Hardwood Decking FAQs
Products
Choosing the right wood depends on your project’s purpose, location, and desired aesthetics. At ABS Wood, we specialize in premium hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, and Tigerwood, each offering unique benefits:
- Ipe: The most dense and durable Brazilian hardwood. Ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas like decks and docks. Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather.
- Cumaru: Similar in strength to Ipe but with a warmer, golden-brown hue. Cost-effective solution compared to Ipe, great for decks, pergolas, and siding.
- Garapa: A lighter golden wood that provides a smooth, elegant finish—perfect for decks, ceilings, and outdoor furniture.
- Tigerwood: Known for its striking grain patterns and rich color variation. A popular choice for upscale designs and accent features.
Still unsure? Our experts are happy to help you match the right hardwood to your design, budget, and performance needs. Compare wood types or contact us for a free consultation.
Ipe is one of the hardest and most durable woods available, significantly outperforming most domestic hardwoods in terms of strength and longevity. Its density makes it highly resistant to scratches, dents, rot, insects, and weather, qualities that make it ideal for outdoor applications like decking, siding, and furniture. While domestic hardwoods like oak or maple are strong, they typically don’t match Ipe’s exceptional durability, especially in harsh outdoor conditions. That’s why Ipe is often chosen for projects requiring long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
Like all natural wood, Ipe expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity and temperature. However, due to its high density and low moisture absorption, Ipe experiences less movement compared to many other woods. Proper installation, including allowing adequate spacing between boards, helps accommodate this natural expansion and contraction, preventing warping or buckling. With correct installation and maintenance, Ipe decks remain stable and beautiful through seasonal weather changes.
Yes. Without treatment, Ipe weathers naturally to a silver-grey patina over 12–18 months of UV exposure. Many clients appreciate this aged look. If you prefer to retain the original warm brown tone, apply a UV-protective hardwood oil annually. Products like Penofin, Messmer’s UV Plus, Deckwise Ipe Oil, or TWP are well-suited to dense tropical species. With consistent maintenance, the original colour can be preserved indefinitely.
Yes! Our hardwood decking, especially species like Ipe and Cumaru, is an excellent choice for poolside and hot tub areas. These woods are naturally dense, highly resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage, making them durable in wet environments. Plus, their textured surface provides good slip resistance when wet. Just be sure to follow proper installation and maintenance guidelines to keep your deck looking great and safe for years to come. Of note, Ipe and other Brazilian Hardwoods do not get hot in the sun – unlike Trex and therefore are great for walking around barefoot in pool settings.
Installation & Maintenance
While it’s possible to install Ipe decking yourself if you have solid DIY experience and the right tools, we generally recommend using a professional installer for the best results. Ipe is a very dense, hard wood that sometimes requires specialized tools and techniques, such as pre-drilling and using stainless steel fasteners, to avoid splitting and ensure a secure, long-lasting installation. A professional installer will also be familiar with proper spacing, ventilation, and finishing methods to maximize the durability and appearance of your deck.
Due to its hardness, Ipe requires carbide-tipped saw blades, sharp drill bits, and pre-drilling for all fastener locations. Standard woodworking tools will dull quickly. Hidden fastener systems (such as Ipe clip or similar) are widely used for a cleaner finish. Always wear appropriate PPE.
- Every 3–6 months: Clear debris, leaves, and organic matter to prevent moisture retention and mildew.
- Annually: Clean with a mild soap and water solution or a hardwood-specific cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before applying the finish.
- Once a year: Apply a UV-protective hardwood oil (Penofin, Messmer’s UV Plus, or TWP). Follow product instructions for penetration and coverage.
- Every 3–5 years: Light sanding may be needed to remove weathered surface fibre before reapplication.
Avoid high-pressure washing and harsh chemical cleaners, which can open the grain and accelerate weathering.
Ordering & Wholesale
Yes, ABS Wood sells direct to contractors, builders, architects, and property developers. There is no intermediary; you deal directly with our team, which means faster turnaround, accurate product knowledge, and wholesale pricing. To get started, request a quote or contact us for related inquiries.
Yes, wholesale pricing is available for qualifying orders. We supply contractors, commercial builders, and trade buyers across the country with either single project quantities or regular supplies. We can structure pricing and logistics accordingly. View our decking range or our trailer decking products, or contact us to discuss volume pricing.
Yes, truckload and volume pricing are available. For large orders or ongoing supply arrangements, contact our sales team directly to discuss quantities, scheduling, and pricing structure.
Minimum order quantities vary by species and product. Contact our team with your project dimensions, and we’ll confirm availability and minimums. We can also help you calculate exact quantities to avoid over-ordering. See our Ipe decking page for product details.
Yes, we understand how important it is to see and feel the wood before committing to a large purchase. At ABS Wood, we offer sample pieces of our hardwoods so you can evaluate color, grain, texture, and quality firsthand. Simply contact our team to request samples, and we’ll be happy to send them your way. This way, you can confidently choose the perfect wood for your project.
Absolutely! We want to make sure you order just the right amount of wood for your project. Our team at ABS Wood can assist you with calculating the quantity based on your project’s dimensions and design details. Just provide us with your measurements and any specific layout plans, and we’ll help you estimate the right amount to minimize waste and keep your project on budget.
Shipping & Logistics
Yes, we ship Brazilian hardwood decking across the United States and can arrange delivery directly to your project site or yard.
Shipping timelines vary by region, order size, and current stock levels. In-stock orders typically ship within 3–7 business days. Larger or custom orders may require additional lead time. Contact our team for current lead times specific to your location and quantity.
We take great care in packaging and shipping to ensure your order arrives in perfect condition. However, if your shipment arrives damaged or with missing items, please contact us immediately. Send us photos of the damage or the packing slip showing the incomplete order, and our customer service team will work quickly to resolve the issue, whether that means sending replacements or arranging a return. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
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 |