Building a deck? You will want to ensure it will last while maintaining its aesthetics for a long time. That means choosing a durable and resistant material with natural beauty and strength. Brazilian hardwood deck materials are perfect for those needs. As tropical hardwoods, they can withstand the toughest environments and last a minimum of 20 years without requiring extensive maintenance, making them better than other decking materials. Moreover, they stay cool even when exposed to high temperatures. Their fire resistance rating is high, too.
Is it worth the investment?
A Brazilian hardwood deck may generally be more expensive, but there is no doubt about its long-term value, making it a great investment for your home. Just be sure to pick an appropriate species of wood that suits your requirements so the finished product can add more value to your home.
Types of Brazilian hardwood decking materials
Below are some of the best Brazilian hardwoods to consider for your deck.
Ipe
Also known as ironwood, ipe is the hardest and densest that can last at least 50 years. It may be costly, but its unmatched durability and aesthetically pleasing deep brown color make it a good choice and a practical investment for a Brazilian hardwood deck.
Jatoba
Brazilian cherry or Jatoba is a wonderful hardwood characterized by its deep reddish-brown shade. Maintaining it requires UV oil application, but you also leave it be and let the sun fade it to russet red, all the way to silver, if that’s what you like.
Garapa
Do you prefer a light-colored deck? Brazilian oak or garapa has a distinct lemon-yellow hue that adds a brighter look to your outdoor lounging space, making it perfect for vacation or summer homes.
Cumaru
Cumaru is the perfect alternative to ipe Brazilian hardwood deck because they almost resemble each other, so an untrained eye cannot tell the difference. Also known as Brazilian teak, it features a golden-brown color that elevates the aesthetics of your outdoor lounging space.
Tigerwood
Is your deck looking a bit dull? Tigerwood can bring it to life with a dramatic flair. The hardwood features shades of golden to reddish brown colors with irregular black and brown streaks and orange stripes.
Be sure to source any of these materials from a reputable supplier. That way, you can build a high-quality Brazilian hardwood deck that is naturally beautiful and lasting. It also ensures you are sourcing materials sustainably, with minimal environmental impact.
About the Author:
Bruce Master is the general manager at Advanced Building Supplies. Advanced Building Supplies, aka ABSWood, specializes in a full line of Brazilian Hardwood products, including Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru, and Tigerwood. Exotic woods is a natural outgrowth for Bruce as he comes from a long line of woodworkers. His Grandfather and Father were both respected wood craftsmen and cabinet makers. In addition to managing ABS, Bruce designs, plans, and installs his own decks. Before selling Brazilian Hardwoods, Bruce worked as a generalist at a huge Ace Hardware in Miami, Florida, that catered to an almost exclusive clientele of contractors working on Miami Beach.
