Timberline Lumber Company sources specialty tropical hardwoods — Purpleheart, Jatoba, Tigerwood, Yellow Balau, Massaranduba, and more — on special order from Black Mountain, NC. Mill-partner quoting with flatbed delivery across Western NC, Upstate SC, and East Tennessee.
Beyond our core lineup of Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa, Timberline Lumber can source a range of specialty tropical hardwoods on a special-order basis. These species are ideal for unique architectural statements, accent features, and projects where a distinctive appearance matters as much as durability.
Yellow Balau
Yellow Balau is a Southeast Asian hardwood (Janka ~1,630 lbf) with a warm golden-brown color similar to Garapa. It carries a Class 1–2 durability rating and is commonly used for decking, boardwalks, and heavy-traffic commercial installations. Balau is dense enough to resist marine borers, making it suitable for coastal and dock applications. It's sometimes marketed as "Bangkirai" in the European market.
Purpleheart
Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.) is one of the most visually striking woods in the world. Freshly cut boards are a dull brown-gray, but upon exposure to light, the heartwood oxidizes to a vivid, saturated purple — a color transformation unique in the lumber world. Janka hardness is approximately 2,520 lbf. Purpleheart is used for accent decking boards, inlays, furniture, and architectural features where a bold color statement is desired. The purple tones will darken to a deep eggplant-brown over many years of UV exposure.
Jatoba
Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is a classic tropical hardwood with a Janka rating of approximately 2,690 lbf. The heartwood ranges from salmon-red to rich orange-brown, darkening with age to a deep reddish-burgundy. Jatoba has been used extensively for interior flooring in the United States, but it also performs well in exterior applications. Its interlocked grain and high density make it extremely durable and resistant to wear.
Tigerwood
Tigerwood (Astronium spp.) earns its name from the dramatic dark streaking across a golden-orange background — reminiscent of tiger stripes. With a Janka hardness around 2,170 lbf, Tigerwood is hard, dense, and naturally durable. It's most often used for decking where a bold, exotic appearance is the primary goal. The contrast between the dark veining and warm base color creates a visually arresting surface that no domestic species can replicate.
Massaranduba
Massaranduba, sometimes called Brazilian Redwood or Bulletwood, is an extremely dense tropical hardwood (Janka ~3,190 lbf) with a deep reddish-brown heartwood color. It has excellent natural durability and is commonly used for heavy-duty decking, industrial flooring, and structural timbers in South America. Massaranduba's density and hardness approach that of Ipe, making it a viable alternative for projects that require extreme durability at a potentially lower cost depending on market availability.
Minimum order quantities may apply. Contact us with your project details and we'll provide a quote with current pricing and estimated delivery.
Specialty Tropicals FAQ
Can Timberline source Purpleheart or Jatoba?
Yes. Specialty tropicals including Purpleheart, Jatoba, Tigerwood, Yellow Balau, and Massaranduba are available by special order with typical lead times of 2–6 weeks.
Are other tropicals stocked at Black Mountain?
Core stock is Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa. Other tropicals are special-order through mill partners — we confirm availability, pricing, and lead time before you commit.
What is Yellow Balau used for?
Yellow Balau is a durable Southeast Asian hardwood used for decking, boardwalks, and heavy-traffic commercial installs. It is comparable in tone to Garapa with strong outdoor durability.
Do specialty tropicals ship on your trucks?
Yes. Once material arrives at Black Mountain, we deliver on the same flatbed network across Western NC, Upstate SC, and East Tennessee.
