About Tropical Hardwood
Tropical hardwood decking represents the pinnacle of natural wood performance, sourced from dense rainforest species that have evolved over millions of years to resist the most challenging environmental conditions on Earth. Species such as Brazilian Ipe, Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves), Cumaru (Brazilian Teak), Massaranduba, and Garapa offer extraordinary density ratings, exceptional hardness, and inherent resistance to rot, insects, and fire that far exceed domestic wood species. For Minnesota homeowners who demand the ultimate in longevity and require minimal ongoing maintenance, tropical hardwoods deliver unmatched performance.
These remarkable woods achieve their durability through extremely tight grain structures and high concentrations of natural oils that penetrate throughout the wood fiber. Ipe, the hardest and most prestigious option, achieves Janka hardness ratings exceeding 3,500 lbf—more than three times harder than oak and approaching the hardness of steel. This density makes tropical hardwoods virtually impervious to insect attack, resistant to surface checking, and able to withstand heavy foot traffic without showing wear. Even in Minnesota's extreme freeze-thaw cycles, properly installed tropical hardwood decking maintains its structural integrity for 25-40+ years.
Our tropical hardwood installations require specialized expertise and premium-grade materials. We source only sustainably harvested lumber from certified suppliers, ensuring environmental responsibility while delivering exceptional quality. Installation demands carbide-tipped tooling, pre-drilling for all fasteners, and stainless steel hardware rated for the unique properties of these dense species. The investment in tropical hardwood represents a once-in-a-lifetime deck that will outlast multiple generations of composite or domestic wood alternatives.
