Planning to build a deck? Keep in mind that it will constantly battle the elements, so it requires materials that can withstand heat, cold, insects, and other potential damages. Constructing a Brazilian wood deck is an excellent choice due to its proven durability in harsh conditions.
Why choose Brazilian hardwoods?
Brazilian hardwoods harvested from tropical rainforests boast exceptional resistance to rot, mold, and weathering. This makes them ideal for building a deck that's not only naturally stunning but also enduring. Brazilian ipe decking, for instance, requires minimal maintenance while retaining its quality and robustness over time.
Did you know that Brazilian hardwoods surpass traditional woods in density, strength, and ability to handle more weight and pressure? They also offer a visually striking appearance with dense grains and rich colors, adding elegance and value to your home. Selecting a Brazilian hardwood like tigerwood or ipe means investing in top-quality material that enhances your home’s aesthetics and value.
Top Brazilian hardwoods for deck building
There are several options when it comes to Brazilian hardwoods, each with its own aesthetic and functional merits. Here are some popular choices for Brazilian wood decks:
- Ipe – Renowned for its exceptional durability, Brazilian ipe decking showcases a captivating appearance with rich, warm brown tones accented by darker streaks. Its fine to medium texture and distinct grain pattern create a naturally watertight surface, effortlessly repelling moisture while also providing exceptional slip resistance. These qualities, along with its naturally elegant aesthetic and low-maintenance nature, make ipe an ideal material for crafting luxurious, high-traffic decks that promise enduring beauty and effortless enjoyment for years to come.
- Tigerwood – Tigerwood or muiracatiara features a light maple hue with distinctive black stripes, resembling a tiger’s (thus its name). Its hardness surpasses that of oak or maple, offering resistance to wood-destroying organisms.
- Garapa – For those who prefer a lighter-colored Brazilian wood deck, garapa is an excellent choice. Known as Brazilian Oak, this dense, lemon-yellow hardwood resists decay, mold, and scratches, and is naturally slip-resistant.
Discover a range of Brazilian hardwoods—including Brazilian ipe decking—at ABS Wood. All products are environmentally certified and of the highest quality, ensuring long-lasting and durable structures. For more information or to get a quote, visit ABSWood.com or call 352-508-4990 or 404-549-4840.
About the Author:
Bruce Master serves as the general manager at Advanced Building Supplies, also known as ABSWood, a leading provider of a comprehensive range of Brazilian Hardwood products, including Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru, and Tigerwood. Bruce's affinity for exotic woods is a natural extension of his family heritage, rooted in a lineage of skilled woodworkers. Both his grandfather and father were esteemed craftsmen and cabinet makers.
Beyond his managerial role at ABS, Bruce actively engages in designing, planning, and installing his own decks. Prior to his involvement with Brazilian Hardwoods, Bruce held a generalist position at a large Ace Hardware store in Miami, Florida, specializing in serving an almost exclusive clientele of contractors working on projects in Miami Beach.
