Not sure which wood is best for you?

Ipe is our most durable wood and is far superior to Teak.  Ipe is also highly resistant to the sun's rays and will not begin to grey for 20-30 years.  This makes it perfect for outdoor showers. 

Naturally, Ipe's coloring is a medium brown, like milk chocolate.  Its coloring will darken over time.  Our protective finish will darken Ipe to a very dark brown.  Like that of coffee grounds.  Its grain is very fine and linear making for a very consistent color.

Ipe's environmental impact is minimal since it grows abundantly through South and Central America. 

Teak is our most popular wood.  Benefits of Teak are well known.  It is a light to medium brown color with an orange undertone.  It can have a very heavy grain with wide fluctuations in color.  Our protective finish will darken the Teak slightly.

Teak has a high environmental impact  We suggest Ipe or Irocco as excellent alternatives to this endangered wood.

African Teak wins our best choice award.  Identical properties to Teak it grows abundantly, is more economical, and has a low environmental impact. 

African Teak is slightly lighter than Teak and has a yellow undertone.  Although it will darken with age.

Cedar is our most economical wood.  And what a great aroma that comes out with heat and moisture.  This favorite will certainly leave your bathroom smelling naturally clean.

Cedar is a light brown and may have a reddish undertone.  High quality Western Red Cedar will have fine linear grain and no knots.

Cedar has no environmental impact.  It is farmed here in North America and is very inexpensive.

Jatoba & Wenge are our colored woods.  Jatoba is nicknamed Brazillian Cherry and has a beautiful reddish brown undertone.  Wenge is near solid black and perfect for those looking for a modern, contemporary look.

Both woods have minimal environmental impact.

IPE

Ipe is found prevalently throughout South and Central America as well as in certain locations of the Caribbean.  It grows in a variety of sites from ridge tops to riverbanks and marsh forests.  The US Navy tested and rated Ipe as superior in resistance to decay and all insect and fungal attacks.  Ipe will not grow mold, mildew, or other bacteria and is far superior to other items in the bath. 

Since Ipe will not absorb water it will not twist, splinter, or bow like softer woods such as Cedar or Teak.  Ipe sands to an almost satin finish and when used for our floor mats or shower floors you know you will be able to walk on it barefoot for a lifetime.

Advantages

- Fairly inexpensive.

- Requires little to no maintenance.

- Dark chocolate brown color with fine grain this wood creates a rich, elegant look in the bath.

The Malaysian Government is committed to protecting the environment.  It now manages its ecological system and forestry resources on a sustainable basis.  Tree harvesting has dropped to a level that can sustain itself and new plantings of Teak occur throughout the country.  Whenever possible we use only Malaysian Teak.

- Mature Teak is high in oil content making it heavily resistant to bacteria.

- Heavy grain gives Teak lots of character.

Many consider Cedar's greatest advantage is its aroma.  This beautiful aroma is released when the wood becomes warm or wet.  In the shower, where water and heat are prevalent, cedar becomes aromatherapy on steroids.

Advantages

- Cedar is the softest of the woods making it extremely comfortable to stand on.

- Least expensive of all the woods.

- Cedar has a beautiful aroma that comes out with heat and moisture. 

Jatoba

Jatoba is an exotic wood native to South America.  Also known as Brazilian Cherry it has a distinct red undertone.  Used in the past couple of centuries as a replacement for teak in making outdoor furniture, it too is a hardwood that is resistant to moisture and bacteria.  Far more abundant and less expensive, this makes it a great alternative to teak.

Advantages

- Hardwood will not dent or scratch.

In addition to the above woods, many woods are also highly durable and are perfect to be used in mats that are found outside the tub or stall, or in front of the sink.  We often use woods such as Wenge & Mahogany in order to match up with existing bathroom cabinetry.  Ask us about our custom designs and color matching capabilities.

In the end the choice is really a personal one.  Some will choose Cedar because of its aroma and softer feel on your tender feet.  Others will choose Ipe because of its low maintenance.  Or Teak & Jatoba because of the deep rich tones they create.  If you are still unsure which is best for you, or just want to talk some more about the choices, please do contact us.  We want to hear from you!