
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
Recommended Massaranduba Boardwalk Sizes
5/4x6
Standard boardwalk boards for public paths, nature trails, and promenades.
Shop 5/4x62x6
Commercial and municipal boardwalks with heavy traffic and vehicle loads.
Shop 2x61x6
Lighter-duty nature trail and park path boardwalks.
Shop 1x65/4x4
Narrow walkways, garden paths, and connecting paths.
Shop 5/4x4Popular Massaranduba Boardwalk Products
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 Name | Manilkara bidentata |
| Common Names | Massaranduba, Brazilian Redwood, Bulletwood |
| Janka Hardness | 3,190 lbf |
| Density | 67 lbs/ft³ |
| Durability Class | Class 1 |
| Fire Rating | Class A (ASTM E84) |
| Rot Resistance | Excellent |
| Insect Resistance | Excellent |
| ADA Slip Resistance | Meets requirements when maintained |
| Expected Boardwalk Lifespan | 50+ years |
| Color (Fresh) | Deep reddish-brown |
| Color (Weathered) | Silver-gray patina |
| Chemical Treatment Required | No |
| Recommended Sizes | 5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4 |
| Origin | South 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
| Feature | Massaranduba | PT Pine | Composite | Concrete | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Lifespan | 50+ yrs | 10-15 yrs | 15-20 yrs | 30+ yrs | 25-30 yrs |
| Lifecycle Cost (50 yr) | Lowest | Highest (3-4 replacements) | High (2-3) | Moderate | Moderate |
| ADA Slip Resistance | Excellent | Poor when worn | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Splinter-Free | Yes | No — worsens | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Barefoot Safety | Excellent | Poor | Hot in sun | Rough | Rough |
| Chemical Leaching | None | Yes — CCA/ACQ | Microplastics | Alkaline | None |
| Environmental Permitting | Easiest | Complex | Moderate | Complex | Moderate |
| Aesthetics | Premium natural | Basic | Uniform plastic | Industrial | Industrial |
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.
Learn moreMassaranduba 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.
Learn moreMassaranduba Boardwalk FAQ
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About Massaranduba Wood
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