In addition to Cumaru and Red Balau, Jatoba is an excellent alternative to Ipe. While Ipe remains the favorite tropical hardwood decking species of many, it is often difficult to source and cost-prohibitive. Even though these other species are not as hard or dense as Ipe, they are still very durable and beautiful options for any exterior application. As a tropical hardwood decking product, Jatoba is definitely an excellent option to consider for your next deck or recommend for your next decking customer.
Jatoba Basics
Also known as “Brazilian Cherry,” this South American species has long been appreciated within the flooring world. Like the other tropical hardwood decking species, it resists insects and rot. It is also very dense, but not as dense as Cumaru or Ipe. Freshly milled Jatoba does change color more than many other species, deepening significantly from its original light color when freshly milled; even a single afternoon in the sun can cause significant color change for this species. Over time, Jatoba will turn gray, unless it is regularly treated.
Jatoba Benefits
One benefit unique to this species is its versatility: Jatoba can be used for both interior and exterior flooring. Also commonly used for outdoor furniture and siding, Jatoba provides a fabulous option for those wishing to create a seamless visual flow from indoor to outdoor living spaces.
The comparatively lower density allows Jatoba to acclimate more quickly from the lumber yard to the installation site, as well as from one season to the next.
While the color-change potential can be seen as a negative, we can recommend excellent finishing and treatment options that will capitalize on the beautiful reddish brown color of this wood.
Jatoba Business
J. Gibson McIlvain keeps an inventory of two different Jatoba products — one that’s suitable for exterior decking and another that’s intended for interior flooring applications. The exterior product, as a decking product, is S4S, E4E, and air dried to a moisture content of about 18%; as with any decking lumber, it is not a finished product.
The interior product is kiln-dried to a moisture level between 6 and 8%; it can be sold rough sawn or can be milled according to your specifications, at our in-house millworks.
Regardless of which Jatoba product you choose, you can be assured that J. Gibson McIlvain’s quality control process will mean that the Jatoba you buy from us will be the best you can find, for indoor or outdoor applications — or even for both!
Read the Series
• Wood Decking Species Choices: Ipe
• Wood Decking Species Choices: Cumaru
• Wood Decking Species Choices: Red Balau
• Wood Decking Species Choices: Jatoba
J. Gibson McIlvain Company
Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.
As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.
Contact a sales representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling toll free (800) 638-9100.
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