Why You Should Buy Ayous Wood Instead of Cedar or Cypress

A Backyard to Swoon Over: Alexa Collins’s Outdoor Living Transformed with Durathermo Ayous

When model and lifestyle influencer Alexa Collins decided to renovate her South Florida backyard, she envisioned an elegant, organic space that reflected her modern, coastal style. To bring that vision to life, she selected Durathermo Ayous Wood, a thermally modified softwood known for its clean grain, warm tone, and long-term durability.

The result is a two-story outdoor living area with striking wood ceilings that create a high-end look while remaining functional in Florida’s humid climate. The expert installation by Backyards & Pergolas made use of tongue-and-groove detailing to add depth and structure while keeping the design light and breezy.

Ayous Wood Design Highlights

• The golden tone of Ayous complemented the sandy tile and lush tropical landscaping
• A clean-lined ceiling installation maintained an open and airy feeling
• The wood’s warmth softened bold accents like matte black window and door frames

Rather than opting for traditional wall cladding, Alexa chose to apply Ayous wood on the ceilings, allowing the space to remain expansive while still offering natural texture and visual interest.

“The ceilings created this amazing texture that just pops on camera. It’s warm, chic, and so different.”
— Alexa Collins, Homeowner & Influencer

What Makes Durathermo Ayous Unique?

Durathermo Ayous is a thermally modified version of Ayous wood, engineered to meet the demands of humid and exterior environments. It undergoes a high-temperature treatment process that enhances its performance without using any chemicals.

Key Benefits

• Naturally rot-resistant
• Resistant to mold, termites, and decay
• More dimensionally stable than untreated wood
• Sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly
• Lightweight and easy to install, especially for overhead use

“It gives us the aesthetic of a tropical hardwood with the ease of softwood. It’s a win for us and our clients.”
— Backyards & Pergolas, Installer

From sunset dinners to social media shoots, Alexa’s newly upgraded space is not only beautiful but also resilient, sustainable, and practical.

Why You Should Choose Ayous Over Cedar or Cypress

Now that you’ve seen how Ayous Thermowood performs in real-life design, here’s why it is a smarter, more efficient alternative to Cedar or Cypress for your next project.

1. Smooth, Knot-Free Finish

Unlike Cedar and Cypress, which often contain knots that disrupt the surface and grain, Ayous wood offers a clean, even texture. This makes it ideal for:

• Modern and minimalist aesthetics
• High-end finishes with consistent tone
• Easier sanding and sealing for a uniform appearance

2. Excellent Workability

Ayous is easy to work with, even for intricate or curved projects. It:

• Cuts cleanly without splintering
• Accepts nails and screws without splitting
• Does not dull tools quickly
• Installs easily for both professionals and skilled DIYers

3. Dimensional Stability in Moisture and Heat

When kiln-dried or thermally treated, Ayous resists warping, cupping, and cracking. It is a preferred wood in:

• Sauna and spa interiors
• Poolside decks and outdoor ceilings
• Coastal climates where humidity is high
• Covered patios and exterior soffits

Cedar and Cypress are more prone to movement in humid environments unless treated and maintained regularly.

4. Sustainability and Affordability

Ayous grows quickly and is readily available from responsibly managed forests. It can be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), offering an eco-conscious alternative to slower-growing Cedar and Cypress, which are becoming harder to source in high grades.

Ayous is also more cost-effective, offering premium appearance and performance without the high price of clear-grade Cedar.

Ideal Uses for Ayous Wood

Because of its consistent grain, stability, and resistance to moisture, Ayous is a versatile wood suited for:

• Outdoor ceiling cladding and soffits
• Indoor wall panels and millwork
• Sauna benches and steam room interiors
• Modern cabinetry and built-in shelving
• Decorative and architectural woodwor

It adapts to a wide range of architectural styles, from soft modern to tropical and coastal designs.

Build Better with Ayous Thermowood from Brazilian Lumber

Whether you are designing a luxurious backyard like Alexa Collins or upgrading your sauna, siding, or indoor paneling, Ayous Thermowood provides a superior balance of style, strength, and sustainability. It outperforms Cedar and Cypress in moisture resistance, is easier to work with, and brings a refined, knot-free look to any space.

To use the same material featured in Alexa Collins’s South Florida project, choose Durathermo, the thermally modified Ayous line distributed by Brazilian Lumber.

Order Today:

• Visit durathermo.com to learn more about Durathermo Ayous
• Contact Brazilian Lumber for pricing, samples, or installation advice
• Follow Alexa’s journey on Instagram @alexacollins

Ayous Thermowood is the wood that works smarter, looks better, and lasts longer.