Tropical hardwood decking consists of several different wood types. These include Brazilian also known as Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa and more. These types of woods are harvested and acquired outside of North America. They are also very common and widely available at many hardwood or lumber stores. It’s not rare to see these types of wood for sale and you will not have a problem finding them. Tropical hardwood deck boards have an elegant appearance and a distinct and vibrant color. They are extremely tough and great for all weather conditions. Some of them do not retain heat which makes it easy to walk on with bare feet in the summertime. The toughness and durability of this wood gives it a long lifespan, most types of tropical hardwood decking can last longer than 40 years. This type of wood is no susceptible to stains and if there is a spill it can be washed away with ease. Unwanted objects do not absorb into the wood. Tropical hardwood deck boards do not need chemical spray to be immune to rot and insects either. It’s also not susceptible to warping like other woods may be, since they can withstand temperature they do not expand with the heat or shrink. If legally harvested, most of these woods are sustainably harvested to promote forest health.
Like said before tropical hardwoods are very dense and durable, although this is a good thing, it can make the wood stubborn to work with. Installation can be tricky since it will take more time and special tools to drill holes with. This will slow down the process and probably cost more money along the way. These woods have tons of good qualities, so naturally they cost more when compared with the average pressure treated lumber. When tropical hardwood is new and fresh it had a beautiful red brown color that looks very elegant. Over time and without maintenance this color will eventually fade to a gray tone. In order to keep those red colors looking vibrant, it needs some annual work. By using a UV blocking wood preservative or oil, the color should stay looking new, but this has to be done at least yearly.
All tropical hardwood decking options are a little different and their performances all vary depending on what kind of wood you are specifically looking at. Ipe decking has the highest resistance to decay. Cumaru decking has some of the best durability and is cheaper than Ipe. Tigerwood is extremely stable in inclement climates and is low maintenance. Garapa has lighter honey hues to its color and will gray faster, but it also has an extreme natural resistance to decay without the use of chemicals. Before investing in any of these tropical woods, look at all the specs and specifics and choose one that suits your individual needs best.
