Decking Options
Whether you’re building a porch in the mountains, waterfront deck or flipping through finish samples for a new build, the right wood makes all the difference. Below are our top options — each with a different look, price point, and performance profile.
Ipe — The Gold Standard
Dark walnut color, unmatched lifespan, zero movement — Ipe is the most stable and durable decking species on the planet. It’s our top recommendation when the goal is to build it once and forget about it. If you want the best deck in the neighborhood for the next 40–50 years, this is it.
Cumaru — Better Value, Still Hard as Nails
A dense, reddish-brown tropical hardwood with beautiful grain and real toughness. Cumaru is just behind Ipe in hardness.
Garapa — The Value Player
Lighter in color and weight, Garapa offers the durability of a tropical hardwood without the dark tones. With a golden-honey look, it’s a great fit for more casual builds or for projects that need a clear finish and a lighter deck.
Other Tropical Species (Available Upon Request)
We can also source niche tropical hardwoods for specialty builds or design-driven projects. These include:
- Massaranduba: Deep reddish plum, heavy and hard
- Tigerwood: Orange with dark striping (very distinct)
- Jatoba: Brazilian Cherry, used in high-end applications
- Purpleheart: Bright purple (fresh), browns over time
- Yellow Balau: Entry-level tropical alternative
These aren’t regularly stocked but can often be brought in quickly. Ideal if your architect specified something exotic.