Exotic hardwoods are a popular wood choice amongst homeowners for all sorts of home projects. From furniture and flooring to cabinets and coffee tables, exotic hardwoods can be used in numerous settings across multiple applications. Did you know that exotic hardwoods are a sought-after decking material as well?
There is a long list of exotics hardwoods grown and harvested from around the world, and among that list is Tigerwood. Tigerwood goes by several names, including Goncalo Alves, Brazilian Koa, African Walnut, Astronium Lecointei, Congowood, and Muiracatiara.
If you want to build an outdoor deck made of exotic hardwood, Tigerwood should definitely be a consideration. Tigerwood is an excellent decking material due to its long-lasting nature, durability, and beauty. The rot-resistant qualities of Tigerwood help it withstand prolonged sun exposure and the harsh Colorado winter weather. Plus, it’s easy to upkeep and maintain.
Tigerwood is a Hardwood
Tigerwood is one tough wood. In fact, it’s the third hardest decking material sold at Rocky Mountain Forest Products, which means it can hold up against significant wear and tear.
Some types of deck flooring materials are easily scratched or dented. With Tigerwood, heavy foot traffic, children, pets, and patio furniture are no match. Most Tigerwood decks last upwards of 30+ years. If you want a deck that can stand the test of time, Tigerwood is a great choice.
Tigerwood is Rot-Resistant
Tigerwood is not only scratch-resistant, but rot-resistant as well. This is an important quality to look for in deck flooring, because wood rot leads to a decayed and broken deck.
Some decking materials are prone to mold, mildew, moss, and algae, which is the last thing you want developing on your deck. Fungus growth threatens the structural integrity of your deck.
When wood decays, it will crack, split, and warp as part of the decomposition process. A damaged deck is a dangerous deck, making it a problematic place to gather together friends and family (and furry friends as well).
Tigerwood is Maintenance-Friendly
Water and moisture are two primary culprits that lead to fungus growth, and Colorado is no stranger to wet weather. Knowing that fungus growth leads to wood rot and decomposition that compromises the functionality of your deck, the key to a long-lasting Tigerwood deck is making it water-resistant.
The natural oils in Tigerwood make it naturally water-resistant, but those oils will eventually dry up. Do not worry, though. A Tigerwood deck is easy to maintain. A simple coat of stain, sealant, or wax will do the job.
Clear Sealant – A clear wood sealer is an excellent way to safeguard the surface of your deck. It acts as a protective barrier against moisture, while not covering up the natural look and color of your wood.
Semi-Transparent Stain – If you do want to change the color of your wood, you need to apply stain instead of sealant. Semi-transparent stain still creates a water-resistant coating over your Tigerwood, yet gives the wood a new color tone and allows the natural wood grain pattern to shine through.
Solid Stain – A solid stain is heavily pigmented and will cover up the grain pattern of your Tigerwood compared to a semi-transparent stain or clear sealant. If you want to revamp the look of your deck as part of your water-resistance maintenance efforts, a solid stain is the way to go. It’s a win-win.
An additional difference between sealant and stain comes in the form of UV protection. UV rays wear down wood over time, but applying stain to your wood deck helps to block out those harmful rays. The darker the stain, the stronger the UV protection.
Wax – Applying a coat of wax is another way to protect your Tigerwood deck. It seals out moisture that can lead to cracked boards. Not all waxes are created equal, so homeowners need to make sure to invest in a high-quality wax that can maintain the wood stain, guard against UV rays, and provide water-resistance protection.
Tigerwood is Beautiful
Tigerwood is known for its gorgeous color variations. Tigerwood can vary from a light golden brown tone with vibrant orange hues to a dark reddish-brown color.
Furthermore, Tigerwood has striping with beautiful black and brown streaks that flow through the wood grain. Sometimes the striping appears as fine lines, and other times the wood will contain thick stripes.
A Deck of Your Dreams
If you are ready to build a deck that can last for years while still maintaining its integrity and beauty, consider Tigerwood deck flooring. It is such a sought-after type of wood, that many composite decking materials try to mimic the look of Tigerwood.
Tigerwood is a speciality lumber that will no doubt live up to expectations and be an eye-catching addition to your home.
