Tropical Hardwood Lines: IPE, Balau, Meranti, Cumaru

Balau Bangkirai

Balau Bangkirai is Kayu’s best selling tropical hardwood.

Yellow Balau Bangkirai starts with a colour similar to teak but darkens to a warm mahogany colour if maintained, if not it will weather to a beautiful, maintenance free, Silver Patina.

Balau hardwood is one of the most durable and sought after hardwoods in Europe. It has similar durability to Ipe Kayu™ Decking.

70% ¼ sawn and semi (vertical grain)
Clear grade
Similar durability to Ipe, but pricing is 40% lower
Teak colour when oiled, darkens to a Rich Mahogany hue
Used to make our popular condo deck tiles

Available Sizes:

1 x (¾” net thick) boards – 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ widths
5/4 x (1″ net thick) boards – 2″, 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ widths
2 x (1¾” & 1½” net thick) boards – 4″, 6″ widths
additional sizes are available by custom order

Please contact Kayu for Balau wood price and availability. Ask about our FSC® Certified product lines.

Red Balau Batu

Natural, uniquely beautiful Kayu™ Red Balau Batu is carefully selected from premium Shorea species. Dark mahogany hue, 100% clear grade. Darkens in time to a classic mahogany tone if maintained, if not it will weather to a beautiful, maintenance free, Silver Patina.

Available Sizes:

1 x (¾” net thick) boards – 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ widths
5/4 x (1″ net thick) boards – 2″, 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ widths
2 x (1¾” & 1½” thick) boards – 4″, 6″, 8″ widths
additional sizes by custom order

Please contact Kayu Canada for pricing and availability.

Meranti wood

Also knows as Philippine mahogany, Meranti hardwood is carefully selected from 100% clear grade premium Nemesu, Bukit, and Seraya species. With a variety of light and dark and more visible grain, this hardwood is full of personality.

Available Sizes:

5/4 x (1” net thick) boards – 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” widths
2 x (1 ¾” net thick) boards – 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” widths
4 x 4 (3 ½” x 3 ½” net thick) boards – 4’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths available
additional sizes are available by custom order

Please contact Kayu Canada for pricing and availability.

IPE wood

IPE (pronounced ‘epay wood’) is a Brazilian exotic hardwood, with extreme durability the boards don’t scratch or dent. Once installed the natural beauty will last generations.

Available Sizes:

5/4 x (1” net thick) boards – 4”, 6”, widths
2 x (1 ½” net thick) boards – 4”, 6”, 8” widths
additional sizes are available by custom order

Please contact Kayu Canada for pricing and availability.

Hardwood IPE for condo balconies

Have an open space that needs a touch of warmth? How about something that is easy to install, a breeze to maintain, and adds a touch of class to any space. With low cost, and easy installation this is the perfect product for condo balconies.

Available Sizes:

20″ x 20″ Yellow Balau
24″ x 24″ Ipe
40″ x 40″ Yellow Balau

Merbau or Kwila

Merbau is an extremely hard, durable, and termite-resistant hardwood. This makes Merbau a highly valued material for interior flooring, and other applications. Merbau is almost as stable as teak, and is another comparable option for interior and exterior use.

Merbau is also known as Kwila in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a very popular decking material in those countries

Available Sizes:

1 x 4 (3/4” x 3 ¼”) sand on site hardwood flooring
1 x 6 decking

Please contact Kayu Canada for pricing and availability.

Cumaru wood

Cumaru is also known as Brazilian Teak, or Golden Teak. Cumaru is a naturally durable Brazilian timber with durability similar to Ipe. It has a consistent golden brown colour and a comparable cost to similar hardwoods, and clear grade softwood.

Please contact Kayu for Cumaru wood price and availability.

Burmese Teak (Tectona Grandis)

Kayu Canada’s teak is grown in Costa Rica. The country is an ideal source for teak because of its stable and peaceful culture. The Costa Rican government has developed a reputation as a strong steward of the environment. Costa Rica’s climate provides perfect growing conditions for burmese teak (tectona grandis).

Shipbuilders have used teak for centuries. Builders, architects, and designers frequently use teak for its beautiful grain and ability to stand up in high-traffic locations. Teak is commonly used for both exterior and interior furniture.

Kayu™ Hardwood vs Cedar

Kayu™ Hardwood

Cedar

Kayu™ Hardwood Siding vs Cement Board Siding

Kayu™ Hardwood Siding

Cement Board Siding (Hardie Board)

Best Selection

Popular hardwoods including; Ipe, Red Balau Batu, Yellow Balau Bangkirai, Meranti and Cumaru.

Quick Delivery

From our warehouses in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Delivered directly to your job-site.

Best Prices

We are the largest importer of tropical hardwood in Canada. Take advantage of our buying power.

Kayu ships Cumaru, Balau, IPE lumber across Canada

Kayu Warehouses:

Kayu also ships to the USA

We ship from our warehouses in Vancouver and Calgary to Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Boise, Butte, Billings, Bismark, Fargo, etc. Take advantage of favourable exchange rates and proximity to our Canadian warehouses. Kayu ships across the lower 48, call or fill out our contact form today!

International shipping

Minimum order size for International Shipping is a 20 foot container. Contact us today for a full quotation.

Why is IPE hardwood so popular?

IPE lumber boasts a legendary reputation for its unparalleled qualities and striking appearance, making it a sought-after choice for various exterior applications. While its prevalence in siding and decking has somewhat declined over time, the demand for this exceptional wood has only surged, accompanied by a corresponding increase in price.

Primarily sourced from South America, IPE wood for sale underwent rampant deforestation approximately four decades ago. Today, stringent regulations govern its harvest, ensuring sustainable practices that preserve the delicate ecological balance of its natural habitat. Kayu company pride themselves on responsibly sourcing IPE from certified forests, where tree extraction is conducted with utmost respect for environmental integrity.

However, despite these efforts, illicit logging operations persist, offering Ipe at significantly lower prices. Yet, the ethical implications of engaging with such unscrupulous suppliers raise questions about the true cost of obtaining this coveted material.

Turning to the factors driving the demand for IPE lumber Canada, its appeal lies in its exceptional qualities:

Durability: With a lifespan of up to 75 years, Ipe surpasses many other hardwoods in longevity.
Rot and Fungus Resistance: Despite being a natural material, Ipe exhibits remarkable resilience to decay and fungal growth.
Pest Resistance: IPE remains impervious to the ravages of insects and other pests.
Weather Resistance: Unaffected by moisture or sunlight, Ipe maintains its structural integrity even in harsh outdoor environments.
Damage Resistance: Its dense composition renders Ipe highly resistant to scratches and dents.
Fire Resistance: Classified as Class A, Ipe demonstrates exceptional flame retardancy, meeting stringent safety standards.
Slip Resistance: Even when wet, IPE offers superior traction, minimizing the risk of slips and falls.

In essence, the enduring allure of IPE hardwood lies in its unmatched combination of beauty, longevity, and resilience, making it an ideal choice for discerning homeowners and builders seeking quality and performance in their outdoor projects.

Maintaining the timeless beauty of brazilian IPE wood: essential care tips

While Brazilian hardwood IPE is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, a little care goes a long way in preserving its natural beauty and rich color. Here are some tips to ensure your Ipe decking or furniture remains in pristine condition:

Regular Oil Treatment: To enhance and protect the wood, apply a high-quality oil twice a year. Spring and early fall are optimal times for this maintenance routine. However, if biannual treatments are too demanding, aim for at least once every five years to maintain the wood’s integrity and aesthetics.
Surface Preparation: Before applying oil, ensure the Ipe surface is properly prepared. For regular maintenance, lightly sand the wood with an orbital sander using #80 grit sandpaper. Remove any dust and debris before oiling. In cases of infrequent maintenance, consider washing the surface with pressurized water, allowing it to dry thoroughly for a few days before oil application.
Protective Gear: When working with Ipe, especially during sanding, prioritize safety by wearing protective gear for your respiratory system, eyes, and hands. Ipe dust contains high levels of alkaline, which can cause severe irritation, redness, and dermatitis. Protect yourself to avoid potential health risks.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your Ipe wood maintains its timeless appeal and longevity, providing you with years of enjoyment and beauty in your outdoor living spaces.

IPE wood Canada from Kayu

💰What is the Brazilian IPE wood price in Canada?	Starting at: IPE – $9.55; Balau – $3.99; Merbau – $5.08 per In ft.
🏘 Where is the IPE wood near me?	You can buy IPE wood in Canada from Kayu in: Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and surrounding areas, Victoria, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto. A list of all dealers is available on our website.
✈ Is there delivery?	Yes, it is available throughout Canada and beyond.
⌛ How long is the warranty?	25 years against rot.
✅ What about certificates of quality?	FCS, MTCC, Indonesian Legal wood, Sustainable Northwest.
🛠 Is there any installation?	No, we can only recommend installers.