Hardwood Decks
Hardwood decking is one of the most beautiful of all decking materials. It is one of the best compromises between quality, durability and appearance. Hardwood decks are usually oiled once a year to preserve the rich brownish colour of the lumber, and to protect the wood from the effects of harsh weather and sun. Hardwood is usually installed with 5/4x6 deck boards, and fastened with hidden screws.
Although this is the most beautiful decking, it is also the most expensive due to the extensive amounts of labour needed when dealing with this wood, and the exotic origin of the wood itself.
Ipe Decks
Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is one of the most popular materials used by designers and architects due to its clean and rich look whether oiled or left untreated. Ipe is the most dense wood used for decking. In fact, it is so dense that it will not float on water. Ipe does not have to be chemically treated like some other woods due to its natural resistance to insects. Ipe has a beautiful natural variation in colour that is even more visible when oiled. Using oil, Ipe will preserve its reddish to brown colour. The fire spread rating for Ipe is the same as for concrete or steel.
Janka Side Hardness LBS: 3,680
Bate Decks
Batu Decking closely resembles the rich classic look of Mahogany with its medium red to deep red/brown colour. The texture is moderately fine and grain is typically interlocked. Batu decking originally comes from different parts of Asia with about 200 different species extant. The most popular ones available for decking are Red Balau, Yellow Balau and Membatu. Batu products are sourced from countries that are leaders in ecological, sustained forestry practices. Batu decks are quickly gaining popularity due to the competitive prices of Batu products.
Cumaru Decks
Cumaru Decking is an extremely dense tropical hardwood with excellent durability and performance characteristics. Cumaru has a distinct patina and fine grain. This beautiful, durable South American hardwood is rated for a 25 year lifespan. It is naturally resistant to fire, insects, rot and mildew. It can be either oiled or left to naturally weather to soft gray colour.
Janka Side Hardness LBS: 3,540
Tigerwood Decks
Tigerwood is very well known for indoor and outdoor applications with its tiger like stripes. This Brazilian hardwood is one of the finest quality hardwoods available with a very unique look. It is naturally resistant to fire, insects, rot, mildew and decay. Tigerwood offers a lifespan of 25+ years without preservatives.
Janka Side Hardness LBS: 1,850
