Brazilian Hardwood Types for Decking and Structural Applications
At ABS Wood, we supply premium Brazilian hardwood types for decking, siding, structural builds, and industrial applications nationwide. As a U.S.-based wholesale distributor, we provide reliable hardwood decking supply to contractors, builders, architects, and bulk buyers seeking long-term performance and consistent material quality.
Our species include Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, Massaranduba, and Apitong. Each offers distinct characteristics in hardness, appearance, and application suitability. Review each species below to compare performance metrics and determine the best fit for your project.
Our species include Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, Massaranduba, and Apitong. Each offers distinct characteristics in hardness, appearance, and application suitability. Review each species below to compare performance metrics and determine the best fit for your project.
Ipe Hardwood (Brazilian Walnut)
Ipe hardwood is widely recognized as the industry benchmark for Brazilian hardwood decking. Brazilian Ipe wood is extremely dense, stable, and well-suited for high-traffic outdoor environments. Its olive-brown tone and fine-to-medium texture provide a clean, uniform appearance.
Janka Hardness: 3,680 lbf (vs. Oak at 1,360 lbf)
Primary Uses: Decking, boardwalks, docks, commercial outdoor structures ABS Wood operates as an Ipe wood supplier offering mill-direct pricing and nationwide delivery.
Janka Hardness: 3,680 lbf (vs. Oak at 1,360 lbf)
Primary Uses: Decking, boardwalks, docks, commercial outdoor structures ABS Wood operates as an Ipe wood supplier offering mill-direct pricing and nationwide delivery.
Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)
Cumaru is a high-density hardwood offering durability comparable to Ipe with a slightly warmer golden to reddish-brown tone and interlocked grain. It performs well in exterior applications requiring strength and stability. It is often selected as a cost-effective alternative to Ipe without sacrificing performance.
Janka Hardness: 3,540 lbf
Primary Uses: Residential and commercial decking, siding, exterior framing Cumaru is often selected as a cost-effective alternative to Ipe without sacrificing performance.
Janka Hardness: 3,540 lbf
Primary Uses: Residential and commercial decking, siding, exterior framing Cumaru is often selected as a cost-effective alternative to Ipe without sacrificing performance.
Garapa (Brazilian Oak)
Garapa displays a honey-yellow tone that matures to light brown over time. It provides reliable outdoor durability at a competitive price point. When comparing Garapa wood vs Ipe, Garapa offers slightly lower hardness but strong long-term performance.
Janka Hardness: 2,820 lbf
Primary Uses: Decking, fencing, siding
Janka Hardness: 2,820 lbf
Primary Uses: Decking, fencing, siding
Tigerwood (Muiracatiara)
Tigerwood is known for its bold striping, blending golden tones with dark streaks. It offers solid durability and is often chosen for visually distinctive exterior builds.
Janka Hardness: 2,160 lbf
Primary Uses: Decking, architectural accents, exterior applications
Janka Hardness: 2,160 lbf
Primary Uses: Decking, architectural accents, exterior applications
Massaranduba (Brazilian Redwood)
Massaranduba is a dense hardwood that features a deep red to reddish-brown tone and strong structural properties. It is well-suited for exterior environments requiring strength and moisture resistance.
Janka Hardness: 2,890 lbf
Primary Uses: Decking, structural components, exterior framing
Janka Hardness: 2,890 lbf
Primary Uses: Decking, structural components, exterior framing
Apitong (Keruing)
Apitong is primarily used for trailer decking and heavy-duty industrial flooring. It ranges from light to reddish-brown with a coarse texture. Its durability and load-bearing capacity make it a preferred choice for commercial applications.
Primary Uses: Trailer flooring, truck beds, industrial platforms
ABS Wood supplies OEM-grade Apitong for high-demand environments.
Primary Uses: Trailer flooring, truck beds, industrial platforms
ABS Wood supplies OEM-grade Apitong for high-demand environments.
Choosing the Best Brazilian Hardwood for Decking
Selecting the best Brazilian hardwood for decking depends on performance requirements, budget, and visual preference.
- Ipe hardwood provides maximum hardness and long-term durability.
- Cumaru offers similar strength with a warmer tone.
- Garapa delivers dependable performance at a competitive price point.
- Tigerwood is selected for its distinctive appearance.
- Massaranduba provides structural reliability.
- Apitong is designed for industrial and trailer applications.
Each species is available in multiple dimensions and profiles to meet project specifications.
Wood Comparison Chart
The chart below provides a side-by-side comparison of our most specified Brazilian hardwood types, including hardness, durability, recommended applications, and relative cost. Use this overview to evaluate performance differences and identify the right material for your project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brazilian hardwood is most durable?
Ipe hardwood ranks highest with a Janka rating of 3,680 lbf. Cumaru follows closely at 3,540 lbf. Both outperform most domestic hardwood species.
What is the difference between Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa?
Ipe is the hardest and most dense. Cumaru offers similar durability with a slightly warmer tone. Garapa is lighter in color and moderately softer, making it a value-focused option.
What hardwood species are best for outdoor decking?
Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa are among the most commonly specified Brazilian hardwood types for outdoor decking projects in residential and commercial environments, due to their strength and natural resistance to environmental exposure.
What hardwood is comparable to Ipe?
Cumaru is the closest alternative in terms of hardness and performance. Massaranduba and Garapa are also durable options for exterior use.
Hardwood Decking Supply
Nationwide
ABS Wood is a wholesale Brazilian hardwood distributor serving contractors and bulk buyers across the United States. We provide mill-direct pricing, consistent material supply, and coordinated shipping for projects of all sizes.
Submit your cut list or project specifications to receive accurate pricing and availability.
Submit your cut list or project specifications to receive accurate pricing and availability.
Shipping Information
Shipping Locations
| Area | Transit Time |
| Northeast States | 1 to 3 days |
| Southern States | 1 to 3 days |
| Midwest States | 2 to 5 days |
| West coast | 1 to 3 days |
| European Countries | 3 weeks |
Calculators
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