Hardwood and Softwood Decking

Can’t decide which type of decking is right for you?  The first step is to determine whether you want the beauty of wood, or the less maintenance composite decking.  Our wood vs composite decking guide lists the pros/cons of each deck type, along with other useful information that will hopefully assist with the deck buying process.

Don’t think hardwood decking can give you the durability you demand? Think again. Ipe (also known as Ironwood™, Pau Lope™ or Brazilian Walnut) is the hardest wood you’ll find.

The only upkeep required with Ipe is the occasional application of deck oil. The bottom line: Ipe decking will last longer than the frame you build it on!

Widely considered nature’s most versatile and resilient building material, Western Red Cedar decking is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. So your beautiful deck will last for a very long time with very little maintenance. Western Red Cedar is also pitch and resin-free, which means it’s ideal for accepting and holding a wide range of beautiful finishes. Lets see what else… did we mention it’s beautiful?

You just can’t beat the unmistakable beauty of California Redwood decking. Its rich luxurious sienna tones will enhance your outdoor living space and add value to your home. Plus, Redwood decking is durable, low maintenance and always cool under foot. It’s also naturally resistant to shrinking, warping and checking. Yet, despite these top-performing qualities, Redwood is a relatively affordable decking option.

You’ll know Cumaru decking by its rich red, orange and brown hues along with distinguished grain pattern. Cumaru decking is extremely hard and stands up just fine to moisture and insects. Better yet, Cumaru is an environmentally friendly choice because it achieves its supreme toughness without the addition of chemicals.

Sometimes you just can’t beat Mother Nature. Case in point: Tigerwood (also known as Brazilian Koa, Goncalo Alves or Zorrowood). Its trademark striped patterns make this South American hardwood one of a kind. With exposure to sunlight, Tigerwood decking darkens to a slightly redder tone over time. It’s a gorgeous transformation that only enhances the wood’s exotic beauty.

If you’re on a budget but still want all the exotic beauty of a tropical hardwood, Garapa is your best bet. Garapa decking comes in a beautiful range of light honeys and warm amber hues. While Garapa is a lighter toned cost-effective choices among tropical hardwoods, it still performs like a tropical hardwood. Durable, stable and naturally rot resistant, Garapa decking will maintain its beautiful appearance for a very long time.

Another lower cost solution for an exotic tropical hardwood, Batu or Red Balau comes from the remote island of Indonesia.  While Batu decking (along with Garapa) are considered the most cost-effective choices among tropical hardwoods, it’s reddish tones are more closely similar to the more revered Ipe Decking counterpart .