Hardwood
Top 5 Of The Best Hardwoods For Building Beach Houses
Photo 1 – Sandals Resort
Seawater and harsh sun can be a hazard to some construction materials. Both elements can severely damage some surfaces in no time. That is why it is very important to make a proper decision on what material you should buy to build a house near the beach. Hardwoods, for instance, could be a good choice.
Hardwoods are the most widely used building material throughout history. Thanks to the natural oils they have and the incredible characteristics they share, it is not hard to understand why wood is still the preferred choice for beach house construction.
Let’s start with some general information about hardwoods before naming the species Brazilian Lumber recommends most for seaside projects.
Tropical hardwoods have natural oils that make them impenetrable to insects, as well as resistant to rot, mold, water, and weathering. In addition, they are non-toxic, strong, low-maintenance, and durable materials.
Plus, there is always the factor of elegance, warmth, sophistication, and good taste that only wood can provide to your spaces.
With the experience and knowledge in the wood industry that we have here at Brazilian Lumber, let us give you this recommendation. If you are looking to build a house next to the beach, go for a wood choice. Here is a list of the BEST options:
- Ipe
- Cumaru
- Teak
- Garapa
- Jatoba
Any of these tropical hardwoods will make the most of your outdoor spaces. They will create an extension of the living room, where you can have parties or family reunions in a relaxed area, enjoying nature, the weather, and the sunset.
Just imagine having a beautiful deck that won’t be damaged by sand, moisture, or salt, typical of a beach environment. You won’t need to worry about repairs or costly maintenance, plus you will have a safe, ecological surface that is pet and child-friendly.
Want more reasons to prefer hardwoods for your coastal construction? Here they are. With hardwoods, it is not just about functionality and good features, it’s about aesthetics, good taste, and sophistication.
The way wood enhances every place by giving it style, character, and warmth is not comparable to any other building material. And that is a fact.
1. Hardwoods: Ipe Is The Best Choice
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Withstanding the humidity, salt, and sand of the beach weather requires a material with some special characteristics. Ipe wood is the BEST alternative among tropical hardwoods, and here is why.
This amazing hardwood, sometimes called Brazilian Walnut, comes from South America and is the hardest tropical wood in the world. Its density and natural oils make it practically impervious to insects, or any sort of deterioration.
Ipe wood has great resistance to water and weathering, does not scratch or splinter easily, does not heat up in the sun, and has a high coefficient of friction. And this is just to name a few of its features that make it perfect for outdoor and coastal construction.
Also, Ipe is seawater-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about corrosion damage to your deck, as long as it’s made of Ipe.
Actually, this is the most important reason why Ipe is the preferred choice for resort construction throughout the Caribbean. For example, the Conrad Resort in Bora Bora.
Last but not least, Ipe can last for more than 50 years in optimal condition with minimal maintenance. The only thing that may happen is a change of color into a silver-tone if you don’t apply oil to the wood from time to time.
If you want to preserve the natural color of your Ipe wood, apply any of the oils we offer at Brazilian Lumber, especially our premium product: Easy oil, which provides protection against UV rays.
2. Hardwoods: Cumaru’s High Quality And Durability
Cumaru is a beautiful wood that grows in the dense forests of Brazil. Among its many advantages, this hardwood has a very high rating in terms of durability, workability, and quality.
It has many similarities with Ipe wood. Both species are widely used for outdoor construction due to the amazing features that make them resistant to external factors, insect damage, and mildew.
Like Ipe, Cumaru also lasts for decades due to its natural oils that make it such a strong, dense hardwood. It also does not scratch or splinter easily, does not heat up in the sun, and has a high coefficient of friction.
Both Ipe and Cumaru are considered premium woods that meet high-quality standards that cannot be compared to other species.
Because of Cumaru wood’s high durability and economical price, it’s well-suited for high traffic decks and major commercial developments. It’s also a smart option for beach projects, as it has a life expectancy of more than 50 years and is resistant to external hazards.
3. Hardwoods: Teak Is Supremely Water-Resistant
This wood is considered THE sea-resistant wood per excellence due to its extraordinary capacity not to rot even when constantly exposed to water.
Teak contains natural vegetable oils that make it extremely resistant to water as well as to termites and insects. In the naval field, It is probably known as the strongest hardwood. In fact, it is the preferred choice for shipbuilding thanks to its rot-resistance.
It is also an excellent choice for small outdoor construction such as furniture, patios, flooring, and other projects where the beauty of the wood should be as loud as the craftsmanship.
One of the most outstanding features of teak is its ability to withstand any weather. It is one of the few types of wood in the world that contains a natural oil that repels water and prevents it from warping or cracking.
This natural oil also helps Teak resist the harsh effects of torrential rains, severe winter snowstorms, and scorching sun.
4. Hardwoods: Garapa Is A Durable And Easy To Work With Material
Garapa’s most important strengths are durability and workability. This gorgeous hardwood is the perfect alternative for any sort of outdoor project.
It is water, decay, and mold resistant. In addition, it can withstand extreme weather conditions, and this includes being exposed to seawater and harsh sun.
Garapa wood’s water-resistant grain keeps moisture out, naturally prevents rot and decay, and creates a pool-friendly surface. The density of this wood also keeps insects like termites away, extending the life of your deck.
5. Hardwoods: Jatoba Is A Tough Wood
Commonly known as Brazilian cherry, Jatoba is one of the best tropical hardwoods there is. It is weather and rot-resistant and can’t be damaged by any insect infestation. It is another perfect choice to build a house near the sea.
What makes it a tough wood is its origin. Jatoba comes from the forests of Central and South America, where it tolerates harsh weather conditions. It is also a long-lasting material you will be able to enjoy for an endless time.
In short, if you are looking for the best construction material for a project near the beach, hardwoods are all you need. Ipe, Cumaru, Teak, Garapa, and Jatoba are the species that we most recommend due to their natural properties and incredible features.
With these amazing tropical hardwoods, you won’t have to worry about corrosion, insect, weather, or water damage as they are resistant to all of these hazards.
By choosing hardwoods, you will get a long-lasting, beautiful, and functional material to enjoy for decades. What more could you ask for!
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