Spectacular Species
Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa)
Rain doesn't mean a thing to the homeowners of this countryside home. This iroko deck stands bright even in a region averaging 300 days a year of rain. Iroko, also known as African teak, is golden-orange to brown in color and darkens with age. Traditionally used in marine and boat applications, when properly prepared, iroko is also ideal for decking. Janka rating of 1260.
Photo courtesy of Romea Legnami S.P.A.
Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa)
This stunning deck in Alabama overlooking the Tennessee River was built with garapa; ipé was used to construct the handrails. Garapa decking has a medium luster, an interlocked grain and a fine texture that accentuates the wood's rich gold and brown tones. The species hardness provides natural scratch resistance making garapa a good wood for exterior decking. Janka rating is 1650.
Photography: Dennis Keim
Teak (Tectona grandis)
This elegant home in Dallas, Texas makes use of teak throughout the house from interior and exterior siding, paneling, windows, doors and a reclaimed teak floor. The teak was carefully recovered by hand from old and neglected structures then repurposed into new life as flooring. Teak is inherently golden brown in color with a straight grain and coarse texture. Due to the natural preservative oils in teak, it is virtually maintenance free. Janka rating is 1000.
Photo courtesy of East Teak Fine Hardwoods
Frequently asked questions
What is iroko wood and why is it good for decking?+
Iroko, also known as African teak, is a golden-orange to brown wood that darkens with age. Traditionally used in marine and boat applications, it performs well for decking when properly prepared, even in regions that average 300 days of rain a year. It has a Janka rating of 1260.
What are the characteristics of garapa decking?+
Garapa decking has a medium luster, interlocked grain, and fine texture that accentuates rich gold and brown tones. Its hardness provides natural scratch resistance, making it well-suited for exterior decking. Garapa has a Janka rating of 1650.
Why is teak considered low maintenance?+
Teak contains natural preservative oils that make it virtually maintenance free. It is golden brown in color with a straight grain and coarse texture, and has a Janka rating of 1000.
How was the reclaimed teak in the Dallas home sourced?+
The teak was carefully recovered by hand from old and neglected structures, then repurposed into new life as flooring. It was used throughout the home for interior and exterior siding, paneling, windows, doors, and floors.
What woods were used on the Alabama deck overlooking the Tennessee River?+
The deck itself was built with garapa, while ipé was used to construct the handrails.
What is the Janka hardness rating of iroko, garapa, and teak?+
Iroko has a Janka rating of 1260, garapa has a rating of 1650, and teak has a rating of 1000.