As seen on HGTV, DIY and in many outdoor living related magazines “Ipe” or “Brazilian Hardwood” is referenced quite often. With unrivaled beauty, natural strength and durability, there’s no doubt that exotic hardwoods are becoming more and more popular for decks, siding, bridges, pergolas, and other modern applications. In order to design, build, and most of all enjoy projects utilizing exotic hardwoods, it is necessary to determine what material works best for which project. This guide provides technical and aesthetic attributes of the four prominent hardwoods commercially available today that hopefully, will assist in making the right choice for the project at hand.
ABOUT OHC
Overseas Hardwoods Company’s (OHC) has provided economical solutions to customers for over five decades with its High Performance Lumber Products. Maintaining significant inventories in its Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Wisconsin facilities, OHC’s Outdoor Living Hardwood decking products are utilized throughout North America in residential and commercial applications. Firmly committed to promote responsible forest management, OHC procures its lumber products from vetted suppliers who adhere to state, federal, and international laws governing sustainability and the legal trade of wood products. Please let our talented team show you the OHC difference.
Credits/References
Technical data in Species Characteristic and Properties are sourced from:
1. www.wood-database.com, Eric Meier
2. Tropical Timbers of the World, Martin Chudnoff, United States Department of Agriculture
ohc.net/hardwood-decking
Ipe (EE-pay) is an incredibly durable Brazilian Hardwood, and is rated by the US Forest Lab for 25 years plus, which is the highest rating they offer. This hardwood is perfect for exterior commercial and residential applications such as decks, docks, siding, or exterior furniture. From Dinner Key Marina in Miami to the Coney Island Boardwalk in New York City, Ipe has proven durability. It can be sealed to maintain its natural beauty or weather to a beautiful silver gray.
Ipe resists surface checking and is naturally resistant to molds, which are the two most destructive forces to decks and other exterior projects. When compared to other decking materials such as redwood, cedar, or pressure treated materials, Ipe lasts longer and is naturally more resistant to fire, weather, insects, moisture, and movement. If you compare the one time cost of Ipe to the 3-5 times you need to replace other materials over the lifespan of Ipe, the value of this tropical hardwood becomes clear!
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Common Name(s)
IPE CHARACTERISTICS
Ipe (ee-pay), Ironwood, Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho
Scientific Name
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia)
Distribution
Tropical Americas (Central and South America)
Tree Size
100-130 ft. tall with a 2-4 ft. trunk diameter
Color/Appearance
Heartwood can vary in color from reddish brown, to a more yellowish olive brown or darker blackish brown; sometimes with contrasting darker brown/black stripes. In certain species, there are powdery yellow deposits within the wood. Ipe can be difficult to distinguish visually from Cumaru, another dense South American timber, though Ipe tends to be darker, and lacks the subtle yet characteristic vanilla/cinnamon scent while being worked.
Grain/Texture
Has a fine to medium texture, with the grain varying from straight to irregular or interlocked. Moderate natural luster.
Endgrain
Diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; medium to large pores in no specific arrangement, moderately numerous to numerous; tyloses and mineral/gum deposits occasionally present; parenchyma unilateral, winged, and marginal; narrow rays, spacing normal; ripple marks present.
Rot Resistance
Rated as very durable; excellent insect resistance, though some species are susceptible to marine borers. Superb weathering characteristics.
Workability
Overall, Ipe can be a difficult wood to work, being extremely hard and dense, with high cutting resistance during sawing. Ipe also has a pronounced blunting effect on cutting edges. The wood generally planes smoothly, but the grain can tear out on interlocked areas. Also, Ipe can be difficult to glue properly, and surface preparation prior to gluing is recommended. Straight-grained wood turns well, though the natural powdery yellow deposits can sometimes interfere with polishing or finishing the wood.
Odor
Ipe has a mild scent while being worked.
Allergies/Toxicity
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Ipe has been reported to cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, as well as other effects such as headaches, asthma-like symptoms, and/or disturbance of vision.
Sustainability
Ipe is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, Ipe species grow in very low densities, with mature trees only occurring once per 300,000 to 1,000,000 square feet (3 to 10 hectares) of forest area. This necessitates the clearing of large sections of rainforest trees (most of which are of little commercial value). Though uncommon, certified sources of Ipe are occasionally available.
Uses
Flooring, decking, siding, soffits, exterior lumber, veneer, tool handles, and other turned objects.
Hailing from South America, Garapa has a light color that’s light on the wallet too. It’s one of the only light-colored hardwoods with good exterior durability that’s commercially available. Garapa may not have the hardness of an Ipe or Cumaru, but what it lacks in density this product makes up for in consistency, beauty, and affordability. The most common application for Garapa is exterior decking and siding.
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GARAPA
CHARACTERISTICS
Common Name(s)
Garapa, Garapa Gold
Scientific Name
Apuleia leiocarpa
Distribution
South America
Tree Size
65-100 ft. tall with a 3-5 ft. trunk diameter
Color/Appearance
Garapa has a golden to yellowish brown color, which darkens with age. The wood is fairly chatoyant, and appears to shift from dark to light coloring in different lighting angles.
Grain/Texture
Grain is usually straight, but can also be interlocked. Uniform medium texture with a moderate amount of natural luster.
Endgrain
Diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; medium to large pores in no specific arrangement, moderately numerous; yellowish brown mineral deposits common; parenchyma lozenge, winged, and confluent; narrow rays, spacing normal.
Rot Resistance
Rated as durable, though vulnerable to termites and other wood boring insect attacks.
Workability
Garapa is fairly easy to work, despite its density. It glues and finishes well, and is about average for dimensional stability.
Odor
No characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Garapa has been reported to cause skin irritation.
Sustainability
This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with the exception of one species endemic to Ecuador, Carapa megistocarpa, which is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of over 50% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range.
Common Uses
Flooring, decking, siding, soffits, docks, and boat building.
Want a hardwood that lives up to the name exotic? Look no further than the bold and elegant striping of Tigerwood. Like its namesake, Tigerwood combines beauty and strength in one elegant hardwood. Commonly used for decking, this wood has superb stiffness, strength, hardness, and durability. However, density and other mechanical properties can vary widely depending on the growing site and source region. The name “Jobillo” is sometimes used to refer to higher grades of Goncalo Alves among wood turners.
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TIGERWOOD CHARACTERISTICS
Common Name(s)
Tigerwood, Goncalo Alves, Jobillo
Scientific Name
Astronium graveolens
Distribution
From Mexico southward to Brazil
Tree Size
100-130 ft. tall with a 3-5 ft. trunk diameter
Color/Appearance
Heartwood is typically a medium reddish brown with irregularly spaced streaks of dark brown to black, giving it the look of tiger stripes. The color darkens with age if not properly sealed.
Grain/Texture
Grain can be straight, but is usually wavy or interlocked. Fine, uniform texture with good natural luster.
Endgrain
Diffuse-porous; medium pores in no specific arrangement; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; tyloses and other heartwood deposits common; growth rings indistinct; rays visible without lens; parenchyma vasicentric.
Rot Resistance
Tigerwood has excellent weathering properties, and is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance.
Workability
Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) is generally not too difficult to work, despite its high density. Figured pieces with irregular grain can pose a challenge in planing and machining operations. Goncalo Alves can also have a moderate blunting effect on cutters. The wood is very resistant to moisture absorption, which can make it difficult to glue.
Goncalo Alves turns and finishes well.
Odor
No characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Goncalo Alves has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation.
Sustainability
This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses
Decking, siding, soffits, flooring, veneers, furniture, cabinetry, carving, turned objects, and other small wood specialty objects such as: pool cues, archery bows, knife handles, etc.
ohc.net/hardwood-decking
Often overlooked by those seeking the more popular exotic hardwoods - like Ipe and Tigerwood - Cumaru is an excellent alternative to pricier hardwood products. Harvested primarily in Brazil, most Cumaru has the reddish brown look of Ipe (the most popular Brazilian hardwood) with a similar density and durability. Cumaru can also come with streaks of yellowish brown, which is sometimes sold under the trade name “Brazilian Teak”. However, Cumaru is not related to true Teak (Tectona grandis).
Cumaru is also called by the name Tonka Bean, and the tree is commonly cultivated for its vanilla-cinnamon scented seed—the tonka bean—which contains a chemical compound called coumarin. Coumarin has been used in perfumes since 1820, and gives Cumaru its aroma. Cumaru lumber is extremely stiff, strong, and hard, lending itself well to a variety of applications. The heartwood also fluoresces under a black light, which can help distinguish it from Ipe.
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CUMARU
CHARACTERISTICS
Common Name(s)
Cumaru, Brazilian Teak
Scientific Name
Dipteryx odorata
Distribution
Northern South America
Tree Size
130-160 ft. tall with a 3-5 ft. trunk diameter
Color/Appearance
Heartwood tends to be a medium to dark brown, sometimes with a reddish or purplish hue; some pieces may have streaks of yellowish or greenish brown.
Grain/Texture
Grain is interlocked, with a medium texture and a waxy feel.
Endgrain
Diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; large pores in no specific arrangement, few; heartwood mineral/gum deposits present; parenchyma lozenge, aliform, confluent, and sometimes marginal; narrow rays, spacing fairly close.
Rot Resistance
Cumaru has excellent durability and weathering properties. The wood is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance, though it may be susceptible to some insect attacks.
Workability
Cumaru tends to be difficult to work on account of its density and interlocked grain. If the grain is not too interlocked, Cumaru can be surface-planed to a smooth finish. However, the wood contains silica and will have a moderate blunting effect on tool cutters. Due to its high oil content and density, Cumaru can present difficulties in gluing, and pre-boring is necessary when screwing or nailing the wood.
Odor
Cumaru has a faint, vanilla or cinnamon-like odor when being worked.
Allergies/Toxicity
Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Cumaru.
Sustainability
This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses
Decking, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, heavy construction, docks, railroad ties, bearings, handles, and other turned objects.
ohc.net/hardwood-decking
Historic Shelter House Ipe Pergola Restoration Fort Worth Botanical Garden
Name Ipe
Grade
Appearance
HARDWOOD pRopERTIES
Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.
No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, patinas to silver gray with small surface checks.
Decay Resistance Very Durable 25+ Years
Fire Rating Class (NFPA)
GarapaTigerwoodCumaru
Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.
No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, patinas to gray with small surface checks.
Moderately Durable 10-15 Years
Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.
No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, colors darken with age with small surface checks.
Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.
No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, colors darken with age with small surface checks.
Very Durable 25 YearsVery Durable 25 Years
Radial: 4.2% Tangential: 7.5%
Radial: 4.2% Tangential: 7.8%
Ratio: 1.9
Radial: 5.3%
Tangential: 7.7% Volumetric: 12.6%
Ratio: 1.5
HARDWOOD InSTAllATIon
JobSITE SToRAgE/ACClImATIon
Exterior Use
Hardwoods for decking, pergolas, siding, soffits or other exterior applications need to be properly acclimated to the environment before installation. The reason is moisture content. All hardwoods will, over time, come to equilibrium with the relative humidity of the surrounding air. Depending on the climate, the equilibrium moisture content can vary from 10%-18%. Kiln-drying hardwoods is recommended to reduce shrinkage, cupping, and checking while lumber acclimates to its surrounding environment. Garapa, Tigerwood and Cumaru are dried to a moisture content of 12%-16%; this adds stability during acclimation. Ipe is traditionally sold air-dried because the density keeps the product from warping or cupping during acclimation, but it can also be kiln-dried for extremely dry climates or interior use. The acclimation period depends on the starting moisture content of the wood and the climate/temperature, but a good rule of thumb is 2-3 weeks in a dry space.
Interior Use
When used in interior applications like walls and ceiling, all hardwoods should be kiln-dried to 6%-8% moisture content. Climate controlled spaces like homes and office building typically maintain a specific relative humidity with controlled temperatures. Hardwoods that are above this moisture content will be subjected to shrinkage, cupping and warping. When using hardwoods kiln-dried to 6%-8% for interior applications make sure material is delivered and stored in the climate controlled area upon arrival to avoid acclimation to exterior moisture levels.
SAfETy
Ipe and other hardwoods are more dense, therefore heavier, than most other woods. Do not try to lift similar quantities of hardwoods compared to traditional softwoods. Most tropical hardwood dust is carcinogenic and can cause breathing problems, so dust masks and protective eye wear are recommended when cutting or sanding hardwoods.
ToolS
Carbide tipped saw blades with fewer teeth (16 teeth on 7-1/4” blades) stay cooler, reduce friction when cutting, and stay sharper longer. When using a miter box saw, we recommend 10” or 12” saws with roughly 24 teeth on 10” blades and 32 teeth on 12” blades.
Drilling hardwoods (especially Ipe) can be a challenge with improper drill bits. High speed steel tends to fatigue quickly, causing the bit to dull faster or break. Titanium Nitride coated drill bits initially perform well, but as the coating wears so does the performance. Cobalt Alloy drill bits are the most effective when drilling into Ipe. When drilling, periodically lift the bit out of the hole to remove shavings.
HARDWOOD
InSTAllATIon TIpS
ToolS (ConTInuEd)
Board benders such as the BoWrench are highly effective in straightening crooked boards. These types of tools are typically self locking and can speed up production since another person is not needed to hold the board in place.
End SEAlIng
End sealing with a wax based product is imperative to minimize end checking. Checking (tiny cracks) occurs in all hardwood species upon moisture loss. Almost every hardwood decking mill waxes lumber ends prior to shipping. For best results, wax fresh cut ends immediately after cutting. A small folded rag lightly dipped into the wax product and dabbed on the cut end will work the best. Avoid waxing the surface of the deck board as this will cause staining. Excess wax on the surface can be scraped off with a putty knife and then lightly sanded in the specific area. When ripping boards, wax is not required on the straight grain, only on cross cut ends. Note: oil-based UV inhibiting products are not effective in preventing moisture loss at the ends.
fASTEnIng
Stainless Steel fasteners are imperative when fastening Ipe and other hardwoods. The high level of Tannic Acid in hardwoods will cause a dark brown to black stain when fastening with Zinc coated fasteners such as galvanized screws. Coatings, found on most other types of non-Stainless fasteners, can separate from their Carbon Steel body when driven into a dense material such as Ipe. Once the coating is removed, bare Carbon Steel is left in direct contact with the board and will also cause staining. As a general rule, hardwoods will outlast most any decking product currently on the market, so use fasteners that can maintain a similar life cycle.
Face Screwing
Face screwing is the most economical and efficient means of installing hardwood decking. Pre-drilling and counter sinking is necessary to avoid wood splitting and screw breakage.
Hidden Fasteners
Hidden fasteners help to streamline labor versus face screwing and provide a “screwless” decking surface. Some hidden fastener systems provide automatic spacing.
fInISHIng
Applying a finish to hardwoods is not required, but is recommended to minimize fading due to Ultraviolet light exposure. A penetrating, pigmented, UV inhibiting oil is recommended to maintain the wood’s rich natural color.
Handrail Cap
Handrail Cap
Don’t
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HARDWOOD AVAIlAblE dImEnSIonS
Don’t see the dimension you need? No problem, we can special order other dimensions and lengths.
Providing Beauty, Strength and Durability
OHC’s High Performance Lumber Products are the products of choice for many residential and commercial hardwood applications.
