Massaranduba hardwood boardwalk through coastal preserve
Boardwalks & Promenades

Massaranduba Boardwalk Lumber

Heavy-duty boardwalk wood with Ipe-level density — Massaranduba handles vehicle traffic, extreme pedestrian loads, and commercial boardwalk demands with a distinctive deep red tone.

Janka Hardness

3,190 lbf

Boardwalk Lifespan

50+ years

Fire Rating

Class A

ADA Slip Resistance

Compliant

Why Choose Massaranduba for Boardwalks

Massaranduba boardwalk lumber delivers Ipe-class density and durability for heavy-duty boardwalk applications at a more accessible price. At 3,190 Janka with 67 lbs/ft³ density, Brazilian Redwood is the ideal specification for boardwalks that must handle vehicle traffic (maintenance carts, emergency vehicles), extremely heavy pedestrian loads, or commercial environments where maximum wear resistance is non-negotiable.

The deep reddish-brown color of a Massaranduba boardwalk creates a warm, inviting public walkway that stands out from the typical gray-brown of standard wood boardwalks. This distinctive tone makes Massaranduba popular for commercial developments, waterfront promenades, and urban riverwalk paths where visual impact complements the infrastructure function.

Massaranduba provides the same environmental advantages as Ipe and Cumaru: zero chemical treatment needed, zero leaching into wetlands and waterways, splinter-free ADA-compliant surface, and Class A fire rating. A Massaranduba boardwalk lasts 50+ years under heavy traffic — the hidden gem for boardwalk specifiers who need Ipe-level density with a different color profile and a better budget fit.

Also used for residential decking → Massaranduba Decking

Also used for dock decking → Massaranduba Dock Decking

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Boardwalk Applications for Massaranduba

Beach Boardwalks

Beachfront boardwalks, beach access paths, and coastal walks.

Nature Trails

Park and preserve nature trail boardwalks through wetlands and forests.

Promenades

Urban waterfront promenades, riverwalk paths, and downtown pedestrian walkways.

Resort Boardwalks

Hotel, resort, and golf course pathways and pool surrounds.

Park & Recreation

Public park paths, playground and rec area connections.

Wetland Crossings

Elevated boardwalks over marshes, swamps, and ecologically sensitive areas.

Massaranduba Boardwalk Specifications

Botanical NameManilkara bidentata
Common NamesMassaranduba, Brazilian Redwood, Bulletwood
Janka Hardness3,190 lbf
Density67 lbs/ft³
Durability ClassClass 1
Fire RatingClass A (ASTM E84)
Rot ResistanceExcellent
Insect ResistanceExcellent
ADA Slip ResistanceMeets requirements when maintained
Expected Boardwalk Lifespan50+ years
Color (Fresh)Deep reddish-brown
Color (Weathered)Silver-gray patina
Chemical Treatment RequiredNo
Recommended Sizes5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4
OriginSouth America (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname)

Boardwalk Installation & Engineering Notes

Massaranduba is extremely dense — carbide bits required for all drilling. Joist spacing: 16" OC for 5/4, 12" OC for 2x and heavy commercial. 316 SS fasteners for coastal, 304 inland. Leave 3/16" gaps. Board direction perpendicular to travel. Seal all cut ends thoroughly. Acclimate 7-14 days. Plan for weight — Massaranduba is one of the heaviest boardwalk woods.

Massaranduba Boardwalk vs. The Alternatives

FeatureMassarandubaPT PineCompositeConcreteFiberglass
Boardwalk Lifespan50+ yrs10-15 yrs15-20 yrs30+ yrs25-30 yrs
Lifecycle Cost (50 yr)LowestHighest (3-4 replacements)High (2-3)ModerateModerate
ADA Slip ResistanceExcellentPoor when wornModerateModerateGood
Splinter-FreeYesNo — worsensYesN/AYes
Barefoot SafetyExcellentPoorHot in sunRoughRough
Chemical LeachingNoneYes — CCA/ACQMicroplasticsAlkalineNone
Environmental PermittingEasiestComplexModerateComplexModerate
AestheticsPremium naturalBasicUniform plasticIndustrialIndustrial

Massaranduba Boardwalk vs Pressure-Treated Boardwalk

Massaranduba lasts 50+ years vs 10-15 for PT. No chemical leaching into ecosystems. Splinter-free, slip-resistant, and dramatically more durable. Over 50 years, Massaranduba saves 2-3 complete replacement cycles.

Massaranduba Boardwalk vs Ipe Boardwalk

Ipe is slightly harder (3,684 vs 3,190 Janka) with the stronger public track record. Massaranduba costs less and offers a unique deep red color. For most boardwalk applications, both deliver equivalent heavy-duty performance.

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Massaranduba Boardwalk vs Cumaru Boardwalk

Both offer excellent boardwalk performance below Ipe pricing. Massaranduba is denser (67 vs 65 lbs/ft³) with a distinctive red tone. Cumaru has warmer golden-brown tones. Choose by color preference and project aesthetics.

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Massaranduba Boardwalk FAQ

Excellent — especially for heavy-duty commercial boardwalks. At 3,190 Janka and 67 lbs/ft³ density, Massaranduba handles vehicle traffic, extreme pedestrian loads, and 50+ years of public use. It's the hidden gem for boardwalk specifiers.

Very close. Massaranduba (3,190 Janka) vs Ipe (3,684 Janka) — both are Class 1 durability. Massaranduba costs less with a distinctive deep red color. For most boardwalk projects, performance is equivalent.

At 67 lbs/ft³ and 3,190 Janka, Massaranduba is the second-densest commercially available boardwalk wood after Ipe. This extreme density resists the constant abrasion of millions of footsteps per year.

Yes. Zero chemical treatment needed — no CCA, ACQ, or copper leaching into wetlands, parks, or waterways. This simplifies environmental permitting for ecologically sensitive boardwalk projects.

Deep, saturated reddish-brown — the richest red of any boardwalk wood. This warm tone creates a distinctive boardwalk that stands out from typical gray-brown wood paths. UV oil maintains the red; without it, weathers to silver-gray.

A Massaranduba boardwalk lasts 50+ years under heavy public foot traffic — matching Cumaru and approaching Ipe. Class 1 durability ensures reliable performance for decades without replacement.

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