Specie Comparisons

Ipe
Air dries rapidly with only slight checking and warping, Movement after manufacture is small, Finishes smoothly, Very resistant to decay and insects.

Purpleheart
Heartwood becomes deep purple upon exposure, Medium to fine texture, Medium to high luster, Air-dries easily to moderately difficult.

Phil. Mahogany / Meranti
Rather coarse texture, Interlocked grain, Low luster, Moderately slow drying with tendency to warp, Dresses to smooth finish, Rated as moderately durable.

Western Red Cedar
Small shrinkage, Light in weight, Moderately soft, low in strength, Heartwood is very resistant to decay.

Redwood (Second Growth)
Exceptionally straight grained. High dimensional stability, Heartwood is rated resistant to very resistant to decay, Holds paint and stains well, Characteristics vary between old growth and second growth.

Greenheart
Air dries slowly with tendency to check & split. Highly resistant to marine bores and is the wood of choice for in water applications

Southern Yellow Pine
General construction timber, when treated (ACQ) is resistant to rot, decay, and insects. Soft texture, dries easily