Spectacular Species
International Floors & Decks
Ipé/Brazilian Walnut • Iroko • Cumaru • Jatoba/Brazilian Cherry • Garapa • Teak
Exotic woods are all the rage these days in North America. Architects and designers are finding exciting new uses for exotics indoors and outdoors, upstairs and down. These woods are attractive and enduring, and they provide a seamless segue between external and internal settings. Increasingly, they can be found on ceilings and vertical surfaces and in other non-traditional applications.
Cumaru and ipé are certainly two well-known species that have long been prized for their strength, beauty and durability. But other exotic species with similar performance characteristics are becoming increasingly available and popular for flooring, decking and a host of other applications.
Ipé/Brazilian Walnut (Tabebuia spp.)
The Fairhope Yacht Club in Alabama was rebuilt with ipé wood, considered one of the strongest hardwoods on the market. With a Janka rating above 3600, it is extremely durable, and resistant to insects, mold and decay. Ipé is commonly specified for outdoor decking, boardwalk and dock applications, and is also used for interior flooring.
Photo courtesy of OHC, Inc
The opportunities to incorporate these species in stunning new projects are limitless. This section highlights just a few examples. Drop us an email (info@iwpawood.org) with your latest eye-catching, design-forward use of exotic wood and you might just see it highlighted in a future issue of International Wood.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Janka rating of ipé wood?+
Ipé has a Janka rating above 3600, making it one of the strongest hardwoods on the market.
What are common applications for ipé/Brazilian Walnut?+
Ipé is commonly specified for outdoor decking, boardwalk and dock applications, and is also used for interior flooring.
Why is ipé considered so durable?+
Ipé is extremely durable and resistant to insects, mold and decay, which is why it was chosen to rebuild the Fairhope Yacht Club in Alabama.
What exotic wood species are popular for decking and flooring in North America?+
Popular exotic species include Ipé/Brazilian Walnut, Iroko, Cumaru, Jatoba/Brazilian Cherry, Garapa, and Teak. They are prized for strength, beauty, and durability in flooring, decking, and other applications.
How are architects using exotic woods in new ways?+
Architects and designers are finding new uses for exotic woods indoors and outdoors, upstairs and down. They are increasingly appearing on ceilings, vertical surfaces, and other non-traditional applications, providing a seamless segue between external and internal settings.
Which wood was used to rebuild the Fairhope Yacht Club?+
The Fairhope Yacht Club in Alabama was rebuilt using ipé wood, chosen for its strength, durability, and resistance to insects, mold, and decay.