Tropical Wood: Definition and List of Exotic Wood Species

Exotic wood is a type of wood that gets its name from its origin. Indeed, coming from foreign countries, they are mainly found in exotic countries such as South America, Africa, and Asia.

Exotic wood species are widespread in the construction field due to their strength and durability. Thus, even though they are most frequently used outdoors, other interesting uses include cabinetry or carpentry, for example.

To clarify exotic woods, we will address the following points:

• What is exotic wood?
• The list of exotic woods to know
• What uses for an exotic wood species?
• Other questions about exotic wood species

What is exotic wood?

An exotic wood or tropical wood is a type of wood originating from abroad, mainly coming from so-called exotic continents such as Asia, South America, and Africa. There are nearly 200 species of exotic wood in the world, some of which are very well-known, such as ipe or itauba, for example.

Exotic woods are hard, resistant and rot-resistant, meaning they withstand water. Indeed, they are durable and can endure various weather conditions for many years without deteriorating.

Moreover, an exotic wood species has a particular aesthetic making it ideal for creating a certain harmony in your environment. Indeed, the warm aspect of tropical wood is not negligible for your various constructions such as a wooden terrace.

The list of exotic woods to know

Among the nearly 200 existing worldwide, here is the list of the 12 most well-known and most used exotic woods in the construction field:

• The ipe ;
• The itauba ;
• The cumaru ;
• The padouk ;
• The garapa ;
• The sipo ;
• The jatoba ;
• The teak ;
• The merbau ;
• The massaranduba ;
• The macacauba ;
• The sucupira. 

However, if you wish to go further and learn about the complete list of exotic wood species, you will find it below:

What uses for an exotic wood species?

An exotic wood species offers different usage opportunities such as outdoor landscaping, cabinetry, or carpentry. Some of them are of class of use 5, allowing direct contact with fresh or saltwater like massaranduba. However, uses may vary depending on the exotic wood, the most common are as follows:

• Exotic wood species for outdoor landscaping: being rot-resistant and durable, these species are ideal for constructing an exotic wooden terrace, for example.

• Exotic woods for cabinetry: the aesthetics of tropical woods are undeniable and provide a unique finish for constructing furniture from exotic wood, for example.

• An exotic wood for carpentry: hard and durable, exotic wood species are perfect for your carpentry work both indoors and outdoors.

Indeed, among the most widespread exotic wood species, each has its own characteristics to know in order to use them wisely. Thus, ipe is mainly used for making wooden terraces due to its stability and durability. Itauba is also favored because it has excellent resistance to temperature changes.

Next, we find colorful exotic wood species like cumaru, padouk, a dense and resistant red exotic wood, and garapa, which is a yellow exotic wood offering a different coloration that can help you stand out.

Then, jatoba, macacauba, and merbau are versatile and fine exotic wood species used for laying parquet, making furniture, or musical instruments. It should be noted that sucupira and teak are resistant and can be used in shipbuilding. Finally, sipo is a somewhat different exotic wood that resists termites and fungi better than moisture.

Other questions about exotic wood species

What is the price per m2 of exotic wood?

The price per m2 of exotic wood can vary greatly depending on the selected exotic wood species, ranging from about 60 euros to 210 euros per m2. Indeed, an ipe terrace will cost you on average between 60 and 210 euros per m2, while you will have to spend between 80 and 180 euros per m2 for a padouk terrace, for example.

Which exotic wood to choose for a terrace?

The exotic wood chosen for a wooden terrace should be selected according to your own criteria. Indeed, color, resistance, and density can come into play. Thus, Garapa will give you a touch of originality, while Cumaru will allow you to save money.

What maintenance for an exotic wooden terrace?

The maintenance for an exotic wooden terrace is quite simple as these woods are resistant and stable. However, it can vary depending on the exotic wood species. Indeed, Cumaru, for example, is more sensitive to pests. Thus, it will be necessary to treat it accordingly with a saturator specially designed for this type of wood, for example. Additionally, you can apply a protective oil to protect your terrace.

Exotic wood encompasses various wood species with similar characteristics and all come from foreign countries. Moreover, being resistant and rot-resistant, they are often used in outdoor landscaping. Now, you know everything about exotic wood species thanks to WoodPartners!