Different Types of Exotic Wood for Custom Woodworking

Custom Woodworking with Exotic Hardwoods Requires True Craftsmanship

exotic-hardwoodsWhen property owners decide to add or replace an exterior wood structure, it might be assumed that the lumber will be pine, either pressure-treated or left untreated so that it may be painted, stained, and/or sealed.  This is a relatively inexpensive type of wood and one that is comparatively softer, making it easier to use in custom woodworking projects with respect to cutting or sawing and fastening with screws or nails.

Although pressure-treated pine is certainly a popular choice for outdoor construction, it does reflect a high degree of similarity from one property to another, and there can also be questions about its longevity/durability and the need for regular maintenance such as cleaning and moisture protection.  For these reasons, those intent on making landscape changes or upgrades by adding wood structures to their properties may wish to consider more exotic types of wood or perhaps alternative materials.

For comparison purposes, the properties of the following four materials will be reviewed:

  • Exotic wood
    • Ipe (pronounced ee-pay)
    • Kayu batu
  • Alternative products
    • Plastic (polyvinyl chloride)
    • Wood-plastic composite

Exotic woods such as ipe and kayu batu offer a unique combination of aesthetic elegance and overall functionality to landscape construction projects such as decking, fencing, gazebos, and other custom woodworking.  Some of the distinguishing characteristics of these materials include:

  • Ipe
    • Dense hardwood from the Brazilian forest
    • A natural and therefore eco-friendly wood
    • Said to possess the same strength as steel
    • Is highly resistant to mold, pests, scratches
  • Kayu batu
    • Dense hardwood from Indonesia
    • Also a natural, eco-friendly wood
    • A species of the mahogany family
    • A clear wood – no knots or cracks

Perhaps less aesthetically appealing yet retaining a practical applicability are non-wood (plastic) or composite products.  Some relevant features of these materials will include:    

  • Plastic
    • Composed entirely of polyvinyl chloride
    • Low maintenance; resistant to fading or unwanted stains
    • Light-weight material that can be bent, shaped, or molded
  • Wood-plastic composite
    • Composed of natural wood plus plastic fiber
    • Pliable – can be molded into a variety of shapes
    • More resistant to moisture/rot than natural wood

While both the hardwood products and the plastic-based materials can be incorporated into landscape construction design/projects, there is an aura to the exotic woods that perhaps makes them more appealing.  First and foremost, as the term implies, custom woodworking may be a more accurate description if it was actually created from wood rather than plastic.

Other advantages to integrating exotic woods such as ipe or kayu batu in landscape construction upgrades would be:

  • Aesthetics – their fundamental look and feel
  • Robustness – resistance to weather extremes
  • Durability – lifecycles of more than 25 years
  • Potentially longer-term return on investment
  • Individualism vs. structures usually made of pine

Custom woodworking with exotic woods like ipe and kayu batu can add a distinctive ambience to landscape designs for residential or commercial properties.  Working with these hardwoods requires true craftsmanship in wood structure construction in order to extract their individual qualities and beauty.  Such skill and expertise is available through the designers and carpenters from Landcare, a leading landscaping services provider in the Toronto area for more than 20 years.

Landscape Construction with Quality Workmanship and Keen Attention to Detail

The designers and carpenters from Landcare are committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and keen attention to detail in all custom woodworking and landscape construction projects.  These artisans combine their skills, knowledge of materials, and an eye for complementing existing landscaping to create exquisite wood structures such as:

  • Decks and fences
  • Gazebos and sheds
  • Pergolas and trellises
  • Retaining walls and more

Further details on the custom woodworking and landscape construction services provided by Landcare can be obtained at https://landcare.ca/services/landscape-design-and-build-services/wood-construction/

If you are considering custom woodworking to complement or upgrade your current landscaping, including wood structures made of exotic hardwood, call the professionals from Landcare today at 647-557-7307 or contact us to discuss for more information.