Under the Boardwalk...Down by the Sea
Ipe, Cumaru, Maccaranduba and Ekki belong to a group of tropical hardwoods known as "superwoods." These species have long been prized for heavy-duty applications such as decking, bridges, boardwalks, piers, marinas and other uses in unforgiving environments.
In the early 1970s, Timber Holdings USA, currently headquartered in Bedford, NH, pioneered the naturally durable hardwood market in the U.S. by introducing Australian Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) to repair and rebuild the fallen Atlantic City boardwalk. Originally fabricated of old growth domestic softwoods such as pine and fir, many of the famed Jersey Shore boardwalks had deteriorated badly under the continuous onslaught of wind, waves, weather and pedestrian usage. Several attempts to use treated pine as a replacement material yielded an average service life of only five years and resulted in significant maintenance costs to boardwalk communities.
In the 1980s, Ipe (Tabebuia spp.), sometimes called Brazilian walnut, gained favor as a less costly but equally durable alternative to Jarrah. Later on, Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata) or Brazilian teak, Maccaranduba (Platymiscium spp.), Ekki (Platymiscium spp.) and Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei) also became popular for construction/reconstruction of boardwalks and piers.
"Because of their superior life cycle performance in severe environments, these hardwoods gradually began to replace many of the softwood boardwalks all along the Eastern Seaboard," according to Brian Lotz, Director of Business Development for Timber Holdings USA, which markets superwoods under the brand name Iron Woods®.
Frequently asked questions
What are superwoods used for boardwalks and piers?+
Superwoods are a group of tropical hardwoods including Ipe, Cumaru, Maccaranduba and Ekki. They have long been prized for heavy-duty applications such as decking, bridges, boardwalks, piers, marinas and other uses in unforgiving environments.
Why did the Atlantic City boardwalk need to be rebuilt with tropical hardwoods?+
The original Jersey Shore boardwalks, fabricated of old growth domestic softwoods such as pine and fir, had deteriorated badly under the continuous onslaught of wind, waves, weather and pedestrian usage. Treated pine replacements only lasted about five years, resulting in significant maintenance costs.
What wood was first used to rebuild the fallen Atlantic City boardwalk?+
In the early 1970s, Timber Holdings USA introduced Australian Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) to repair and rebuild the fallen Atlantic City boardwalk, pioneering the naturally durable hardwood market in the U.S.
Why did Ipe replace Jarrah for boardwalk construction?+
In the 1980s, Ipe (Tabebuia spp.), sometimes called Brazilian walnut, gained favor as a less costly but equally durable alternative to Jarrah.
What is the brand name for superwoods marketed by Timber Holdings USA?+
Timber Holdings USA, headquartered in Bedford, NH, markets superwoods under the brand name Iron Woods®.
What tropical hardwood species are commonly used for boardwalks and piers today?+
Species commonly used for boardwalk and pier construction include Ipe (Brazilian walnut), Cumaru (Brazilian teak), Maccaranduba, Ekki and Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei). These hardwoods have gradually replaced many softwood boardwalks along the Eastern Seaboard due to their superior life cycle performance.