Exotic hardwood is an ideal choice for exterior decking. Not only is it beautiful, it is also naturally durable, with some species lasting decades without refinishing or replacement.
Nova is that rare importer who employs quality control personnel at every foreign mill to monitor production, packaging and shipping, ensuring their exacting standards are met on every shipment. As a result Nova is able to provide a 25 Year Warranty on all their deck products.
Unlike many other suppliers, Nova features all-even 8'-20' with 70% 12' and longer. This is provided in a 'Clear Heart' or First Clears grade for best appearance.
Ipe or Brazilian Walnut decking is highly stable and durable. Whether periodically refreshed with a penetrating oil to enhance and retain color, or allowed to weather to a smooth silver, Ipe is the gold standard for long-lasting tropical hardwoods. Click for brochure.
Meranti Batu, or Red Balau, is the king of mahogany decking.
Although mahogany decks are very popular, many people do not realize that 95% of species in this category are not well-suited for exposed exterior use. Most meranti has similar physical properties to Southern Yellow Pine. The USDA Forest Service rates only the balau (batu) group "resistant or very resistant" to decay. Standard red meranti is rated "slightly or nonresistant", like untreated pine. Click for brochure.
GREEN BUILDING
NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING STANDARD
2.1 Use building materials that require no onsite finishing
2.2 Enhance durability and reduce maintenance
2.6 Use renewable materials
2.7 Use resource-efficient materials
2.8 Choose Life Cycle Assessment preferable product
5.1 Minimize potential sources of pollutants
7.1 Global impact of product choice
LEED CATEGORIES
MR-7 Certified wood
Ipe is available IBAMA or FSC certified. Batu is available LEI certified.
Buying responsibly harvested tropical hardwoods helps preserve the heritage of tropical rainforests for the future. The Forest Stewardship Council has found that forests managed for timber remain standing even while protected parkland is destroyed. Please read this discussion from Nova.
Nova's Homepage
25 Year Warranty
Contact your American Lumber rep
Back to Specialty Product list