What’s the best wood for decking? (Your East Rand guide — Balau, IPE, Teak, Cumaru, Massaranduba & Composite)

In a Nutshell:

Did you know that the right choice of wood for your cool new deck depends on your budget, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, the look you want, and whether the deck sits beside a pool, patio or a high-traffic entertaining area in the East Rand areas like Boksburg and Benoni? 

Below our decking expert in the East Rand, Mr. Gavin Bluck will easily  break down the pros and cons of the most popular wooden options   for decks specifically for the East Rand (Gauteng region), plus give you practical recommendations for common deck types.

Quick Wooden deck decision checklist

• Budget:
  • low → treated timber;
  • mid → Balau or Cumaru;
  • high → IPE or Teak.
    
    
• Maintenance: low → composite; moderate → IPE, Cumaru, Massaranduba; regular → Teak (oil), Balau (oil/clean).
  
  
• Weather & sun: pick harder, denser species for high sun and heavy use.
  
  
• Poolside: pick wood that resists rot and movement, or choose composite for minimal slipperiness.
  
  

How the six wood options compare (quick overview)

Balau

• Pros: Widely used in SA, tough and durable, good value for a hardwood.
  
  
• Cons: Needs regular cleaning and periodic oiling to keep the colour. Will fade to a silver-grey without treatment.
  
  
• Best for: Family patios, medium-budget pool surrounds, decks where you want hardwood look without the top-tier cost.
  
  

Garapa

Golden, honey-coloured hardwood with natural anti-slip properties.

Stable and attractive for pool decks and patios.

It will silver over time if you don oiled.

A solid mid-range choice that gives a lighter, warmer look than darker hardwoods

IPE (Brazilian walnut)

• Pros: Extremely hard and long-lasting; very resistant to wear, rot and insects.
  
  
• Cons: Premium price and harder to cut/fasten. May require specialist tools and fixings. Colour is dark and ages to a rich patina if oiled.
  
  
• Best for: High-traffic entertaining decks, long-term investment projects, homeowners who want minimal replacement over decades.
  
  

Teak

• Pros: Naturally oily, resists rot and insects, feels warm underfoot and looks premium.
  
  
• Cons: Very expensive and often reserved for high-end finishes. Oily nature means some adhesives or finishes don’t bond well.
  
  
• Best for: Premium patio decks, alfresco dining areas, homeowners who favour a classic, luxurious look.

Cumaru

• Pros: Very dense and hard, similar in performance to IPE at a typically lower price. Attractive warm tones.
  
  
• Cons: Density can make installation harder; like other hardwoods it will darken or silver if left untreated.
  
  
• Best for: Long-lasting decks where cost is a consideration but durability is still critical.
  
  

Massaranduba

• Pros: Dense and durable; excellent for outdoor use and heavy wear. Often more affordable than IPE.
  
  
• Cons: Narrower supply in some areas; greater movement if not installed with proper gaps and fixings.
  
  
• Best for: Large decks and commercial-style installs where toughness matters.
  
  

Composite (WPC)

• Pros: Low maintenance, no oiling or staining, consistent colours, and good slip resistance options. Splinter-free.
  
  
• Cons: Can be more expensive upfront than treated pine and may get hotter in direct sun. Not real wood — some buyers dislike the artificial look.
  
  
• Best for: Low-maintenance homeowners, pool decks where chemical splash is a concern, or situations where long-term upkeep is a concern.
  
  

How to match wood type to deck type (practical pairings)

Pool decks

Balau, Garapa or Massaranduba are solid choices because they handle moisture well; composite is ideal if you want near-zero maintenance and slip-resistant profiles.

Patio / shaded entertaining area:

Teak or Cumaru gives your patio that warm, refined look under a pergola or roof.

Large open decks & rooftop terraces:

IPE or Cumaru — both stand up to heavy foot traffic and wear.

Budget-friendly family deck: Balau offers home owner the hardwood look at a mid-range price. Treated timber works for very tight budgets but needs more upkeep.

Commercial or public spaces: Massaranduba or IPE for durability and long life.

Maintenance for Wooden Decks

• Daily/weekly: Sweep debris; hose off dirt.
  
  
• Every 6–12 months: Clean with a deck cleaner suited to the material. 
• Hardwoods benefit from a light scrubbing and rinsing. Composites need less frequent deep cleaning.
  
  
• Every 1–3 years: Reapply oil or protective finish on hardwoods if you want to preserve original colour. 
• If you prefer the silver-grey look, skip oiling.
  
  
• Installation matters: Correct spacing, good ventilation under the deck, and the right fixings extend life. 
• Dense hardwoods need stainless steel screws and pre-drilling in many cases.
  
  

Cost & lifespan (broad guidance)

Prices vary in the East Rand depending on supply and current market conditions. As a rule:

• Treated timber and composites: lower to mid upfront cost.
  
  
•  Balau, Garapa, Cumaru, Massaranduba.
  
  
• IPE and Teak: usually top-end.
  Lifespans: composites and IPE lead the pack for long service, followed by Cumaru and Massaranduba, with Balau offering solid longevity when maintained.
  
  

Buying tips for the East Rand (practical local advice)

• Ask your deck builder about stock availability. Hardwoods can be seasonal.
  
  
• Request sample boards to see grain, colour and feel underfoot when they quote you. Touch matters as your home is unique.
  
  
• Ask for references and photos of local projects. Seeing a deck in Gauteng climate conditions helps. Deck Master has tons of theses – Please go the home page here >>
  
  
• Check that the installer matches material with appropriate fixings and spacing. Poor installation shortens lifespan faster than weather.
  
  

Final Short checklist for your decision

• How much do you want to spend up front?
  
  
• How many hours per year will you commit to maintenance?
  
  
• Is the deck close to chlorine or salt water?
  
  
• How important is natural wood look vs low upkeep?
  
  
• Do you want a deck that keeps its colour or one that greys naturally?
  
  

FAQs

Q: Which wood lasts longest?
A: IPE and high-quality composites usually last longest with minimal replacement needs.

Q: Is composite better than hardwood?
A: Composite wins on maintenance. Hardwoods win on natural look and, in some cases, longer structural life.

Q: Will a wooden deck be slippery when wet?
A: Properly finished hardwoods and textured composite boards reduce slipperiness. Choose anti-slip profiles for pool areas.

Q: Can I mix materials?
A: Yes. Many East Rand homes use hardwood boards for the main deck and composite around pools or walkways.