across Europe and North America through sustainable forestry programs, Iroko's supply fluctuates, impacting lead times and overall project costs.

Best Application Scenarios for Doors

Thermowood is ideal for exterior doors in humid or rainy climates due to its exceptional dimensional stability and resistance to moisture and decay. Iroko, with its high density and natural oils, excels in heavy-use interior or exterior doors requiring enhanced durability and resistance to wear. For maximizing longevity in wet environments, Thermowood ensures minimal warping, while Iroko's strength suits areas with frequent physical impact.