Why choose exotic hardwood for your terrace?

Exotic hardwood decking boards are valued for the qualities that allow a terrace to remain durable, stable and visually distinctive for many years. Hardwoods naturally have a dense and strong structure, making them highly resistant to weather conditions and intensive use.

The key advantages of exotic hardwood include:
- high density and strength;
- natural resistance to moisture and decay;
- stability in changing weather conditions;
- long service life;
- the distinctive beauty of natural wood.
Because of these qualities, exotic hardwood is used for private terraces as well as public spaces, including hotels, restaurants, waterfronts, marinas and other intensively used areas.

Which timber species is best suited to your terrace?

Although all exotic hardwood species are known for their durability and resistance to environmental conditions, each has different characteristics. The timber should therefore be selected according to the specific requirements of the project, including the expected loads, surrounding architecture, desired appearance and maintenance expectations.

IPE – maximum durability

IPE is considered one of the hardest and most durable decking timbers in the world. Its exceptionally high density makes it resistant to moisture, decay, insects and intensive mechanical wear.
This timber is frequently selected for public spaces, restaurant terraces, marinas and projects where a reliable long-term result is the main priority.

Cumaru – a balance between aesthetics and value

Cumaru is one of the most popular exotic hardwood species in Europe. It is valued for its excellent balance of cost and durability, dimensional stability and warm golden-brown tones.
It is a popular choice for private residential terraces where durability, natural beauty and a rational investment need to be combined.

Merbau – a time-tested classic

Merbau is valued for its stability, resistance to environmental conditions and rich reddish-brown colour. It is suitable for both private and commercial projects seeking a classic aesthetic.

Sucupira – for expressive design

Sucupira stands out for its darker colour and pronounced wood grain. It is particularly well suited to projects where the terrace forms an important part of the architectural expression and is intended to create a solid, distinctive impression.

Padouk – a naturally distinctive colour
Padouk is easily recognised by its rich reddish-orange colour. Over time, this hardwood naturally develops an elegant silver-grey tone.

Araracanga – for those seeking individuality
Araracanga is a less common exotic hardwood species characterised by a decorative grain and a variety of natural colours. It is generally selected for projects where the individual character of the wood is particularly important.

Bamboo – a modern alternative
Compressed bamboo is not an exotic hardwood, but it is increasingly being selected as a modern alternative. Using the patented CeramiX® technology, bamboo fibres are crystallised, impregnated and compressed into an exceptionally stable and durable bamboo product.
Bamboo is suitable for contemporary projects where modern aesthetics, sustainability and a consistent surface appearance are important.

The best proof of quality is time

When it comes to decking boards, advertising claims may sound convincing. However, the true quality of a material is best demonstrated over time.
Over more than two decades, we have gained experience in a wide range of projects. The oldest terraces built with exotic hardwood supplied by WOODLINE are now 12–15 years old. This is the best evidence of how properly selected timber withstands the test of time. Its durability is the result of both the right timber and professional technical solutions.
Durability depends on more than the timber
A common mistake is to assume that purchasing the highest-quality decking boards is enough to guarantee a successful result. In practice, this is not the case.
Even the best timber will not perform as expected if it is installed on an unsuitable substructure, if sufficient ventilation is not provided or if inappropriate fastening systems are used. Professional terrace design therefore begins not only with selecting the boards, but also with planning the entire construction system.
This is why an increasing number of clients are looking for more than a supplier of materials. They need a partner who can help them make the right decisions for their specific project.

Concealed fastening with the B-Fix® system

The B-Fix® concealed fastening system is one of the professional solutions that helps preserve a clean terrace surface while ensuring the correct installation of the boards. Stainless-steel fasteners are inserted into grooves along the sides of the boards, leaving no visible screw heads on the terrace surface.
The “spring effect” of the B-Fix® system allows the timber to move naturally as humidity and temperature change. Individual boards can also be removed locally when necessary. The system can reduce installation time by up to 40%.

Exotic hardwood is chosen where there is no room for compromise

Exotic hardwood is frequently selected for projects where the decking must meet considerably higher requirements than those of a typical residential terrace.
Hotels, business centres, waterfronts and public spaces experience intensive pedestrian traffic, constant exposure to weather and high operational loads. In such projects, appearance alone is not enough. The selected solutions must remain reliable for many years while requiring as little maintenance as possible.
This is why exotic hardwood is used in many such projects.

WOODLINE projects include:
- “Memelio miestas” in Klaipėda – IPE timber, selected for its resistance to intensive use and coastal weather conditions.
- KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology in Kaunas – IPE, one of the most durable decking timbers used worldwide.
- Courtyard by Marriott in Vilnius – Sucupira, combining distinctive aesthetics with excellent performance.
- The Danė waterfront in Klaipėda – Azobe, an exceptionally dense and strong timber used in demanding conditions.
- Business Stadium Central in Vilnius – Sucupira, selected to complement the architectural concept and withstand the expected loads.
These projects share the same approach to timber selection. In every case, the assessment covered not only the architectural vision, but also how the material would perform over time, the loads it would be exposed to and the maintenance it would require. Each decision was made after considering the complete project context.

The most common mistakes when choosing decking boards

- Making a decision based solely on price. A lower initial investment does not always mean lower costs in the long term.
- Failing to consider the conditions of use. Timber used on the coast, beside a swimming pool, on a south-facing terrace or in a fully exposed area is subjected to greater environmental impact.
- Choosing timber based only on colour. The colour of natural timber changes over time, so its technical characteristics should remain the primary consideration.
- Saving on the substructure. Even the highest-quality decking boards will not perform as intended if the substructure is designed or installed incorrectly. A durable terrace depends on the complete system – from the base and fastening solutions to the selected timber.
- Not consulting specialists. Timber selection depends on numerous factors, ranging from the location and architecture of the property to the intensity of use and maintenance expectations. Professional advice helps prevent decisions that may cause problems later.

An individual solution for every project

“Our goal is not simply to sell decking boards. We first seek to understand what result the client expects to see after ten or twenty years. Only then do we recommend the most suitable timber and technical solution. This approach allows us to create terraces and small-scale architectural elements that retain both their functionality and aesthetic value over time,” says Juozas Ėmužis, Head of the WOODLINE Projects Department.
According to him, consultation at the beginning of a project makes it possible to select the solution that best meets its specific requirements and ensures a reliable long-term result.

Which criteria should be considered before choosing decking boards?

Although aesthetics remain important, specialists recommend evaluating the technical characteristics of the material as well.
Before making a decision, consider the following questions:
- Will the terrace be fully exposed to rain and sunlight?
- Will it be installed on the coast, beside a swimming pool or near a body of water?
- How intensively will it be used?
- Is the longest possible service life the main priority?
- Will the timber be oiled regularly, or is a natural weathered appearance preferred?
- Which visual result best complements the architecture of the building?
The answers to these questions make it possible to select the most suitable timber for each individual project.

How to preserve the beauty of a hardwood terrace

An exotic hardwood terrace does not require complicated maintenance, but regular preventive care helps preserve its appearance for longer.
Specialists recommend:
- regularly removing accumulated dirt;
- preventing moisture and leaves from collecting between the boards;
- periodically applying an oil intended for the specific timber species if the original colour is to be maintained.
It is important to understand that unoiled exotic hardwood naturally develops a silver-grey tone. This is a natural process that does not affect its strength or durability.