TOUGH DECKS
HARDWOOD DECKING COMPARISON

Timber Qualities

Garapa
(Brazilian Ash)

Jatoba

Kwila

Purple Heart

Red Cumaru
(Brazilian Teak)

Stonewood

Vitex

Original Colour

Straw colour, golden to soft brown.

Warm, reddish-brown colour.

Rich, reddish-brown colour.

Deep Purple.

Light Brown to Reddish Brown.

Light yellowish brown, while the sapwood is a pale brown. 

Pale yellow and grey to medium brown colour.

Texture 

Medium to fine texture, usually straight, some wavy interlocked grain.

Distinctive grain pattern.

Coarse texture with an interlocking grain.

Usually Straight grain, with smooth fine texture.

Medium texture, interlocked grain with moderate shine.

The grain of this wood is crisscross, and the texture is coarse and uneven. 

Fine to medium texture with a typically straight grain, giving it a smooth and refined appearance.

Density (Dry)

900kg/m3

910/m3

870kg/m3

900kg/m3

1100kg/m3

690kg/m3 

700-800kg/m3 

Length Spread

1.8 - 6m

1.8 – 6m

1.8 - 6m

1.8 - 6m

1.8 - 6m

1.8 - 6m 

1.8 – 5.1m

Dried

Kiln

Kiln

Kiln

Kiln

Kiln

Kiln

Fan Dry 

Janka Hardness

7.3(kN)

11.9(kN)

8.8(kN)

11.19(kN)

14.8(kN)

13.5(kN) 

5.6(kN)

Expansion/Contraction

3.5-4%

3.5%

1-2% 

3.0% 

3.0%

4%

2.5-4%

Tannin Bleed

No

No

Yes (first few months)

No

No

No

Light tannin bleeding

Standard Sizes

Smooth-145/21 & 140/19

Smooth - 140 x 19

Smooth (one side) Reeded (Other) - 140/19

Smooth-100/19 & 140/19

Smooth-100/21 & 145/21

Smooth - 140/19

Smooth - 140/19

Life expectancy 

15-20 years

15-20+ years

15+ years 

20-25 years

30+ Years

15+ years 

20+ years 

Durability Class

Class 2-3.
Moderately Durable

Moderately durable Class 2/3

Class 2.
Moderately Durable 

Class 1-2.
Durable

Class 1.
Very Durable

Class 2.
Moderately Durable

Class 2.
Moderately Durable 

Screws

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel 

316 Stainless Steel