Ipe (Ironwood)

Natural Color

Density lbs/ft3

Janka Hardness (lbs force)

Movement

Maintenance

Red Brown with Variegated Olive Tones

73

3680

Very Low

Low to None

Comments:

Everything about Ipe wood is extreme. Hardness, work-ability, durability, lifespan and cost. It's grown in South America so please be sure to only buy it from reputable companies that have sustainable harvesting and re-planting. Advantage Lumber is one such reputable company.

Some say it will last 100 years on a deck. We know for sure that some of the public board walks near New Jersey and New York have had it in service for decades!

It's insect and decay resistant because of its hardness but also because the chemicals in the wood are not attractive to bugs and bacteria. Cutting and drilling require many carbide blades.

No need to stain or seal it but if you do there are certain stains to use given it's reduced porosity. This wood is as low maintenance as you can get and better than composite materials.

It is said to be heavier than water and it truly is your best fire resistant or possibly fire proof decking wood. Supposed Class A fire rating which is the same as concrete!

It is "supposed" because that is the result one private company obtained when they tested it against ASTM E-84. Either way you can safely say this is one heck of a wood.

Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)

Natural Color

Density lbs/ft3

Janka Hardness (lbs force)

Movement

Maintenance

Reddish Brown to Light Golden Brown

66

3540

Very Low

Low to None

Comments:

Cumaru is sometimes difficult to tell apart from Ipe except that it is usually a little lighter brown in color. Like Ipe, it is a very hard wood and therefore tough on saw blades and drill bits best to use carbide tips. It has a tight grain and is decay resistant. Without any stain, it can last 25 years. However, due to its density it does not easily allow stains or sealers to soak in.

It is very smooth and pleasant to walk on and look at. For a minor reduction in lifespan you can usually pay about 1/4 less than Ipe or the top composite deck material. To keep the color nice you just need a good UV inhibiting finish.

Tigerwood

Natural Color

Density lbs/ft3

Janka Hardness (lbs force)

Movement

Maintenance

Lighter Brown/Gold with Dark Striping

40

1850-2000

Very Low

Low to None

Comments:

This wood is gaining popularity because it also lasts 25+ years without preservatives and has a distinctive variegated striped grain pattern. It's not quite as dense or hard as Ipe and Cumaru but not far off. The density and tight grain make it last a long time just like the other great hardwood deck material.

A sharp blade and pre-drilling is required. It's less expensive than Ipe, lasts almost as long and has a unique appearance. All you need is to apply a UV deck finish to maintain the coloring.

Garapa (Brazilian Ash)

Natural Color

Density lbs/ft3

Janka Hardness (lbs force)

Movement

Maintenance

Yellowish

Brown with Gold

54

1210

Low

Low to None

Comments:

Tigerwood is another very hard and durable exotic hardwood deck material from South America. It can easily last 25 years without preservatives. If you want to maintain its golden color it will require some UV protectant finish. Otherwise, it will weather to a nice silver gray color.

It's hard on saw blades and pre-drilling is required for fasteners. It's less expensive than Ipe and yet lasts almost as long. It also has a fire rating that is the same as concrete. Due to its density, bugs and insects can't find a home in this wood.

So, when you are comparing many of these hardwoods you will see that they all last a long time. Your choice almost comes down to the color, look of the wood and cost.

Kayu Batu

Natural Color

Density lbs/ft3

Janka Hardness

Movement

Maintenance

Light Brown with Yellowy Brown

54-61

1800 Janka Scale

Low

Low to None

Comments:

Kayu is also from the Shorea species and is typically guaranteed for 25 years without any preservatives. It's also one of the lower priced hardwoods and compares closely to high grade cedar and composite both of which do not last as long. Just finish with a UV inhibitor finish if you want the color to remain.

It's very hard so it is a great decay and insect resistant wood but tough on saw blades. The wood can crack and so you have to pre-drill all your fastener holes.

Bottom line, it is one of the nicest looking, durable and more affordable hardwood decking material. In fact, I think this is the best decking material out there for price and longevity.

Meranti

(Dark Red)

Natural Color

Density lbs/ft3

Janka Hardness (lbs force)

Movement

Maintenance

Pale Reddy Brown

40

780

Low to Moderate

Frequent

Comments:

Meranti covers a number of similar species of Shorea trees most notably from the Philippines. There are dark and light red, yellow and white options. It is moderately hard but requires sharp blades or a fine furry surface is left behind.

It's not known as the best outdoor wood like the other harder species and therefore, it is not commonly used as decking. It is more commonly used in furniture that can be finished and sealed.