Best 5 Rot-resistant Hardwoods For Outdoor Construction

Rot resistance is the characteristic you should be most concerned about when choosing wood for your outdoor projects. If you want to keep your backyard in top condition no matter what external hazards may occur, you better choose any of these 5 rot-resistant hardwoods we got for you.

Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Jatoba, and Tigerwood are our best artillery squad for outdoor construction. They all are the best tropical rot-resistant hardwoods in the world and have natural oils that make them impervious to almost anything. 

Their origin is what makes them so resistant to external factors. They come from the rainforest of the Americas, where they are used to dealing with intense sunlight, heavy rains, aggressive insects, or the effects of being in a humid environment. 

These five top-quality hardwoods are our bestsellers due to their outstanding characteristics that make them the right choices for outdoor projects. Although they have some differences in color and texture, they share many qualities, such as: 

• Durability
• Low maintenance
• Versatile
• Strength 
• Weather resistance
• Insect damage resistance
• Rot resistance

But why choose hardwoods over other materials? Wood accents provide warmth, personality, and sophistication to any room like no other. In addition, woods have a wide range of aesthetic expressions, from wild, uneven wood posts to smoothly sanded decks. 

From an ecological point of view, wood is a good choice if it is harvested sustainably. Hardwood is not treated with any chemicals or contaminants as an all-natural product. When its life cycle is over (around 70 years), it will eventually be able to decay and not fill up a landfill. That is why rainforest conservation is key to our company’s core values.

They are also a safe material, suitable for children and pets, especially Ipe and Cumaru, which do not scratch or splinter. On top of that, Ipe does not get hot underfoot, so there is no risk of burning your feet by walking barefoot.

There are chemically treated wood alternatives that have been modified to prevent rot. Still, it is always best to choose natural products. Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Jatoba, and Tigerwood are not affected by decay due to natural oils that make them impervious to rot without the need for chemical treatment.  

Exposure to sun, moisture, insects, and fungi are the main factors contributing to wood rot. They are also the most common hazards in exterior construction, so choosing a naturally resistant material to all these threats is the first step in achieving a resilient project for the outdoors.

These five tropical hardwoods are the proper choices for building long-lasting structures that will stay in excellent condition with minimal maintenance, even outdoors. Let’s review some extra information about each species, so you won’t have any doubts when choosing them for your next project. 

1. Rot-resistant Hardwoods: Ipe

Ipe lumber is the perfect example of weather-resistant wood. It doesn’t scratch or splinter easily, does not heat up in the sun, and has a high coefficient of friction, making it perfect for outdoor and coastal construction. 

On top of that, deterioration is not a problem when building with Ipe as it is resistant to insect damage and weathering. 

This incredible, strong, durable, and beautiful hardwood is perfect for outdoor projects like backyard decks, walkways, etc. Proof of its quality is that it can be seen on iconic structures like the Atlantic Boardwalk and Treasure Island Resort in Las Vegas.

In addition, Ipe is one of the few natural building materials that can withstand saltwater corrosion. The density of the wood protects it from rot and decay, which is why you can find this hardwood in most 5-star hotels.

2. Rot-resistant Hardwoods: Cumaru

Cumaru lumber, also known as Brazilian teak, is one of the densest hardwoods available for outdoor use after Ipe lumber. It is becoming increasingly popular as it has almost the same characteristics as Ipe and is more affordable. Cumaru is often used for patios, decking, railroad ties, and other purposes. 

3. Rot-resistant Hardwoods: Garapa

This tropical hardwood is one of the finest woods for decking. You can use Garapa lumber for nearly any outdoor project because of its sturdiness and resistance to extreme weather conditions. Also, this hardwood is water, decay, and mold-resistant. It is widely used for patios and decking.

4. Rot-resistant Hardwoods: Jatoba

Commonly known as the Brazilian cherry due to its similarity in color to the native cherry. Jatoba lumber is another one of the incredibly strong weather-resistant hardwoods we recommend. It is also known to be resistant to termites and most insects. 

5. Rot-resistant Hardwoods: Tigerwood

Tigerwood, also known as South American zebrawood due to its beautiful contrasting grain pattern and bold stripes, which resemble a tiger, offers one of the most unique wood grain patterns you have ever seen. 

Not only is it one of the strongest, most durable, and densest rot-resistant hardwoods, but it also has a natural sheen. As a result, the cut of this wood gives it a metallic and oily appearance, which is considered one of its most attractive features.

Tigerwood is often used for interior floors, musical instruments, and fine furniture. Its durability and water-repellent properties make it perfect for outdoor use, including deck boards, blinds, and boats.

Rot-resistant Hardwoods For Exterior Construction

The Wood Database 

To conclude, we are the direct importer of the best tropical hardwoods and a prime supplier of superior quality and high-performance decking materials at Brazilian Lumber. We are known for providing our customers with the best products, technical knowledge, customer care, competitive prices, and fast & efficient shipping services.

When it comes to tropical rot-resistant hardwoods, we got the best species. Our Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Jatoba, and Tigerwood are much more than gorgeous choices. Each provides genuine patterns that enhance any space due to the wood’s stunning variety of colors and aesthetic characteristics. They all contain natural oils that make them resistant to water, rot, insect damage, different weather conditions, and even fire.

They come from the rainforest of the Americas, where they deal with a lot of rain, moisture, heat, insects, and harsh sun. This means they can withstand bad weather or other threats by being used to the severe natural environment in which they grow. 

This led us to the conclusion that there is no better choice for outdoor projects than any of these rot-resistant hardwoods, which know how to overcome outdoor challenges.