Hardwood decking is recognised as the traditional and one of the most desired decking options. A solution that becomes more and more charming with the passage of time; this option is considered by some as the only solution when it comes to decking. At Wood and Beyond we have a whole range of decking options, including a superb recycled option, but in this article, we’ll focus on hardwood decking.
At Wood and Beyond we’re often asked, “What’s the best hardwood for decking?” While there’s no hard and fast answer to this, it struck us that writing an article that outlined the different features and benefits of each of the hardwood decking products we have on offer would be a good idea. So here you have it, a complete, one stop guide to the pros and cons of each of the hardwood decking options we currently have in stock.
Wood and Beyond hardwood decking options at a glance:
| Hardwood | Budget | Durability | Colour | Easy to fit? |
| Iroko | Low | Good | Rich and darkens with age | Yes |
| Cumaru | Low to medium | Good | Dark and takes on silver tones | Yes |
| Ipe | Medium | Excellent | Mid to dark olive tones | Yes |
| Teak | High end | Excellent + | Rich to start, silvering with age | Yes |
Iroko
Iroko is an African exotic hardwood and is recognised for being highly durable with a rich colour and a particularly attractive ageing process. In fact, Iroko, which already sports a deep colour when new, ages to a dark chocolate colour, making it a really appealing backdrop to any garden design. Add to all of this, the fact that choosing this option is a great financial decision too, and you start to see why Iroko decking is so popular.
Cumaru
This South American exotic hardwood starts its life darker than Iroko and takes on a silvery grey colour when it ages. A particularly strong and fire resistant option, we have both a standard cumaru deck option as well as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited option, both of which will give you a stunning decking solution for your garden. Not surprisingly, the FSC accredited deck comes with a slightly higher price tag.
Ipe
Again a South American option, Ipe decking is highly popular and although at the middle of our price scale, is still a very affordable solution. Ipe is an environmentally friendly wood because it has a natural resistance to rot, decay, insects and mold, so doesn’t need any harsh chemical treatments. Thought to be one of the hardest woods in the world, ipe has a tendency to start its life sporting brown to dark olive tones.
Teak
There’s no getting away from the fact that teak is one of the hardwoods that’s most often associated with decking. Hailing from Indonesia, teak is again an exotic hardwood that starts its life with a golden colour. As teak ages it takes on a really attractive silvery grey colour and seems to just get better and better looking as it gets older. While an investment choice, for the long term, there’s no getting away from the fact that teak is a really attractive, durable and classic decking option. What’s more, thanks to its natural oils, the need for preservatives and sealants is absolutely minimal when you choose teak; so it’s a low maintenance option too.
So to sum up, what is the best hardwood for decking? As we said at the start, there is no hard and fast rule for this, but the particular things you’ll need to take into account are your budget and the colour you’d like your decking to take on as it ages.
If you’d like help to choose the right hardwood for your deck project, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond we know that every client is unique and we’ll help you make the best choice for your particular situation and budget.
FAQ
What is the best hardwood for decking?
The best hardwood for decking depends on your budget, the color you desire, and your maintenance preferences. At Wood and Beyond, we offer four main hardwood options: Iroko, Cumaru, Ipe, and Teak. Each has its own set of characteristics and advantages.
Can you tell me more about Iroko decking?
Iroko is an African exotic hardwood recognized for its durability and rich color. This type of decking ages into a dark chocolate color, making it an appealing addition to any garden. It is also a financially smart choice due to its low cost.
How does Cumaru decking compare to others?
Cumaru is a South American hardwood that starts off darker than Iroko and ages into a silvery grey color. It is particularly strong, fire-resistant, and we offer a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited option. While the FSC option is slightly pricier, both types of Cumaru decking provide a stunning solution for your garden.
What makes Ipe decking a good choice?
Ipe is a South American hardwood known for its environmental friendliness due to its natural resistance to rot, decay, insects, and mold. This means it doesn’t require any harsh chemical treatments. It’s considered one of the hardest woods in the world and begins as a brown to dark olive tone.
Is Teak decking worth the investment?
Teak, originating from Indonesia, is an exotic hardwood often associated with decking. It starts off golden and ages into an attractive silvery grey color. It’s a durable, classic, and low-maintenance decking option due to its natural oils, which reduce the need for preservatives and sealants. Although it’s an investment choice, its long-term appeal makes it worth considering.