Known for their durability and dramatic grain, our hardwoods imported from South America and Africa are incredibly dense and durable. Naturally rot and mold-resistant, their durability makes them low maintenance and amazingly long-lasting.
Available in a variety of grains, these exotic woods bring a unique drama and beauty to decks in Washington and Oregon.
Weighing in at 50-80 lbs per cubic foot, tropical hardwoods are as much as 3-4 times denser than common softwoods like pine and Douglas fir. Their density comes from extremely compact growth ring structures reinforced by long chains of carbon-based biopolymers called lignins. More lignins equate to higher density wood fibers that are exceptionally difficult to compress or penetrate.
Contributing to decay resistance are silicas (silicon dioxide) deposited strategically within tropical hardwood cell walls. Silicas provide an abrasive barrier that deters fungal hypae penetration. Added natural oils like terpenes are also harshly toxic to molds, stain fungi and insects. Even without treatment, woods like ipe, teak and greenheart will frequently outlast decking woods treated chemically.
As a result of extreme density paired with silica-reinforced cell structures and fungicidal oils, tropical hardwoods resist rotting and insect infestation better than virtually any other untreated wood species. Exposure to elements leaves their handsome grain patterns intact decades longer.
In the Pacific Northwest’s wet, cool climate, tropical hardwoods prove especially durable. Their dense grain and natural oils resist moisture, decay, and insects, even in constant dampness. This makes them a smart, low-maintenance choice for outdoor use in the region.
At Cascade, we’ve worked with hardwoods in the Pacific Northwest for years, and we know what stands up to our unique climate. While all the tropical hardwoods we carry—Tigerwood, Batu, Ipe, Garapa, and Cumaru—offer excellent durability and beauty, our general recommendation is Ipe for its unmatched density, longevity, and low maintenance.
Homeowners often ask about the cost of building a hardwood deck. Smaller, ground-level hardwood decks will be more affordable, while larger, multi-level decks with additions like stairs, railings, or lighting will increase the investment. We’ve found that the strength and longevity of hardwood make it a worthwhile investment.
In the Pacific Northwest, common deck materials include composite, cedar, and hardwood. Composite is low-maintenance and durable, cedar offers natural water resistance but requires regular upkeep, and hardwood, like Ipe, is strong and long-lasting but needs maintenance to preserve its color.
We love composite decking. But if we’re being honest it still has some flaws. In this video we go over the cons of composite and why it might be smarter in some situations to use an alternative like hardwood decking.
We understand that it can be hard to find the right contractor to build your deck. That’s why our design process allows you to choose your options and compare prices easily.
