Tropical Hardwoods are Cut above the Rest in Outdoor Living

Custom-made 30x30 Ipé wood tiles are the foundation for this rooftop deck on the Partners Healthcare Corporate Campus, a LEED Gold certification project. This area provides comfortable lounge seating around a rooftop cafeteria. Photo courtesy of Bison Innovative Products. Photo credit: Kyle J Caldwell

This vertical siding offers a distinct modern sleek aesthetic. The vertical orientation allows water to run off easily, resulting in less trapped moisture and residue. This project was made from Plantation Teak, grown on managed tree farms. Photo courtesy of ETT Fine Woods.

Tropical hardwoods in outdoor design offer a powerful combination of functionality, durability, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Tropical hardwoods are among the best materials for a wide array of outdoor applications. This is due to their natural durability, density, strength, and resistance to weather, pests, and decay. These woods often have performance ratings that rival or exceed other materials, without chemicals.

Tropical woods have a lower life cycle cost due to their less frequent replacement compared to softwoods, vinyl, or composites. On average tropical hardwoods can last between 30 and 40 years in service. They withstand even extreme climates and don’t easily warp, crack, or split.

With rich, exotic grain patterns and deep rich tones, these woods offer a premium architectural look. Over time, they will develop a desirable silver-gray patina if left untreated or can be finished to maintain the natural wood color.

Their natural elegance complements both modern and traditional landscapes, blending seamlessly with stone, steel, glass, or greenery.

Expansive Decks

This stunning rooftop deck connects the home to extraordinary views of the outdoors. Using Ipé deck tiles in a patchwork pattern, a combination of Ipé and glass for the railing, and a pergola overhead, this is a unique space for relaxing. Photo courtesy of Advantage Lumber.

A curved concrete bench, in sleek cool tones and accented by fire-pit detailing, is set against the warmth of Ipé decking creating a stunning deck. This Ipé has been treated with an Ipé oil to maintain the color of the wood. Photo courtesy of Advantage Lumber.

Verandas & Four-Season Rooms

This covered porch acts as an extension of the home through most weather. Without fully enclosed walls, the exterior Tigerwood decking is a perfect option, adding beauty and durability when exposed to weather. Photo courtesy of Advantage Lumber.

At The Lodge, a hotel and center for Indigenous tourism near Edmonton, Alberta, natural wood forms a defining framework. Supplied by UCS Forest Group, Accoya wood was used for cladding and supported by glulam columns and beams. Made from fast-growing, certified sustainable wood, Accoya is transformed into durable high-performance exterior material using a proprietary acetylation process. It holds a Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold certification. Photo courtesy of UCS Forest Group. Photo credit: Cooper and Ohara

Stunning Siding Features

Sapele wood siding was installed on this mixed-use commercial building for its aesthetic appeal, creating a look, both natural and contemporary. Wood siding was chosen for its energy efficiency and low-embodied energy, as well as being both renewable and biodegradable. Photos courtesy of ETT Fine Woods.

Pergolas and Structural Timbers

The wooden Ipé pergola timbers perfectly frame a dining area and stone fireplace for outdoor living and entertaining. Photo courtesy of Advantage Lumber.

SPA Areas & Outdoor Rooms

With both a fireplace and fire pit table, this outdoor retreat is enhanced by the natural character of the wooden ceiling overhead. Made of Ambara®, a thermally modified material made from Obeche wood, this is an excellent substitute for Western Red Cedar. Photo courtesy of NOVA Building Products.

Red Balau siding is used for both this outdoor shower area as well as around the pool and hot tub area of this home. Like most other tropical hardwoods, Red Balau is naturally durable with a long service life. Photo courtesy of Advantage Lumber.

Boardwalks and Docks

Tropical hardwoods, such as this Garapa dock, continue to outperform other materials in marine environments. Garapa’s high density and natural oils result in an inherent resistance to moisture, rot, and pests. It is a popular and cost-effective choice for coastal decking, boat docks, and other structures exposed to salt water, humidity, and sun. Photo courtesy of Timberbase – a UFP Industries Company.

SPOTLIGHT ON: GARAPA / BRAZILIAN ASH

SPECIES: Apuleia leiocarpa

ORIGIN: South America

COMMON APPLICATIONS: Exterior joinery, flooring, stairs, decking, dock and boatbuilding.

CHARACTERISTICS/APPEARANCE: Garapa is a fine-grained wood with a light yellow to warm golden-brown hue and darkens with age. It has a fine straight-grained, interlocked medium texture. This wood is fairly easy to work with, despite its density. It glues easily and is very stable once glued. It saw, nails, and screws well with little to no blunting effect on tools.

JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: 1,650 lbf

COMMENTS: Garapa is naturally water-resistant, less vulnerable to insects, rot and decay. With excellent durability and a high resistance to daily wear, it has a long lifespan and features a Class A fire rating.

SPOTLIGHT ON: MASSARANDUBA / BULLETWOOD

SPECIES: Manilkara bidentata

ORIGIN: Caribbean, Central and South America

COMMON APPLICATIONS: Decking, flooring, siding, exterior joinery, boatbuilding, and heavy construction.

CHARACTERISTICS/APPEARANCE: Massaranduba is a fine uniformed wood with a medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood and tends to darken with age. The sapwood is a pale-yellow color and clearly differentiated. The wood tends to be straight grained to interlocked with a low natural luster. This wood produces good results with both hand and machine tools but does have a dulling effect on cutters. It responds well to steam-bending. Due to the high density and oil content, gluing is a challenge.

JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: 3,130 lbf

COMMENTS: Massaranduba is rated as very durable with good resistance to most insect attacks. It is an incredibly strong, dense wood which has good durability in exterior applications.