5 Reasons Not To Overlook Jatoba Wood Decking

If you are planning a deck design project, you might have seen Jatoba decking. Also known as Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba is well known as interior flooring. But did you know it can be a smart choice for your exterior project? Here’s the top five reasons why you should not overlook this remarkable natural wood species when it comes to your decking.

A beautiful Jatoba wood deck balcony Photo courtesy of @Matt Cline

Is Jatoba the best wood decking for your project?

When it comes to smart exterior deck design, considering these five crucial factors — Color, Care, Installation, Sustainability, and Price — will help you make an informed decision.

 1. Natural Color and Graining

Unfinished Jatoba decking in a typical color range shows the beautiful variants in its natural color. 

The gorgeous color and looks of Jatoba are head-turning, prompting neighbors to ask "What kind of wood is that deck?"

Jatoba boasts a beautiful red-brown toned color range that is warm and welcoming in an outdoor space. Jatoba graining shows some beautiful tropical striping, adding a stunning visual element to your deck.

Jatoba, (aka Brazilian Cherry) decking starts out in paler pink and tan hues. With a little exposure to UV rays the wood decking darkens quickly to rich cherry tones that compare favorably to other popular decking materials such as Ipe to Western Red Cedar.

Jatoba decking color vs Ipe decking color, with Penofin finish

MORE IDEAS: JATOBA DECKING GALLERY

2. Low Maintenance Decking

Jatoba was chosen over Ipe wood for this balcony project. Photo courtesy of @Matt Cline

High on the list for most homeowners is a wood decking material that's easy to maintain.  For low upkeep, Jatoba is an excellent choice.

Jatoba is a hardwood, with a high fiber density. Unlike Western Red Cedar or Redwood, both softwoods, Jatoba has a high natural resistance to decay and stability characteristics. These make it a make it a hassle-free decking option. 

Jatoba, like most exterior hardwoods:

• does not require painting or staining. Only basic cleaning, and a UV protectant oil finish made for high density hardwoods as needed. We suggest, and use, Penofin Hardwood Formula Penetrating Oil.
• has excellent resistance to insect damage, giving bugs nowhere to easily bite into it and encouraging them to move on.
• features excellent resistance to moisture, mold, mildew, rot and decay. Even weathered gray, it keeps its strength without additional maintenance. 
• has incredibly high resistance to foot traffic and wear and tear.
• offers high resistance to scratching and gouging from things like patio furniture to storm debris
• has a high bending strength and hardness that helps prevent breaking. Significantly higher than cedar and redwood. 
  
  

RELATED: How Exterior Woods Weather

3. Installation Information

Jatoba hardwood's high density gives you more advantages.

While Jatoba is not quite as dense or hard as Ipe hardwood, it is much harder than cedar or redwood, making it a reliable and robust material for your deck.

Because it is a hardwood with a higher density, installing Jatoba may require some additional effort compared to softwoods. However, using carbide-tipped blades can make all the difference, ensuring a smoother installation process. Otherwise, installing Jatoba is not much different than installing any other quality decking.

And the high density gives you more advantages over the lifetime of your project. While Jatoba is not quite as dense or hard as Ipe hardwood, it is much harder than cedar or redwood, making it a reliable and robust material for your deck.

RELATED: Ipe Decking Alternative- Jatoba Wood Decking

4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Shown unfinished, this FSC Certified Jatoba was chosen for a New York City deck

For environmentally conscious homeowners, designers, and builders, Jatoba decking is a fantastic option.

• All Mataverde Jatoba is sustainably harvested, making it an eco-friendly choice for your deck.
• Jatoba wood's high durability and resistance to rot and insects eliminate the need for chemical treatment, further reducing its environmental impact.
• Additionally, Jatoba wood can be recycled, ensuring that it won't contribute to landfill waste.
• Available as FSC Certified Jatoba

5. The Jatoba Price Is Nice, Too

Jatoba hardwood decking finished with Penofin Hardwood Oil Penetrating Oil, bringing out the richness of the color range and grain patterns. 

If you haven't checked recently, you may be surprised to know that natural Jatoba wood decking is less expensive than most composite deck options.

You might even be stunned when you see how much more affordable Brazilian Cherry decking is compared to Western Red Cedar. Lower prices and with all the durability benefits of a hardwood decking.

Despite its high quality and durability, Jatoba offers a budget-friendly alternative for your deck project. Consider the upfront cost versus the return on investment, and you'll likely find that Jatoba is not only a cost-effective option but also a wise long-term investment.

Comparative Decking Material Options Pricing March 2023 price per square foot. Chart from Blog: Decking Cost: Decking Price Alert 2023

Jatoba wood decking presents a range of benefits for your deck design project, including its natural beauty, low maintenance requirements, ease of installation, sustainability, and budget-friendly pricing. By considering these five key facts about Jatoba, you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right decking material for your outdoor space.

If you have questions or need assistance with your deck project, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams with the perfect decking material.