Application guide
Wood for Outdoor Decking & Cladding
Outdoor surfaces face UV, moisture and foot traffic. These species survive decades with little maintenance.
In short
For decks and cladding, naturally durable hardwoods win: Ipe for maximum hardness and lifespan, and Burma/African teak for a warmer look with excellent weather resistance.
Recommended wood species
Ipe
HardwoodHandroanthus spp.
Ipe (Handroanthus spp.) is an extremely dense, hard and durable South American hardwood — one of the toughest decking timbers in the world, with a Class A fire rating and a service life of 25+ years outdoors even without preservatives.
Janka: 3,510 lbf
Burma Teak
HardwoodTectona grandis
Burma teak (Tectona grandis) is a premium tropical hardwood from Myanmar, prized for its golden-brown colour, exceptional natural oil content and outstanding resistance to rot, water and insects — the benchmark teak for marine, outdoor and luxury interior work.
Janka: 1,070 lbf
African Teak
HardwoodMilicia excelsa
African teak (Milicia excelsa, commonly Iroko) is a durable tropical hardwood from West and Central Africa, widely used as a cost-effective, weather-resistant alternative to genuine teak for outdoor joinery, furniture and structural work.
Janka: 1,260 lbf
Key considerations
- Ipe offers a 25+ year life and Class A fire rating, but is heavy and hard to machine.
- Teak weathers gracefully and needs only occasional oiling.
- Allow for ventilation and drainage behind cladding.
Request a quote for your project
Tell us the species, grade and quantity you need — our team has sourced and supplied premium timber since 1938.