Massaranduba decking, also known as Brazilian walnut, has become an increasingly popular choice for outdoor decking over the past few years. This exotic hardwood is renowned for its rich reddish-brown coloration, exceptional hardness, and natural weather resistance.
However, behind its striking beauty, Massaranduba decking comes with a unique set of challenges and potential problems that homeowners should carefully consider before installation.
This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Massaranduba decking to help you make an informed decision for your home improvement project.
Challenges and Potential Problems with Massaranduba Decking
While Massaranduba possesses many desirable traits, it also comes with some unique downsides and difficulties surrounding installation and performance:
- Extreme Hardness Challenges Construction
The exceptional density of Massaranduba that brings long-term durability also makes the material extremely difficult to cut, drill, and fasten using standard woodworking tools and methods.
Special carbide-tipped blades and drill bits are mandatory, but even then, construction is far more time-consuming and labor-intensive compared to softer woods. This also makes repairs and modifications after installation quite difficult.
- Prone to Surface Checking and Splitting When Dry
Freshly milled Massaranduba has a high moisture content. As the boards dry following installation, the wood shrinks and is prone to developing small surface cracks/checks parallel to the grain.
End checking and splitting are also common issues that detract from appearance. Proper installation methods, spacing, and sealing are required to minimize this issue.
- Can Heat Up When Exposed to Direct Sun
The dense, oil-rich characteristics that provide weather resistance also mean that Massaranduba absorbs heat readily when exposed to direct sunlight.
On hot, sunny days, decking may become uncomfortably hot for bare feet. Mitigation strategies such as reflective coatings or shade structures may be desirable.
- Difficult to Find Skilled Labor for Installation
Due to its extreme density and unique challenges, most deck builders and carpentry contractors lack experience working with Massaranduba.
Homeowners often have to hire specialty installers familiar with the intricacies of constructing Massaranduba deck systems correctly. This can drive up project costs.
- Oily Surface May Require Special Cleaning Methods
While water-resistant, Massaranduba’s oil content can lead to organic staining from leaves, food, grease, and other spills that are difficult to remove using standard deck cleaners. Specialty poultice mixtures or vigorous scrubbing is often required to treat stubborn stains.
- Prone to Bleeding and Tannin Leaching
The wood contains water-soluble extractives that can leach out as wet tan-colored stains on the decking surface when exposed to moisture. This can detract from visual appeal. Careful sealing is required to prevent bleeding and tannin stains.
- Expensive Initial Cost
As a premium imported hardwood, Massaranduba decking boards cost significantly more than pressure-treated pine or cedar. The material costs alone for Massaranduba decking will be 3-4 times higher than common wood alternatives, pushing total installed costs over $30 per square foot.
- Limited Sourcing and Availability
Global supplies of Massaranduba are limited since the tree species grows exclusively in Brazil and selective logging is constrained. Sourcing large quantities of decking material may involve long lead times and shipping costs. Supply uncertainty makes it difficult for retailers to stock large inventory.
Is Massaranduba Decking Worth It?
Massaranduba is a tropical hardwood that is harvested from trees native to coastal regions of Brazil.
It is classified in the genus Manilkara, a group of dense tropical woods also including Balata and Bulletwood.
Massaranduba grows in the wild in the Amazon rainforests and is selectively logged for exportation and commercial use.
The wood possesses a stunning reddish-brown color that ranges from rich mahogany to deep cherry tones.
Massaranduba has an exceptionally high density, averaging 1,200 kg/m3 when dried. This extreme hardness provides the wood with excellent dent, scratch, and wear resistance.
The dense grain patterns also create a slip-resistant texture ideal for decking. From an aesthetic perspective, Massaranduba is one of the most beautiful species available on the market today for deck construction.
When freshly cut, Massaranduba has high levels of natural oils that make it highly resistant to weathering and decay. The oils enable the wood to stand up to UV exposure, moisture, and insect damage without significant degradation.
This natural durability is a major driver behind the wood’s popularity for exterior decking applications.
Pros of Using Massaranduba for Your Deck
There are several advantages that make Massaranduba an attractive decking material for homeowners and contractors:
- Stunning Visual Appeal
The rich reddish-brown coloration and streaked grain patterns of Massaranduba create a stunning, luxurious look that elevates the beauty of any outdoor living space. The wood possesses a depth and vibrancy beyond most domestic lumber species used for decking.
- Extreme Hardness and Durability
With a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf, Massaranduba is over three times harder than common North American woods like red oak. This exceptional density brings unparalleled scratch, impact, and wear resistance.
Massaranduba can withstand heavy foot traffic for decades while retaining its smooth surface and visual integrity.
- Resistance to Moisture and Decay
The high natural oil content enables Massaranduba wood to repel water and prevents moisture absorption. It is highly resistant to splintering, cupping, twisting, and rotting when exposed to the elements. The wood can be used in ground contact applications.
- Low Maintenance Requirements
Due to its density and oil composition, Massaranduba requires very little long-term maintenance when installed outdoors. It can be left to weather naturally to a stately gray patina. Occasional cleaning and re-oiling every 2-3 years will maintain its rich color.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Massaranduba is sourced from FSC-certified forest plantations, so it represents a legal and sustainable timber option. Using this tropical hardwood prevents further deforestation of sensitive rainforest ecosystems.
- Naturally Fire and Termite Resistant
The wood’s high density deters termites, and its high oil content provides natural fire resistance. This can lower safety concerns and reduce chemical treatments needed for outdoor use.
Best Practices for Installing Massaranduba Decking
When used in the right application and installed properly, Massaranduba can provide decades of elegance and near zero-maintenance enjoyment.
Here are some top recommendations for how to work with Massaranduba’s unique properties during deck construction and minimize potential issues:
- Carefully hand select boards at the lumberyard for color consistency, straightness, and absence of cracks/checks. Pre-finishing prior to installation can help identify problem boards.
- Use lag screws or through-bolts for fasteners – common deck screws are prone to snapping off during installation. Pre-drilling is mandatory.
- Allow 1/4” spacing between boards and 1/2″ gaps at board ends for drainage and expansion. This prevents surface checking/splitting.
- Apply penetrating oil finish immediately after install to all end grains and cut surfaces. This prevents moisture ingress.
- Install on joist spans 16″ on center or less to prevent flexing and board cracking over time.
- Install on an extremely level, flat substructure – any minor substructure imperfections will transfer through to the decking surface over time due to the hardness of the wood.
- Use wavy washers with fasteners to allow movement and prevent stress cracking.
- Shelter from direct sun exposure if possible – utilize shade structures, plants, and position deck on a north-facing aspect to prevent overheating.
- Hire an installer familiar with tropical hardwoods – the challenges of Massaranduba warrant paying extra for specialty expertise.
Maintenance Practices for Massaranduba Decks
Once installed, Massaranduba requires minimal maintenance to retain its beauty and perform well. Here are some tips:
- Provide adequate drainage and ventilation underneath to allow the decking to stay dry and prevent buildup of organic debris between boards.
- Use a garden hose or compressed air to remove pollen, dirt, and other debris from the deck surface periodically. Avoid metal scrub brushes or abrasives.
- Allow the decking to weather naturally to a silvery-gray patina for a low maintenance option.
- Alternatively, re-oil the decking every 2-3 years using an oil formulated for tropical woods. This maintains the rich reddish-brown coloration.
- Address any splinters, cracks, loose fasteners or other damage immediately to prevent worsening of issues over time. Spot repairs on Massaranduba are difficult.
- Consider re-sanding the deck boards using an orbital sander with 80-100 grit paper if the surface becomes heavily scored or dented over time. This removes damage and provides a freshly sanded surface for re-oiling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massaranduba Decking
The hardness, weather resistance, and beauty of Massaranduba does make it well-suited for decking applications. However, the challenges surrounding construction, tendency to develop surface cracks when drying, and higher costs means that it is not necessarily the right choice for every homeowner. Less expensive and easier to work with woods may be a better option.
Some drawbacks of composite decking compared to natural wood like Massaranduba include higher upfront costs, more significant heat absorption in sunlight, hollow sounding foot traffic, higher expansion/contraction with temperature fluctuations resulting in wider spacing between boards, and susceptibility to staining from spilled oils, grease, and abrasive debris. However, composite requires virtually no yearly maintenance and provides greater design versatility.
Massaranduba wood contains no inherent toxic properties. However, exposure to sawdust generated from cutting Massaranduba may pose a respiratory hazard without proper dust collection and safety equipment. The sawdust may cause eye, nose and throat irritation. Always wear protective gear when machining any hardwood lumber.
Ipe shares many similarities with Massaranduba in terms of its exceptional density, hardness, natural weather resistance, and oil content. It provides comparable beauty and durability in outdoor decking applications. The downsides of using Ipe are very similar to those encountered with Massaranduba – high cost, construction difficulties, tendency to develop surface cracks, and overheating in sunlight. Ipe also has some concerns surrounding responsible forest sourcing.
Closing Remarks
Massaranduba makes a striking and durable choice for homeowners seeking a high-end decking material with exotic, luxurious aesthetics.
However, harvesting challenges, limited supplies, high costs, construction difficulties, and tendency to develop small cracks mean that less glamorous alternatives like pressure-treated pine may provide better overall value for most homeowners.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing to this challenging yet beautiful hardwood species for your new or replacement deck build. With proper installation and care, a Massaranduba deck can provide decades of elegant outdoor living enjoyment.