Garapa hardwood, also known as Garapa Gold or Brazilian Ash, is a popular choice for decking due to its attractive appearance, durability, and resistance to decay.

Colour and appearance:
Garapa has a light to medium yellowish-brown colour with a fine to medium texture. Its natural appearance can vary, with some boards exhibiting darker streaks or figuring. Over time, it tends to weather to a sliver-grey patina if left untreated.

Durability:
Class 1 durability rating, making it suitable for outdoor applications, including decking.

Hardness:
Garapa is known for its hardness and strength. It has a Janka hardness rating of around 1.630 lbf, which is higher than many other popular hardwoods used for decking.

Stability:
Very stable with very little shrinkage or cracking

Maintenance:
Garapa decking requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and enhance its lifespan. Applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help protect the wood from the effects of sunlight and weathering. Once every 1-2 years.

Garapa is the most commonly used timber for decking in the Western Cape, it works easily and lasts well, decking and structural timber available.

Balau hardwood also known as Bankirai, is a popular tropical hardwood species used for outdoor decking.

Colour and Appearance:
Balau has a rich, reddish-brown to yellow-brown colour when freshly cut. Over time, it tends to weather to a sliver-grey patina if left untreated.

Durability:
Balau is a durable hardwood with a high resistance to decay, insects, and rot. It is classified as a Class 2 Hardwood, indicating good durability for outdoor applications.

Hardness:
Balau is known for its hardness and strength. It has a Janka hardness rating ranging from 1.400 to 1.600 lbf, making it well-suited for decking applications.

Stability:
Fairly stable with little shrinkage. Splintering and splitting is very common.

Maintenance:
Balau decking requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and enhance its lifespan. Applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help protect the wood from the effects of sunlight and weathering. Once every 1-2 years.

Massaranduba, also known as Brazilian Redwood, is a dense and durable hardwood that is commonly used for outdoor decking.

Colour and appearance:
Massaranduba has a reddish-brown to dark red colour when freshy cut. Over time, it tends to weather to a silver-grey patina if left untreated.

Durability:
Massaranduba is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to decay, insects, and rot. It has a Class 1 rating making it highly suitable for outdoor applications.

Hardness:
Massaranduba is one of the hardest woods available for decking. It has a hight Janka hardness rating, typically around 3.100 lbf, which is higher than many other hardwoods, including Ipe.

Stability:
Moderately stable.

Maintenance:
Massaranduba requires minimal maintenance to preserve its appearance and lifespan. Applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help protect the wood from the effects of sunlight and weathering. Once every 2-3 years.

Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is a popular and highly sought-after tropical hardwood known for its exceptional durability and attractive appearance.

Colour and appearance:
Ipe has a rich, dark brown to olive-brown colour when freshly cut. It can exhibit streaks of lighter or darker shades, creating a visually appealing and exotic appearance. Over time, if left untreated, Ipe weathers to a silver-grey patina.

Durability:
Ipe is renowned for its outstanding durability and resistance to decay, insects, and rot. It has a Class 1 durability rating, making it one of the longest-lasting decking materials available.

Hardness:
Ipe is one of the hardest woods available, with a Janka hardness rating typically exceeding 3.000 lbf. It is harder than many other hardwoods, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to wear.

Stability:
Excellent

Maintenance:
Ipe decking requires minimal maintenance to preserve its natural characteristics. While it can be left untreaded, applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help maintain the original colour and protect the wood from the effects of sunlight.

Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) is a hardwood species native to tropical Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. It is commonly used in outdoor applications, including decking.

Colour and appearance:
Iroko has a golden to medium brown colour when freshly cut. The wood can darken over time, developing a more uniform medium to dark brown hue.

Durability:
Iroko is known for its good durability and resistance to decay, insects, and rot. It has a durability class that typically ranges from Class 2 – 3.

Hardness:
Iroko is moderately hard with a Janka hardness rating ranging from 1.260 to 1.370 lbf. While not as hard as some tropical hardwoods, it is still robust enough for decking applications.

Stability:
Excellent

Maintenance:
Iroko requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and protect if from the elements. Applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help slow down the natural weathering process and protect the wood. Once every 1-2 years.

Rhino Wood is a type of thermally modified wood, a process that involves subjecting the wood to high temperatures in a controlled environment and then impregnated with wax. This process alters the wood’s cellular structure, resulting in enhanced durability and resistance to decay, insects, and other environmental factors.

Colour and appearance:
The thermal modification process can influence the colour of the wood, often resulting in a darker and richer brown appearance.

Durability:
Thermal modification enhances the wood’s natural resistance to decay, insects, and fungal growth. It has a durability class 1 rating. Rhino Wood is marketed as having improved dimensional stability and reduced susceptibility to warping, twisting, and cracking.

Hardness:
Due to the Thermal and Wax process, Rhino Wood is classed as a Hardwood.

Stability:
Excellent.

CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) treated pine refers to pine wood that has been treated with a preservative containing copper, chromium, and arsenic compounds. The treatment is designed to protect the wood from decay, insect infestation, and fungal growth.

Colour and appearance:
Initially, CCA treated pine has a greenish tint due to the presence of copper. Over time, with exposure to the elements, the colour tends to fade, and the wood takes on a more natural appearance.

Durability:
The CCA treatment extends the lifespan of pine wood significantly, making it more durable and resistant to decay compared to untreated Pine.

Hardness:
Pine is a softwood, which means it is more prone to denting and scratching compared to hardwoods. It may not be as resistant to wear and tear over the long term.

Stability:
Fairly stable with some shrinkage, and surface cracks.

Maintenance:
Pine decking, especially if treated, requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and protect it from the elements. This may include periodic staining, sealing, or painting.

Afromosia, commonly known as African teak, is a hardwood species native to West and Central Africa. While it is sometimes referred to as African Teak, it is important to note that Afromosia is not related to true Teak species (Tectona grandis). Afromosia is valued for its durability, attractive appearance, and resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for various outdoor applications.

Colour and Appearance:
Afromosia has a rich, golden to light brown colour when freshly milled. Over time, the colour tends to darken to a deeper brown with exposure to sunlight and the elements.

Durability:
Afromosia is known for its excellent durability and resistance to decay, insects, and rot. It has a high natural resistance to various environmental stresses, making it well-suited for outdoor use.

Hardness:
Afromosia is a hardwood with a high Janka hardness rating, typically exceeding 1.600lbf. This makes it resistant to dents and wear.

Stability:
Excellent

Maintenance:
Afromosia decking requires minimal maintenance to preserve its appearance. While it can be left untreated, applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help protect the wood from the effects of sunlight and weathering.

Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is a hardwood species native to the southwest of Western Australia. It is highly valued for its rich, reddish-brown colour, exceptional durability, and resistance to decay.

Colour and Appearance:
Jarrah has a distinctive and rich colour that ranges from salmon pink to deep red-brown. Over time, exposure to sunlight can darken the colour, and the wood may develop a deep mahogany hue.

Durability:
Jarrah is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to decay, termites, and other pests. It is classified as a Class 1 hardwood, indicating high natural durability.
Hardness: Jarrah is a hardwood with a high Janka hardness rating, typically exceeding 1.600 lbf. This makes it resistant to dents and wear.

Stability:
Excellent

Maintenance:
Jarrah decking requires minimal maintenance to preserve its appearance, while it can be left untreated, applying a UV-resistant finish or sealer can help protect the wood from the effects of sunlight and weathering.

MOSO® Bamboo X-treme® are made from compressed, thermally treated bamboo strips. Moso Bamboo is suitable for outdoor applications, especially as decking.

Colour and appearance:
Due to the thermal treatment, Moso Bamboo has a very dark rich brown colouring.

Durability:
Moso Bamboo X-treme is classified as a Class 1 hardwood, indicating high natural durability. It is known for its strength and durability.

Hardness:
Moso Bamboo is a dense material, contributing to its durability and stability. Moso Bamboo in particular, is one of the hardest Bamboo varieties.

Stability:
Excellent.

Maintenance:
Moso Bamboo decking typically requires low maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing or staining can help maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements.

Purple Heart, scientifically known as Peltogyne spp., is a hardwood species native to Central South America. It is renowned for its vibrant purple to purplish-brown heartwood, which can oxidize and darken over time when exposed to sunlight.

Colour and appearance:
Purpleheart is named for its striking purple heartwood, which can be quite vibrant when freshly cut. The wood’s colour tends to darken over time, transitioning to a purplish-brown hue.

Durability:
Purpleheart is known for its high natural durability, making it resistant to decay, insects, and other environmental stresses. It has a Class 1 durability rating, indicating excellent resistance to decay and insects.

Hardness:
Purpleheart is one of the hardes woods available, with a Janka hardness rating that can exceed 1.800 lbf. This makes it extremely resistant to dents, scratches, and wear.

Stability:
Excellent

Maintenance:
Purpleheart decking generally requires minimal maintenance to preserve its appearance. Some users appreciate the natural weathering process, while others may choose to apply a UV-resistant finish to maintain the wood’s original colour.

Red River Gum, also known as Blue Gum, Red Gum, or Murray River Gum, refers to several species of the Eucalyptus native to Australia, primarily found along riverbanks. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is one of the most common species associated with Red River Gum.

Colour and Appearance:
Red River Gum typically has a distinctive reddish-brown to pink colour in its heartwood. The sapwood is usually paler. The wood can exhibit a straight grain with an even and moderately coarse texture.

Durability:
Red River Gum is known for its moderate to high natural durability. It is resistant to decay, termites, and other pests. It has a Class 2 durability rating, indicating good resistance to decay and insects.

Hardness:
Red River Gum is a hardwood with a moderate to high Janka hardness rating providing resistance to wear and denting.

Stability:
Moderate

Maintenance:
Red River Gum decking generally requires minimal maintenance to preserve its appearance. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing or staining can help protect the wood from the elements.