Iroko hardwood / African Teak

[Amanda Randall]

Hi,

The carpenter who has made the nest boxes for our swift project previously used marine ply.  He is concerned that supplies are becoming less reliable, quality-wise, and is proposing to make our next set of boxes using Iroko hardwood, aka African Teak.  To quote him, he says that "Iroko hardwood ... is an excellent, highly durable choice for exterior use, often called "African Teak" due to its stability, oily nature, and high resistance to rot, decay, and insects. It is commonly used for exterior cladding, decking, gates, garden furniture, bird tables and boxes."

Does anyone know of any reason why this may NOT be a suitable material for swift boxes? 

Thank you

Amanda

Harbury Swift Project

[Mike Priaulx]

Hi Amanda,

You should make sure Iroko is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, as otherwise you'll be damaging the environment somewhere else in the world.

The supplier should provide a "chain of custody" certificate as evidence.

As long as it's FSC certified, Iroko should be suitable and long lived compared to other timber products (with the caveat that all timber boxes will have a limited lifetime if rained on, especially if a flat roof).

All the best,

Mike

Islington and Hackney Swifts Groups

+++

Amanda Randall <a.l.ran...@gmail.com>: May 22 10:12AM +0100

[Robin Stokes]

"You are damned if you do and damned if you don't."

Not sure how to avoid the illegal market in Hardwoods. 

Regards,

Rob Stokes.

[Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group]

Agree with Mike we have to look for FSC certification (although it has its issues too) but cannot encourage the use of hardwoods if not following a trail of sustainability.  We need our rainforests - think of where our swifts overwinter!!!  Deforestation is most definitely increasing to our detriment and to that of the swifts and others who depend on it.  This includes garden furniture btw!

Cally

[Amanda Randall]

Yes. Thank you, Cally.

Amanda 

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[hythescream]

Another thing is the cost of this wood. How much will it cost per box? Why not start using the SLN uPVC discount? A box then costs under £5 to make including a nest cup and lasts almost forever. You can now paint uPVC to look like wood/brick etc.

Looking at the cost of boxes generally, the cheaper they are, the more you can make, and the more swifts you can house per £.  Most commercial boxes also harbour massive amounts of tax and VAT which the government are happy to take off the swifts!

So on top of the environmental issues, the iroko idea is ridiculous in the circumstances IMHO

Ron

[Alistair]

Duraply is an alternative… Grown in Italy in poplar plantations……fast growing so high rate fo carbon capture. https://www.garnica.one/en-uk/plywood-panels/range/duraply/duraply.html

Cheers

Alistair

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[Amanda Randall]

Thank you, Ron.  That's a good suggestion. I will need to discuss this with the Parish council as well as the carpenter himself, since he made all our original boxes.for the PC project.

Best wishes 

Amanda 

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