Hardwoods: The Ultimate Technical Guide

HARDWOODS

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Garapa Hardwood Deck Atlanta, GA

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

If you’re familiar with HGTV or Dwell magazine you’ve probably seen the word “Ipe” or “Brazilian Hardwood” pop up a few times. There’s no doubt that tropical hardwoods are becoming more and more popular for decks, siding, and other modern applications, but how do you make sure you’re specifying the right material for your project? We put together a guide with all of the technical and aesthetic information you need to make the right hardwood choice for your upcoming project.

Credits Much of the Species Characteristics and Properties were provided by Eric Meier from www.wood-database.com.

ABOUT TIMBERTOWN

Creating a space to relax and entertain shouldn’t be left to chance. As a specialty lumber yard, TimberTown can help you find the best decking, railing, accessories, siding and soffits for your indoor and outdoor projects.

Whether you’re looking for Cedar, Treated Pine, tropical hardwoods like Ipe, or the best composite brands like Trex, Azek or TimberTech we can provide quality materials and superb service by friendly people.

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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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IPE

Characteristics Common Name(s) 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.

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IPE

Span Values

DECKING Nominal Size

40 psi

50 psi

60 psi

100 psi

1x4

32”

30”

28”

24”

1x6

38”

34”

32”

28”

5/4x6

42”

38”

36”

32”

2x6

62”

58”

56”

48”

*Includes dead load of 10 lbs/sf

STRUCTURAL Timber Size

Joist Spacing

2x6

Live Load Rating 40 lbs/sf

50 lbs/sf

100 lbs/sf

18”

11’ 4”

10’ 8”

8’ 8”

2x6

24”

9’ 11”

9’ 4”

7’ 7”

2x6

32”

9’ 0”

8’ 5”

6’ 11”

2x8

18”

15’ 5”

14’ 6”

11’ 10”

2x8

24”

13’ 6”

12’ 8”

10’ 4”

2x8

32”

12’ 3”

11’ 6”

9’ 5”

2x10

18”

19’ 7”

18’ 5”

15’ 0”

2x10

24”

17’ 1”

16’ 1”

13’ 2”

2x10

32”

15’ 6”

14’ 7”

11’ 11”

2x12

18”

23’ 8”

22’ 3”

18’ 2”

2x12

24”

20’ 8”

19’ 6”

15’ 11”

2x12

32”

18’ 9”

17’ 8”

14’ 5”

*Includes dead load of 10 lbs/sf HARDWOODS

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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.

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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.

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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.

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HARDWOOD Properties

Name

Ipe

Garapa

Tigerwood

Cumaru

Grade

Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.

Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.

Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.

Select Grade, all heart, no knots & sap.

Appearance

No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, patinas to silver gray with small surface checks.

No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, patinas to gray with small surface checks.

No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, colors darken with age with small surface checks.

No splinters, surface stays smooth & resists damage, sealer required, colors darken with age with small surface checks.

Decay Resistance

Very Durable 25+ Years

Moderately Durable 10-15 Years

Very Durable 25 Years

Very Durable 25 Years

Fire Rating Class (NFPA)

A - B+

A-B

A-B

A-B

Resistance to Termites

High

Medium

High

High

Resistance to Marine Borers

High

Medium

High

High

Movement in Service

Low

Low

Low

Low

Average Weight

69 lbs/ft3

51 lbs/ft3

57 lbs/ft3

68 lbs/ft3

Modulus of Rupture 25,660 lbf/in2

18,530 lbf/in2

16,970 lbf/in2

25,390 lbf/in2

Modulus of Elasticity 3,200,000 lbf/in2

2,257,000 lbf/in2

4,401,000 lbf/in2

3,237,000 lbf/in2

Janka Hardness

3,680 lbf

1,650 lbf

2,250 lbf

3,540 lbf

Specific Gravity (Basic / 12% MC)

.91 / 1.10

.65 / .82

.80 / .91

.86 / 1.09

Crushing Strength

13,600 lbf/in2

9,030 lbf/in2

10,770 lbf/in2

13,850 lbf/in2

Shrinkage

Radial: 5.9% Tangential: 7.2% Volumetric: 12.4% T/R Ratio: 1.2

Radial: 4.2% Tangential: 7.5% Volumetric: 11.4% T/R Ratio: 1.8

Radial: 4.2% Tangential: 7.8% Volumetric: 11.2% T/R Ratio: 1.9

Radial: 5.3% Tangential: 7.7% Volumetric: 12.6% T/R Ratio: 1.5

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Installation Tips

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. Tropical hardwoods will, over time, come to equilibrium with the relative humidity of the surrounding air. Depending on the climate, the average moisture content can vary from 10% to 18%. Kiln-dried hardwoods are recommended for dry climates to reduce shrinkage, cupping, and checking while the lumber acclimates.

TimberTown uses kiln-dried Garapa, Tigerwood, and Cumaru which will have a moisture content of 10%-12%; this adds stability during acclimation. Ipe typically comes 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 ceilings, all tropical hardwoods should be kiln-dried to 6%-8% moisture content. Air-conditioned spaces like homes and office buildings typically have less moisture in the air, so air-dried lumber will experience more shrinkage, cupping, and warping when installed inside, especially if it’s been milled. When using KD hardwoods at 6%-8% MC be sure to bring the product inside an air-conditioned space as soon as the material arrives to avoid too much moisture reentering the wood.

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.

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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.

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HARDWOOD Milling Profiiles

DECKING

T&G Porch Flooring

Edge-Grooved

RAILING

2x4 Handrail Cap

Shiplap/Lap & Gap

2x6 Handrail Cap

SIDING & SOFFITS

Tex-Gap #122 #116

Rainscreen

Tongue & Groove Don’t see the profiile you need? No problem, we can special order any milling specification you need.

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Available Dimensions

IPE

GARAPA

air-dried

kiln-dried

Dimensions

Lengths

Dimensions

Lengths

1x4 (¾” x 3-½” actual)

4’ - 20’

5/4x6 (1” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

1x6 (¾” x 5-½” actual)

4’ - 20’

2x4 (1-½” x 3-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

1x8 (¾” x 7-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x6 (1-½” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

5/4x4 (1” x 3-½” actual)

4’ - 20’

4x4 (3-½” x 3-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

5/4x6 (1” x 5-½” actual)

4’ - 20’

5/4x8 (1” x 7-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

5/4x12 (1” x 11-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x2 (1-½” x 1-½” actual)

36”

2x4 (1-½” x 3-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x6 (1-½” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x8 (1-½” x 7-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x12 (1-½” x 11-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

4x4 (3-½” x 3-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

4x8 (3-½” x 7-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

Dimensions

Lengths

4x12 (3-½” x 11-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

5/4x6 (1” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

6x6 (5-½” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x4 (1-½” x 3-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x6 (1-½” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

2x8 (1-½” x 7-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

4x4 (3-½” x 3-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

*Kiln-dried Ipe available special order

TIGERWOOD kiln-dried Dimensions

Lengths

5/4x6 (1” x 5-½” actual)

8’ - 20’

CUMARU kiln-dried

Don’t see the dimension you need? No problem, we can special order other dimensions and lengths.

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Quality Materials

From low maintenance composites like Trex to long-lasting hardwoods like Ipe, we’re pretty picky about our products. We don’t sell anything we wouldn’t be happy using on our own project.

Superb Service

We put people before profits so you always have a pleasant experience. That’s why we have an excellent delivery service plus a “Find A Craftsman” program to help you find a qualified builder for your project.

Friendly People

Why do we come to work with a smile on our face? Because we love helping people like you! Once you contact us or walk into our showroom, our goal is for you to be happy with the end product.

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