Exotic Hardwood Deck Restoration
Specialized restoration for Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, and all tropical hardwood species.
Beyond Ipe: Tropical Hardwood Expertise
While Ipe is the most widely used tropical hardwood for decking in South Florida, it is far from the only one. Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood (Massaranduba), and other exotic species are prized for their beauty, durability, and natural resistance to insects and rot. Each has its own density, grain structure, natural oil content, and finishing requirements.
At Florida Deck Refurbishing, we work with all tropical hardwood species. Our experience with Ipe — the most demanding of the group — gives us a strong foundation for working with related species, and we understand the specific characteristics that distinguish each one.
Species We Work With
Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)
One of the hardest and most durable tropical hardwoods, Cumaru is slightly less dense than Ipe but shares many of its characteristics. It has a distinctive golden-brown to reddish-brown color and requires penetrating hardwood oils rather than film-forming finishes.
Garapa (Brazilian Ash)
Garapa is lighter in color than Ipe or Cumaru, with a pale golden-yellow tone that weathers to silver-gray without maintenance. It is somewhat less dense than Ipe, which affects sanding and finishing requirements.
Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves)
Tigerwood's distinctive striped grain pattern makes it one of the most visually striking tropical hardwoods. Its varied density across the grain requires careful sanding technique to achieve an even surface.
Massaranduba (Brazilian Redwood)
One of the densest tropical hardwoods available, Massaranduba is extremely durable and resistant to weathering. Its deep red-brown color and fine grain make it a premium choice for high-end applications.
Other Tropical Species
We work with a range of other tropical hardwoods including Teak, Bangkirai, and various species used in older installations. If you are unsure of your wood species, we can help identify it during our assessment.
Why Species Matters
The differences between tropical hardwood species are not merely cosmetic. Density affects sanding equipment and technique. Natural oil content affects how readily the wood absorbs finish and how long that finish lasts. Grain structure affects how the wood responds to cleaning and brightening. Using a one-size-fits-all approach to tropical hardwood restoration produces inconsistent results — we calibrate our approach to the specific species we are working with.
Tropical Hardwoods in Florida's Climate
All tropical hardwoods weather faster in South Florida than in cooler, less humid climates. The combination of intense UV radiation, high humidity, and coastal salt air accelerates oxidation and finish breakdown. However, tropical hardwoods are inherently better suited to Florida's climate than domestic species — their natural density and oil content provide a level of resistance that softwoods cannot match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have an exotic hardwood deck that needs attention?
Call 561-255-7921 or request a free estimate. We work with all tropical hardwood species.