Guide to Choosing the Best Exotic Wood Decking

If you’re considering upgrading your deck with something truly special, exotic wood decking might be the perfect choice. But with so many decking materials available, how do you know which is right for you? This guide by Deck Guardian is designed to help homeowners, builders, and DIY enthusiasts navigate the complexities of exotic wood decking. We’ll evaluate options based on performance, looks, cost, and environmental benefits to ensure you can make the best decision for your New Jersey deck.

Understanding the Appeal of Exotic Wood Decking

While wood decking often calls to mind pressure treated wood, exotic woods offer benefits that elevate your deck’s aesthetic appeal and lifespan beyond traditional choices. These woods combine natural strength, exceptional durability, and stunning visual character, offering an unmatched outdoor living space experience.

Durability and Strength: Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian teak (Cumaru) and Brazilian walnut (Ipe) are naturally dense and exceptionally durable, resisting rot, insects, and harsh weather better than many other deck material options. Their structural integrity holds up through fluctuating temperatures and wet conditions common in NJ.

Aesthetic Appeal: Exotic woods boast rich colors and unique grain patterns. From the golden hues of Garapa to the deep browns of Brazilian walnut, the natural variations create a visually striking deck that adds luxury and warmth to your outdoor space.

Sustainability: Many exotic woods come from sustainably managed forests and carry certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council seal, allowing you to enjoy both beauty and an eco-conscious choice.

Top Exotic Wood Decking Choices

1. Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
   Known as the “king” of exotic hardwoods, Ipe is prized for its hardness and longevity. It provides exceptional durability and requires only minimal maintenance. This dense wood is resistant to scratches, heat retention, and moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic residential decks.

2. Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)
   Cumaru offers similar toughness at a somewhat more affordable price point. This wood darkens beautifully over time and has excellent resistance to decay, making it a favorite for decks exposed to wet conditions.

3. Tigerwood and Garapa
   Tigerwood dazzles with contrasting stripes for a dramatic look, while Garapa offers lighter, honey tones and a more budget-friendly exotic wood option. Both provide strength and durability suitable for hardwood decking materials.

Why Choose Exotic Over Other Decking Materials?

Compared to composite decking or pvc decking, exotic hardwoods maintain their natural beauty and appeal without synthetic additives. True wood lovers often prefer the warmth and authenticity unique to exotic wood decking. While composite decking offers low maintenance benefits, it cannot fully replicate the aesthetic appeal or natural oils that give exotic hardwoods their weather resistance and tactile warmth.

Maintenance and Longevity of Exotic Wood Decking

Exotic woods generally require regular maintenance such as periodic oiling or sealing to maintain their rich colors and protect against UV rays. However, their natural oils provide inherent moisture resistance and weather resistance, helping them withstand heavy foot traffic and humid environments better than many processed woods.

Exotic wood decking materials like Brazilian teak and Brazilian walnut offer an unmatched combination of durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal, making them some of the best decking materials for creating a luxurious and long-lasting outdoor space.

These woods are naturally dense and rich in natural oils, which give them exceptional resistance to moisture, insects, and decay—qualities that make them superior choices for deck owners looking for decking options capable of withstanding harsh weather and heavy use.

While these exotic hardwoods often come with a higher initial cost, their long-term value is undeniable due to their outstanding durability and minimal need for regular maintenance. Choosing the right exotic wood can transform your deck into a true dream deck, combining structural integrity with timeless beauty.

When selecting from various deck material options, it is important to consider not only the wood’s durability but also its natural look and feel.

Exotic woods like brazilian teak and brazilian walnut provide a unique visual appeal characterized by rich, warm tones and distinctive grain patterns that enhance any outdoor living space.

Unlike some other decking materials, these hardwoods age gracefully, maintaining their color and texture with only occasional upkeep to preserve their natural beauty. Additionally, sourcing exotic wood from certified suppliers ensures you are choosing sustainably harvested materials, supporting responsible forestry through organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council.

This eco-conscious choice adds an extra layer of satisfaction for homeowners who prioritize both luxury and environmental responsibility in their decking project.

When planning your exotic wood decking deck project, it’s important to weigh several key factors to choose the perfect wood that meets your needs:

• Durability and Maintenance Needs: Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian teak are prized for their exceptional hardness and resistance to weathering but require some regular maintenance to preserve natural oils and maintain aesthetic appeal. Woods like Brazilian walnut similarly offer great durability with periodic upkeep. Choosing the right species ensures better performance with lower long-term maintenance.

• Compatibility with Local Climate: Consider the specific demands of your environment, whether it’s exposure to sun and UV rays, moisture from rain or snow, or heat retention affecting deck temperature. Exotic hardwoods perform especially well in diverse conditions, demonstrating impressive weather resistance and natural resistance to decay compared to many pressure treated wood options.

• Visual Appeal and Design: Exotic woods provide a range of colors, from the rich reds and browns of redwood decking and tropical hardwoods to the lighter golden hues found in other species. Their grain patterns and fine textures enhance the visual appeal of any deck, whether it’s a simple backyard project or a sophisticated multi-level design.

• Sustainability and Source Certification: Selecting wood certified by environmental organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council guarantees your exotic wood decking supports sustainable forestry and reduces ecological impact. This factor is becoming increasingly vital among conscientious homeowners.

• Cost and Value: While exotic hardwoods generally have a higher upfront price than many wood decking options, their low maintenance, exceptional durability, and lasting beauty offer excellent value over time, particularly when compared with composite materials or pvc decking that may lack the tactile warmth and natural charm of real wood.

Build Your Dream Exotic Wood Deck with Deck Guardian

Choosing the best decking material can transform your backyard into a stunning, durable, and welcoming outdoor living space. Exotic woods like Brazilian teak, Brazilian walnut, and others offer a striking appearance, longevity, and a natural charm that synthetic materials strive to emulate.

Deck Guardian’s experts will guide you through selection, design, and installation to create an exotic wood deck tailored to your style and needs. Contact us today to explore your deck project options and bring your dream deck to life with timeless elegance and unmatched durability.