Why Choose Hardwood Decking?

A beautiful hardwood deck offers durability, longevity, and a natural look that will complement your home and landscape. Consider your needs and budget when choosing wood species.

Hardwoods like Ipe are naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage. They require regular oiling to maintain their color and beauty.

Durability

With its incredibly dense structure, hardwood is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and the elements. While the upfront cost is higher than softwood or synthetic alternatives, the durability of hardwood decking makes it a smart investment for homeowners who plan to use their deck frequently.

The premium choice among tropical hardwoods for decking is ipe (pronounced eye-pay), which offers unparalleled strength and weather resistance. This hardwood is available in long lengths, making it easier to install and reducing the amount of sawing required.

Other tropical species like cumaru, garapa, cambara, and massaranduba offer similar durability to ipe at more budget-friendly price points. In addition, European oak is a relatively affordable alternative that boasts superior stability and durability when oiled. When choosing a hardwood, it is important to look for a label that certifies that the wood was harvested responsibly. A chain of custody certification such as FSC or PFEC verifies that the wood was sourced from a forest that is managed to limit deforestation and provide economic value to local communities.

Weather Resistant

Hardwood decking offers a natural, luxurious aesthetic that just can’t be duplicated with composite or synthetic materials. The wide range of colors and patterns available will give you plenty of design ideas to spark your imagination.

Hardwoods like ipe, garapa and cumaru are naturally weather-resistant, requiring less annual maintenance than softwoods, which must be treated with preservative chemicals to resist rot and decay. Ipe and garapa in particular also produce their own natural oils to guard against fungus and UV damage.

To maximize the life of hardwood decking, it is important to properly acclimate it to its new environment. Acclimating means storing the wood in an enclosed area that is protected from the elements. The wood should be kept covered and elevated to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which can speed up fading and weathering. In addition, the joists should be well spaced to allow air circulation and reduce moisture levels. It is also a good idea to use a moisture meter calibrated for your specific wood species during this process.

Aesthetics

Unlike composite wood, hardwoods are naturally rich in color and have a variety of grain patterns that give the deck a natural texture and visual flair. Many exotic varieties add a unique touch to a project, though their popularity and demand can lead to deforestation of rare trees in the wild. Look for FSC-certified wood to ensure your new deck is sustainably sourced.

Hardwoods also tend to age to a more desirable silvery gray over time, adding to the visual appeal of a well-maintained deck. In the example below, a builder used different widths of garapa to define the edge of a dark field of ipe, creating a refined architectural look.

Because of its density, ipe and other hardwoods require high-quality tools to install properly. Using sharp bits and a stepped drill bit will help you achieve tight butt joints, essential for a good-looking deck. To protect the wood and prevent stains and discoloration, apply a penetrating oil finish specifically formulated for hardwoods.

Maintenance

As a natural material, hardwood requires some care to maintain its gorgeous appearance. However, it is easier to maintain than many other materials such as cedar and pressure treated wood.

Keeping the deck clear will help prevent staining and rotting from debris. Frequent cleaning and rinsing will also keep the deck in pristine condition. When washing a deck it is best not to use a power washer as the force of water can damage the wood grains. Instead, a garden hose with a low-pressure setting can be used.

Once the deck is clean, it can be oiled to protect the surface and give it a beautiful sheen. It is important to apply the oil while it is still dry, and not walk on the deck until it is completely cured. It is recommended that the deck be re-oiled at least once per year. Avoid using a chemical cleaner to re-oil as this can strip the wood of its natural oils.

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