Suriname Wood Species for Outdoor Use - Part 1
Durable Wood Species
When it comes to choosing the right wood for outdoor projects, durability is key. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most durable wood species available, perfect for withstanding the elements and maintaining their beauty over time.
Today, we’ll take a look at four tropical hardwood species from Suriname, a country located in South America, bordered by Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana.
The Amazon rainforest is home to many natural treasures, including wildlife, gold, diamonds, and a wide variety of tropical hardwood species. Tropical hardwoods are highly sought after for outdoor use due to their density, durability, and striking grain patterns. These characteristics make them ideal for a variety of outdoor applications such as decking, fencing, marine construction, and garden furniture.
Here, we’ll explore five tropical hardwood species from Suriname, focusing on their characteristics and why they’re perfect for outdoor use.
Wood Species:
Ipe Lapacho (Handroanthus spp.)
Walaba / Wallaba (Eperua falcata)
Angelique / Basralocus (Dicorynia guianensis)
Macaranduba (Manilkara bidentata)
Ipe Lapacho (Handroanthus spp.)
Ipe is one of the most popular tropical hardwoods for outdoor applications, known for its extreme hardness, high density, and resistance to decay. This wood has a Class A fire rating, similar to steel, making it an excellent choice for decking, boardwalks, and outdoor furniture.
Why it's good for outdoor use:
Ipe is highly resistant to insect attacks and fungal decay, making it perfect for environments with harsh weather conditions.
It is also rot-resistant, which adds to its longevity when used for decking, fencing, or other outdoor structures.
Long-term outdoor performance:After several years outdoors, Ipe will naturally weather to a beautiful silver-gray patina if left untreated, though it can be oiled to maintain its rich brown color.
Ipe Lapacho (Handroanthus spp.)
Walaba / Wallaba (Eperua falcata)
Walaba / Wallaba (Eperua falcata)
Walaba is another dense tropical hardwood, commonly used for outdoor applications such as fencing and marine construction. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color and contains a high amount of natural oils, which makes it naturally resistant to water and decay.
Why it's good for outdoor use:
Its natural resistance to water makes it ideal for marine applications, as it can withstand constant exposure to moisture.
Walaba is also resistant to termites, making it a reliable option for fencing and garden structures.
Long-term outdoor performance:Over time, Walaba will darken slightly and maintain its strength, even after years of exposure to the elements.
Angelique / Basralocus (Dicorynia guianensis)
Angelique, also known as Basralocus, is a durable wood often used in marine and heavy construction. Its hardness and resistance to both decay and insects make it perfect for outdoor decking, docks, and bridges.
Why it's good for outdoor use:
Basralocus has excellent resistance to marine borers, which is why it’s commonly used in water-based structures like docks and piers.
It is highly durable, even in extreme climates, making it ideal for long-term outdoor projects.
Long-term outdoor performance:Basralocus holds up well over time, retaining its strength and structural integrity for decades. It will age to a darker, richer hue if left untreated.
Angelique / Basralocus (Dicorynia guianensis)
Macaranduba (Manilkara bidentata)
Macaranduba (Manilkara bidentata)
Macaranduba is sometimes called “Brazilian Redwood” due to its rich reddish-brown color and remarkable hardness. It is a top choice for decking and outdoor furniture because of its exceptional strength and longevity.
Why it's good for outdoor use:
Massaranduba is highly resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather, making it a prime material for outdoor decking, boardwalks, and high-traffic areas.
Its high density ensures it can withstand the elements for many years without warping or splitting.
Long-term outdoor performance:Over time, Massaranduba will weather to a silvery-gray patina if left untreated, but it will remain structurally sound for decades, even in demanding environments.
