C.C.A (Copper Chrome Arsenic)
(Also known as: Treated Pine, SA Pine, Radiata Pine)
Colour Aesthetics – Typically pale greenish-brown when new due to treatment, fading to a soft honey or silvery-grey over time if left untreated. The beauty of this timber is that it is highly adaptable to different finishes as it takes any colour stain to achieve your desired colour choice.
Strength and Hardness – Moderately soft timber compared to hardwoods. Suitable for residential decks but more prone to denting and wear in high-traffic areas.
Stability – Reasonably stable when properly installed and sealed. Can be prone to slight movement (expansion and contraction) with Cape Town’s wet winters and dry summers but Pine adapts well to this climate.
Durability – The treatment protects against insects and fungal decay. Left unsealed the timber will age to a silvery-grey. Ongoing maintenance (sealing) is essential to maintain the more golden colour of the natural timber or the coloured stain or sealer applied at the time of installation.
Sustainability & Sourcing – Commonly sourced from South African plantations (Radiata Pine), making it one of the more accessible and cost-effective options. Plantation-grown timber is generally considered renewable when responsibly managed.
(Also known as: Blue Gum, Eucalyptus saligna)
Widely grown in South African plantations, making it a locally available option.
Colour Aesthetics – Light pinkish-brown to reddish tones, often with subtle grain variation.
Strength and Hardness – Harder than pine but softer than imported hardwoods. Offers a good balance between strength and workability.
Stability – Moderate stability. Can be prone to movement if not properly dried and sealed, particularly in exposed coastal conditions.
Durability – Naturally less durable than tropical hardwoods; benefits significantly from treatment and regular maintenance.
(Also known as: Bangkirai, Yellow Balau)
Colour Aesthetics – Light to medium brown with yellow undertones.
Strength and Hardness – Very strong and hard hardwood, suitable for high-traffic areas and structural applications.
Stability – Good stability, though like many dense hardwoods, it can show surface checking (fine cracks) as it acclimatises.
Durability – Highly durable and naturally resistant to decay, fungi, and insects. Well-suited for exposed decks, including coastal conditions.
(Also known as: Brazilian Ash, Garapeira)
Colour Aesthetics – Golden yellow to light honey tones, offering a bright, contemporary look.
Strength and Hardness – Dense hardwood with good strength, though slightly softer than some tropical species like Balau or Massaranduba.
Stability – Excellent stability with minimal movement, making it well-suited to Cape Town’s climate.
Durability – Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. Performs well in outdoor environments with relatively low maintenance.
(Also known as: Brazilian Redwood, Bulletwood)
Colour Aesthetics – Deep reddish-brown when new, creating a rich, premium appearance. Darkens with age and can weather to grey if left untreated.
Strength and Hardness – Extremely dense and hard, one of the toughest decking timbers available. Highly resistant to wear and impact.
Stability – Very stable once installed, though its density requires careful installation to prevent splitting.
Durability – Exceptionally durable with high resistance to rot, insects, and moisture, deal for long-term outdoor use.
