Exotic Woods for Log Home Decks

Tigerwood

This wood species found in Mexico and Central America is great for decks, as it resists moisture absorption and ages well over time. Not only is it durable enough to be one of the strongest construction timbers, but it’s also ideal for building fine furniture and cabinets. The finished wood shines with varying shades of red and brown, complete with dark stripes reminiscent of a jungle cat.


Garapa

This scratch-resistant, fine-grained wood from Brazil ranges from light yellow to golden brown in color and will add a warm touch to your home’s deck. Don’t be fooled by this wood’s smooth appearance — it’s a super-strong wood, perfect for decks and boat docks that will last through rot, decay, termites — even fire.


Cumaru

The properties of this wood from Peru are similar to those of Ipe, which is arguably the most popular exotic deck product available today. Its dark yellow to medium brown hues have a hint of orange-red that darkens over time. When you install this wood on your deck, you won’t have to worry about insects or decay — its natural oils take care of those nuisances. More durable than pine, cedar and redwood and fire resistant, cumaru is built to last.


Siberian Larch

Native to Russia, this golden-brown wood can be found in churches, buildings and bridges all over Europe. This wood is comprised of 75 to 90 percent heartwood, which means that it’s naturally very dense, which accounts for its durability. You can count on this wood to be a very stable and long-lasting material to use for your deck.


Tamarack

Harvested from managed forests in northeastern Canada and the United States, this softwood is incredibly dense compared to other conifers like pine and spruce. You won’t have to worry about a lot of maintenance when you use this wood that ages to a silver-gray patina, because it naturally resists rot, decay and insect damage.