Natural Wood Decking
The Beauty of Natural Wood Decking in the UAE: Teak, Cumaru, Ipe, and Elondo Compared
In a region known for its sun, sand, and sea, few materials stand the test of time and elegance like natural hardwood decking. Whether it’s the terrace of a Palm Jumeirah villa or a rooftop lounge overlooking Downtown Dubai, the rich warmth of real timber brings unmatched luxury and authenticity.
Among the top choices for exterior wood in the UAE are Teak, Cumaru, Ipe, and Elondo — each with its own character, strengths, and maintenance profile. Let’s explore what makes them ideal (or challenging) under Gulf conditions.
Natural Wood Decking Collection
Advantages:
- Naturally oily and water-repellent — perfect for pool decks and beachfront villas.
- Resistant to termites, rot, and salt air.
- Ages gracefully to a silver-grey patina, often preferred for a natural, coastal aesthetic.
- Minimal movement or warping even under temperature shifts.
Disadvantages:
- Among the most expensive hardwoods.
- Availability of genuine Burma Teak is limited due to sustainability regulations.
- Requires periodic oiling to maintain its golden tone if the silvered look isn’t desired.
Verdict for UAE:
Ideal for premium beachfront and hospitality projects where long life and prestige matter more than budget.
Teak — The Timeless Classic
- Origin: Southeast Asia (Burma, Indonesia)
- Color: Golden brown with natural oils
- Density: ~650–700 kg/m³
Advantages:
- Extremely hard and dense — excellent resistance to UV and abrasion.
- Cost-effective alternative to Ipe, with similar lifespan (25–30 years).
- Distinct natural grain variation gives a warm, lively appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Can move or cup if not properly acclimatized or ventilated.
- Needs pre-drilling for installation due to hardness.
- Color darkens significantly over time if not UV-protected.
Verdict for UAE:
Great balance between aesthetics, durability, and cost — ideal for large villa decks or resort boardwalks with proper installation detailing.
Cumaru — The Brazilian Powerhouse
- Origin: South America (Brazil)
- Color: Reddish-brown, rich and exotic
- Density: ~1,000 kg/m³
Advantages:
- One of the hardest and most durable woods on earth.
- Fire-resistant (Class A), rot-proof, and highly stable under intense heat.
- Minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and oiling.
Disadvantages:
- Very heavy — requires skilled installers and high-quality substructure (ideally aluminum or Grad concealed systems).
- More costly than Cumaru, though often longer-lasting.
- Natural oils can sometimes bleed initially, requiring washing before sealing.
Verdict for UAE:
Perfect for high-traffic terraces, beach resorts, and architectural landmarks seeking long-term stability with minimal distortion.
Ipe — The Ironwood of Luxury
- Origin: Central & South America
- Color: Deep chocolate brown
- Density: ~1,050–1,200 kg/m³
Advantages:
- Excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability.
- Naturally resistant to fungal attack and wear.
- Lighter in tone, making it suitable for modern, Mediterranean-style decks.
Disadvantages:
- Less oily than Teak, so requires sealing for humidity protection.
- Grain can vary, needing consistent finishing to avoid uneven color tone.
Verdict for UAE:
A durable and elegant choice for semi-shaded terraces or pergola flooring, offering a more subtle alternative to tropical browns.
Elondo — The Hidden Gem of Africa
- Origin: Central & West Africa
- Color: Pinkish-red to brown
- Density: ~800–900 kg/m³
Our Partner Brands
CANQUEST Wooden Flooring (Canada)
Canquest flooring fulfills your oldest and wildest imagination of your interiors. Because buying wood flooring is always done with the intention of having it looking beautiful for as long as possible.It takes 50-60 years to produce canquest flooring. The tree has to grow, be cared, and harvested, logs must be sawn, kiln & dry process, sanded, sorted, cut to the size, finished with lacquer or oil and transported.
A.Barbosa Family based-company
Family based-company, started the activity in 1991, choosing one of the greatest gifts of the mother nature as raw material.
Be a reference in the wood sector, being an instituitional supplier in this sector, appearing as first choice on the transformation of woods and solid wood flooring.
Develop a wide range solutions supply, following the trends of the market.