7 Types of Tropical Timber and What Each Is Best Used For (No Fluff Guide)
By Jason Rhodius | Timber Export Specialist | Founder, Golden Arrow Timber Ltd
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and performance, tropical hardwoods continue to play a vital role in construction, design, and marine engineering. But not all tropical timber is created equal.
If you’re a procurement manager, developer, or architect navigating timber choices for your next project, this is the no-fluff guide you’ve been waiting for—clear, direct, and based on over two decades of export experience.
Below, I break down seven popular (and a few under-the-radar) tropical timber species, highlighting what they’re best suited for—and why it matters to your bottom line.
- Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei)
Best for: Marine construction, dock piles, sea defenses, and heavy-duty structural applications
Key Traits:
- Naturally durable (Class 1)
- Resistant to marine borers, rot, and impact
- Long lifespan—40+ years submerged
Greenheart is the unsung hero of marine infrastructure. Often outlasting steel in saltwater, it’s the gold standard for ports and piling work. Sourced responsibly from Guyana, it remains one of the most dependable tropical hardwoods in the world.
- Ipe (Handroanthus spp.)
Best for: Luxury decking, boardwalks, high-traffic outdoor flooring
Key Traits:
- Extremely hard (Janka 3,680)
- Flame-resistant (Class A)
- Smooth finish, rich red-brown tones
Ipe is the poster child of premium outdoor design. From Miami beach resorts to high-end residences, it’s chosen for both performance and polish. Just don’t forget your pre-drilling tools—it’s as hard as it gets.
- Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)
Best for: Interior joinery, high-end flooring, statement design pieces
Key Traits:
- Striking purple hue
- Tough and moderately durable
- Workable once dried properly
Purpleheart adds bold color and visual drama. Designers love it. While it’s not ideal for wet environments, it’s perfect when aesthetics take center stage—think bespoke staircases or conference tables.
- Basralocus (Dicorynia guianensis)
Best for: Lock gates, bridge decking, civil engineering projects
Key Traits:
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Tough in both dry and wet conditions
- Often specified in European civil works
Not as famous as Ipe or Greenheart, but Basralocus quietly powers infrastructure across Europe. A solid alternative when marine-grade durability is needed with less environmental wear and tear.
- Mora (Mora excelsa)
Best for: Railway sleepers, heavy marine fenders, bulk timber applications
Key Traits:
- Very dense and strong
- Excellent impact resistance
- Cost-effective in bulk
Mora is a workhorse. It’s heavy, dense, and often chosen for its strength-to-cost ratio. Not as refined as other species, but when brute force matters, Mora steps up.
- Kabukalli (Goupia glabra)
Best for: Flooring, stair treads, joinery, furniture
Key Traits:
- Good wear resistance
- Medium density and easy to finish
- Attractive reddish-brown tone
Kabukalli strikes a balance between beauty and utility. It’s versatile, relatively easy to work with, and visually warm—ideal for interiors or light-duty exteriors.
- Wallaba (Eperua spp.)
Best for: Shingles, utility poles, transmission towers
Key Traits:
- Natural resistance to termites
- High oil content (great for waterproofing)
- Long-lasting in exposed environments
Wallaba is ideal for above-ground outdoor use. Its natural oils make it water-repellent and low-maintenance, a favorite for rural electrification and traditional construction in tropical zones.
Final Thoughts: Choose Timber with Purpose
Choosing the right tropical hardwood isn’t just about appearance—it’s about matching the performance to the project. Each of these timbers has earned its place through decades of real-world results. But the key lies in pairing each species with the right application.
🔍 Want help selecting the best timber for your project?
I’m happy to chat with procurement teams, architects, and developers exploring tropical hardwoods—especially for marine or structural builds.
