Tropical Decking Choices
3. TIGERWOOD: Also known as Goncalo Alves, this decking wood is recognized for the brownish orange background and dark stripes that give it a tiger-like appearance. Over time, it will darken to a deeper reddish brown. The wood dries well and is very stable in many climates, but kiln drying is required to achieve this stability. Tigerwood is used extensively for decking but also for many interior applications. While readily available, the variegated "striping" can make assembling a deck with consistent appearance difficult. Also, its smooth texture, which feels great on bare feet, can be slippery.
4. MASSARANDUBA: Also known as Brazilian Redwood or Bullet Wood, Massaranduba is a very dense hardwood. The tree is quite large and it yields straight and consistent grained boards that are perfect for decking. It is deep red in color and can mellow with more brown upon exposure. Massaranduba is about 20% less hard than Ipe but still very durable. Drying is the weak point of this species. Splits and checks are very common during drying. Moreover, when used in dry climates like the Rockies and the Southwest, Massaranduba can all but break apart. This species is very popular in Europe due to its wetter climate as it is quite stable under these conditions. Careful climate consideration should be taken when building a deck from Massaranduba. Similar to Cumaru in price and readily available, this species can be a great alternative in certain climates.
5. GARAPA: Also known as Brazilian Oak, Garapa is another dense and hard decking species. It is unique with its lemon yellow color and creates a striking appearance. While this is a stable and effective decking product, its color is not in high demand. The hardness is about 40% less than Ipe, but still much harder than many domestic species. It is durable and carries the same class A fire ratings of many of the South American decking species. Many overcome the color issue by applying stains and dyes to make Garapa look more like Ipe.
6. CAMBARA: Often sold as a variant of Mahogany, Cambara does have many similar properties such as an open grain and reddish brown coloring. It is much less dense and hard when compared to the above species, but is often used as a tropical alternative to many of our domestic decking products such as Southern Yellow Pine, Redwood and Red Cedar. Cambara is stable once kiln dried and provides a much cheaper alternative as the pricing is similar to some domestic species. IW
Shannon Rogers/J. Gibson McIlvain Company http://www.mcilvain.com/tropical-decking-choices
Frequently asked questions
What is Tigerwood decking and what are its drawbacks?+
Tigerwood, also known as Goncalo Alves, has a brownish orange background with dark stripes that darken to reddish brown over time. Its variegated striping can make achieving a consistent deck appearance difficult, and its smooth texture can be slippery.
How does Massaranduba compare to Ipe in hardness and durability?+
Massaranduba is about 20% less hard than Ipe but still very durable. It is similar to Cumaru in price and readily available.
Why is Massaranduba decking not recommended for dry climates?+
Massaranduba is prone to splits and checks during drying, and when used in dry climates like the Rockies and Southwest it can all but break apart. It is more popular in Europe because it remains stable in wetter climates.
What color is Garapa decking and how do builders address its appearance?+
Garapa, also known as Brazilian Oak, has a unique lemon yellow color that is not in high demand. Many builders overcome the color issue by applying stains and dyes to make it look more like Ipe.
How hard is Garapa compared to Ipe?+
Garapa is about 40% less hard than Ipe, but still much harder than many domestic species. It is durable and carries the same Class A fire rating as many South American decking species.
Is Cambara a good low-cost alternative to domestic decking woods?+
Yes, Cambara is often used as a tropical alternative to domestic decking products like Southern Yellow Pine, Redwood, and Red Cedar. It is stable once kiln dried and priced similarly to some domestic species, though it is less dense and hard than other tropicals.