Calgary homeowners! It’s your friendly neighborhood deck designer and builder here, bringing you the inside scoop on transforming your outdoor spaces into luxurious retreats. When it comes to crafting decks in Calgary, going beyond the ordinary is what we do best at Project Landscape. And what better way to elevate your deck than with the rich, enduring beauty of exotic hardwood? Let’s dive into why these top-notch materials are the crown jewels of deck construction.
Table of Contents
- Exotic Hardwood Decking
- Types of Exotic Wood for Your Decks
- Features of Exotic Hardwoods
1. Exotic Hardwood Decking
In the world of deck construction, selecting the right material isn’t just a decision—it’s a statement. Exotic hardwood stands out as the premier choice for those seeking a blend of durability, visual appeal, and resilience against Calgary’s unpredictable weather. Offering unmatched elegance and a lifespan that laughs in the face of the elements, exotic hardwoods are the go-to for creating a backyard oasis that’s as enduring as it is stunning. Let’s explore why these majestic materials are the top-selling heroes of outdoor deck projects.
2. Types of Exotic Wood for Your Decks
Yellow Balau (Balau Bangkirai) Starting life with a hue akin to teak, Yellow Balau matures into a warm mahogany shade, given a little TLC. If left to its own devices, it ages gracefully into a maintenance-free, silver patina. Revered across Europe for its durability, Yellow Balau is a heavyweight contender, rivaling even the mighty Ipe in longevity.
Red Balau (Batu) Handpicked from the cream of the Shorea species crop, Red Balau Batu boasts a deep mahogany hue that’s 100% clear grade. Over time, it darkens to a classic mahogany tone with proper care or weathers into a beautiful, effortless silver patina. It’s the dark horse of hardwoods, offering a blend of beauty and resilience.
Meranti (Philippine Mahogany) Selected from the finest Nemesu, Bukit, and Seraya species, Meranti wood is a chameleon with its variety of light and dark shades and more pronounced grain. Full of character, this hardwood brings personality and flair to any deck, making it a favorite for those looking to make a statement.
Ipe (Kayu Decking) Pronounced ‘e-pay,’ Ipe is the titan of the tropical hardwood world. Hailing from Brazil, its boards are impervious to scratches and dents, boasting a durability that’s nothing short of legendary. Once installed, Ipe’s natural beauty is a legacy that lasts generations, ensuring your deck remains a timeless testament to quality.
Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) Known affectionately as Brazilian Teak or Golden Teak, Cumaru is a naturally durable timber that holds its own against the likes of Ipe. With a consistent golden brown color and durability to match, Cumaru offers a luxurious look at a cost comparable to other hardwoods and clear grade softwoods.
Features of Exotic Hardwoods:
- Durability in Harsh Weather Conditions: Here in Calgary, where the weather likes to keep us on our toes, having a deck that stands its ground against the elements is non-negotiable. Exotic hardwoods are the rugged adventurers of the decking world, built to withstand everything from scorching sun to snowstorms.
- Wide Range of Natural Colours to Choose From: Why settle for the ordinary when you can have a spectrum of natural beauty at your feet? Exotic hardwoods offer a palette of colors that can transform your deck into a canvas of outdoor elegance.
- Resistance to Moisture and Bugs: The nightmare of moisture and bug damage fades away with exotic hardwoods. These materials come with a natural shield against the damp and the critters that love to call your deck home, keeping your space pristine and pest-free.
- Can Be Left to Develop a Natural Patina, Reducing Maintenance: For those who appreciate the beauty of aging gracefully, exotic hardwoods are your soulmate. Left to their own devices, these woods evolve into a stunning silver patina that’s maintenance-free, giving your deck a timeless allure without the fuss.
- Can Be Stained to Suit the Project: Flexibility is the name of the game. If the natural hue of your chosen hardwood isn’t quite the match for your vision, fear not. These woods take well to staining, allowing you to customize the color to perfectly complement your outdoor aesthetic.
Ready to elevate your outdoor space with the unmatched beauty and durability of exotic hardwood? Visit us at Project Landscape or explore our Exotic Wood Deck options. If you’re itching to start your deck transformation, give us a call at 403-257-4059. Let’s turn your backyard into the envy of Calgary, one board at a time.