Are you looking for suitable lumber for your patio? Exotic wood species are popular choices since they are unique, strong, durable, resistant to many elements, and add an interesting visual interest to your space. If you still haven’t decided on which one to choose, here are some of the most common exotic wood choices.

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Ipe (ee-PAY)

Ipe or “Brazilian Walnut” is the most commonly sought exotic wood globally because of its stunning olive, yellow, red, brown, and gray tones and its toughness and tenacity. It doesn’t require a particular drying procedure, which reduces the time between harvest and installation. Ipe is so difficult to work with that specialized equipment is required. The Forest Stewardship Council now approves all sustainably cultivated, lawfully collected Ipe because it is frequently illegally harvested.

Cumaru

Cumaru, also known as Brazilian Teak, is a type of wood from South America that resembles teakwood. It is one of the most resilient decking materials on the market and has a Class A fire resistance rating and is equally resistant to rot, mold, and wood-boring insects. It is also regarded as a “green” substance in terms of the environment due to its sustainability and capacity to be renewed. It is prone to shrinking, thus to increase stability, it needs to be thoroughly kiln dried and pre-shrunk. This wood is susceptible to further shrinkage in dry climates like Colorado.

Garapa

This kind of wood is about 25% stronger than Red Oak and around 40% softer than Ipe. If yellow isn’t your hue, you can dye this stunning South American hardwood with a golden tone and medium shine. It is resilient to mildew, fungi, and pests have a Class A fire rating, and is durable like the majority of its exotic hardwood competitors. This is also less expensive to buy and easy to install. The exotic hardwood Garapa, however, must also be kiln-dried before use, and even then, a dry environment, such as that found in the Rockies, can affect whether the final product would warp or cup over time.

Tigerwood

This wood, which is also called “Brazilian Koa” or “Goncalo Alves,” has eye-catching black stripes on an orange-brown backdrop that gradually darkens to a reddish hue. It is resistant to bending, splintering, scratching, weathering, and insects, thanks to its strength and longevity. Tigerwood is a resource that can be collected sustainably and is very renewable. Its striped pattern might make it challenging to create a uniform appearance, and its smooth surface can be dangerously slick. This material needs time to dry, which means there is a long delay between harvest and installation.

Mahogany

The most common type of wood used by Colorado homeowners is this one because it is smooth and has a stunning, rich hue. Over time, it turns a deeper shade of red. It is more durable than native softwoods like cedar and redwood. Mahogany is regarded as an environmentally friendly commodity because it is responsibly harvested in Fiji. This wood needs a little more maintenance. It will be necessary to routinely inspect the wood for cracking and warping. It is advised to re-stain it once a year to maintain its color.

Teak

This is the first hardwood on our list that isn’t from South America. Due to its strength, tight grain, oil content, and resistance to moisture and pests, teak has recently become one of the most widely used hardwoods. Even while aged gray teak still looks good, it can be routinely treated with special teak oil to prevent graying. It also has a naturally non-slip surface. Unfortunately, because of widespread deforestation caused by teak’s appeal, it is both more difficult to find and more expensive. Any teak that is bought must be FSC-certified as having been sourced and grown sustainably. Synthetic teak or other exotic species like Red Balau, Purpleheart, or African Teak are being used by manufacturers as alternatives.

Keep in mind that there is a type out there that will suit your taste, finances, and needs, and as Colorado’s premier provider of custom outdoor carpentry, we’re dedicated to assisting you in discovering what’s best for you.

6 Popular Exotic Wood Species For Your Home