Exotic Hardwood Decking materials

Ipe, Tigerwood, Mahogany & More

Our exotic hardwood decks materials range from  Ipe and Tigerwood to Red Balau and Mahogany. These products are highly desired due to their incredible natural beauty, durability, and almost complete lack of knots. We stock the largest amount of exotic hardwoods than any other supplier in the state of Colorado.

Homeowners often think that because something is labeled as “exotic” that it is more expensive, but this isn’t always the case. If you take into consideration all of the benefits that come with using exotic hardwood on your deck, you’ll actually save money over time. The long lasting nature of these exotic hardwood materials is a huge benefit that draws in contractors and homeowners alike.

Exotic hardwoods are well know for being low-maintenance materials for decking. In most cases, you’ll only need to reseal it every other year as opposed to every year. Staining will only need to be done when you notice considerable fading, which will happen at a slower rate than with other decking materials. In most cases, the only maintenance needed is a spray down with the hose, or a quick sweep to off all the wet leaves in fall.

Exotic hardwoods are an excellent choice for decks due to its natural resistance to all the things that cause a deck to decay and need replacing. Other materials will need protective finishes to avoid harmful damage from moisture, but the resins within exotic hardwoods allow the material to resist moisture, rot and insects without those extra finishes. They also tend to have a little more protection against the damage from the sun, because of those natural oils within.

Why Exotic hardWood?

Exotic hardwood decks may cost a bit more initially compared to common cedar and redwood decking, but they offer exceptional value. Their durability and aesthetic appeal ensure you get great “bang for your buck.” For more information on our exotic deck woods, such as ipe and tigerwood, please contact us to speak with a decking specialist today!

IPE

Ipe, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is one of the finest wood decking materials with a high-class appearance. Ipe is one of the most sustainable, durable, and densest hardwoods, making it an ideal product to use for your decking. Ipe has a very distinct look that makes it a must have with designers and architects. Ipe is perfect for not only your deck, but outdoor furniture, walk ways, exterior siding, and various outdoor projects.

Garapa

Garapa is an extremely durable hardwood that is found in South America and certain areas in Central America. Garapa is similar to Ipe, but has a blonder color to it, whereas traditional Ipe is dark and vibrant. Just like Ipe, Garapa is a go to with designers and architects, especially for high end, classy projects and home builds. Garapa has a long list of benefits with low costs, is chemical free, has a long lifespan, no maintenance needed, and it is rot resistant! The ideal decking material.

Mahogany

Mahogany is the one of the #1 choices when it comes to decking material. Mahogany has coloring that is rich and vibrant, which gives any outdoor space an upgraded chic look. Mahogany is a softwood, which makes it an easy species to work with and install. With its clear finish, no knots, and extravagant coloring- Mahogany is a must have decking material.

Red Balau

Red Balau is a high quality, sturdy, and functional exotic hardwood that is imported from Indonesia. This product has little to no upkeep needed, no knots, and no defects. Red Balau is 4 times the density of Redwood, making it the ideal product for high traffic areas. Your deck can withhold all of the entertaining, all summer long.

Tigerwood

Tigerwood, also known as Brazilian Koa, has beautiful brown and red coloring with exceptional wood grain that is perceived as stripes and streaks. Tigerwood is a sustainable hardwood that is resistant to scratching, making it a great material for decking. Tigerwood is easy to clean, resistant to day to day wear and tear, and is highly dense, which reduces the chances of warping, splintering and splitting.

Common Exotic Decking Questions

  • Exotic hardwood decking has three main advantages over all other decking material

    Unparalleled Beauty– The distinctive grains and colors that are found in exotic hardwoods are impossible to beat. Regardless of the look desired, contemporary, rustic, or distinctive – there is an exotic hardwood species that will accommodate your project.

    Durability– Exotic hardwoods are considerably more dense and durable than ANY other wood decking. These woods will endure abuse from patio furniture, grills, pets, and foot traffic far better than cedar or redwood.

    Quality– Exotic hardwoods have very few branches. This results in a finished piece of lumber that has almost no knots, or is “clear”, as we say in the lumber business. In addition to the lack of knots, all of our exotic hardwood decking is kiln dried, meaning each piece of decking will be more stable with less warping, twisting, or crooking.

  • Not really. You should always pre-drill all of your screw holes to avoid splitting the wood, but pre-drilling is actually recommended by virtually all decking mills and manufacturers. You may also find that your saw blades dull more quickly from cutting hardwoods. However, the real key to keeping exotic hardwood decking easy to work with is purchasing kiln dried lumber. Having excess moisture removed from the wood in a convection kiln creates lumber that is more stable with less warping, twisting, or crooking.

  • There are freight costs associated with all materials. Although exotic hardwoods do travel further than some of our other decking materials to reach our facility, they still cost less than most of the popular composite decking. You’ll also enjoy the benefit of receiving wholesale pricing, which can offset the increased price due to quality of materials.