High-end terraces made of exotic wood
Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa & Teak

Noble materials for exceptional outdoor design

Dreaming of a deck that's as stylish as it is durable? Exotic woods such as Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa and Teak represent the best in exterior cladding. These rare species, naturally resistant, are prized for their longevity, their aesthetic richness and their robustness to any test.

Perfect for decks, patios, rooftop terraces, spas and pool towers, these exotic woods combine natural refinement and technical performance in the most demanding climates, such as Quebec.

Ipe Wood | The king of decking

Ipe is without a doubt the most efficient wood species for a high-end deck. Native to the rainforests of South America, it is known for its extreme hardness, natural resistance to fire, insects and rot, and its unmatched longevity of up to 50 years — or more.

• Hardness (Janka): 3,680 lbs
• Flexural Strength: 23,360 psi
• Density: 1.04 g/cm³
• Colour: olive brown to dark brown, which may develop into a silvery patina
• Durability: 50 to 100 A
• Maintenance: low to moderate (oil to retain color, optional)

Ultra-resistant, Ipe contains no chemical additives. It is the perfect choice for homeowners looking for a noble, elegant and timeless material that is both chic and robust.

Cumaru | The warm, textured alternative

Often referred to as the "cousin" of Ipe, Cumaru offers a comparable density, with a warmer, textured color palette. Its more pronounced grain and shades ranging from yellow-brown to reddish-brown appeal to those looking for a livelier look, while maintaining the technical qualities of a high-performance wood.

• Hardness (Janka): 3,340 lbs
• Flexural Strength: 22,400 psi
• Density: 1.07 g/cm³
• Colour: golden brown to reddish
• Durability: 50 years
• Maintenance: Low to moderate

Unique advantage: Cumaru does not emit tannins, which makes it perfect for swimming pool surroundings or light surfaces (no unwanted stains).

Garapa | Luminosity and softness in a natural way

Garapa is an exotic hardwood with a golden honey hue, perfect for those who want a terrace with a lighter and brighter appearance. Less dense than Ipe or Cumaru, but just as elegant, it remains very resistant to scratches, insects and humidity.

• Hardness (Janka): 1,630 lbs
• Flexural Strength: 12,900 psi
• Density: 0.79 g/cm³
• Colour: iridescent golden, which turns warm brown
• Durability: 30 years
• Maintenance: minimal

Garapa is also more affordable, making it a great high-end alternative for projects on a more moderate budget.

Teak | Natural and timeless luxury

A semi-hard wood from Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Burma), teak is a precious species, used for centuries in shipbuilding and outdoor furniture. Its high stability, natural weather resistance and protective oleoresin make it a perfect wood for terraces, spas, saunas and outdoor showers.

• Hardness (Janka): Approx. 1,070 lbs
• Flexural strength: approx. 14,000 psi
• Density: ~0.70 g/cm³
• Colour: deep golden brown, which may turn naturally grey
• Durability: 40 to 50 years
• Maintenance: moderate (teak oil recommended to preserve the colour)

Teak is appreciated for its smooth texture, exceptional stability and luxurious look that pairs beautifully with contemporary or Zen design.

Comparative table of exotic woods

Type	Hardness (Janka)	Density	Flexibility strength	Color	Lifespan	Maintenance	Relative Price
Ipe	3 680 lb	1,04 g/cm³	23 360 psi	Olive brown to darker	50–100 years	:Low	$$$$
Cumaru	3 340 lb	1,07 g/cm³	22 400 psi	Golden Brown to redness	Up to 50 years	Low	$$$
Garapa	1 630 lb	0,79 g/cm³	12 900 psi	Golden honey to brown	Up to 30 years	Very low	$$
Teak	~1 070 lb	~0,70 g/cm³	~14 000 psi	Warm golden brown	40–50 years	Moderate	$$$$

 

in short

✅ 100% natural woods, free of chemical
✅ additives Exceptional resistance to insects, humidity and fire
✅ Perfect choice for decks, pools, rooftop terraces and spas
✅ Rich and varied aesthetics, from bright light to intense
✅ Dark Impressive longevity with little maintenance
✅ Professional installation anywhere in the greater Montreal area

We like

• The raw beauty and unique personality of each essence
• Their incomparable resistance, even in Quebec winters
• Their ability to enhance each outdoor project with presence
• Their enduring value, which makes them a safe investment

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Exotic woods

Teak

Teak is a semi-hard, oily and durable wood species. This essence is golden brown in color and requires careful maintenance for maximum appearance. The fibers are straight and stiff, possessing a tight grain that is easy to work with and a very smooth finish. This essence contains a natural oleoresin which makes it extremely resistant to the harshest climatic aggressions and which gives it a very long duration over time. Very durable and of very good quality, teak comes mainly from India, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand and Burma, depending on the variety. This tree can measure from 27 to 30 m and have a diameter of 1.5 m.

IPE

IPE is a very hard, very durable and fire resistant wood species. Dark olive brown in color and requires regular maintenance to ensure an incomparable quality of finish. This tree species comes from the tropics of South America, from Mexico to northern Argentina. This excessively durable wood species can last almost 50 years, which is exceptional for wood.

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