Tigerwood dock decking on waterfront boat dock
Dock & Marine

Tigerwood Dock Decking

A dock with character — Tigerwood's dramatic striped grain creates the most visually distinctive dock surface available. Ideal for private lakefront and residential waterfront docks.

Janka Hardness

2,160 lbf

Dock Lifespan

40+ years

Marine Borers

Good to Very Good

Fire Rating

Class A

Why Choose Tigerwood for Dock Decking

Tigerwood dock decking creates the most visually striking dock surface you can build. The bold orange-brown base with dramatic dark tiger stripes turns a functional boat dock into a waterfront design feature that draws attention from the water and the shore. For private lakefront docks and residential waterfront properties where aesthetics matter as much as durability, Tigerwood dock boards deliver a unique look that no other wood or composite can replicate.

At 2,160 Janka, Tigerwood provides excellent structural strength for dock applications — over six times harder than the pressure-treated pine typically used for docks. The wood naturally resists rot, insects, and decay for 40+ years without any chemical treatment. Zero chemicals enter your waterway — a critical advantage over PT lumber for lake and river environments. Tigerwood dock boards are splinter-free and slip-resistant, providing barefoot safety on docks where people walk in swim gear.

Tigerwood dock decking performs best in freshwater environments — lake docks, river docks, and private piers where the dramatic grain will be admired up close. For high-salinity saltwater marinas, Ipe or Cumaru may be better choices, but for the vast majority of residential dock projects, Tigerwood delivers exceptional performance with unmatched visual appeal.

Also used for residential decking → Shop Tigerwood Decking

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Dock Applications for Tigerwood

Boat Docks

Private residential boat docks on lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways.

Marinas

Commercial marina finger piers, main docks, and fuel dock platforms.

Piers & Jetties

Public and private fishing piers, jetties, and waterfront walks.

Floating Docks

Floating dock platforms and gangways.

Kayak Launches

Kayak and canoe launch platforms and ramps.

Seawalls / Caps

Seawall cap boards and waterfront edging.

Tigerwood Dock Decking Specifications

Botanical NameAstronium spp.
Common NamesTigerwood, Goncalo Alves, Jobillo
Janka Hardness2,160 lbf
Density56 lbs/ft³
Durability ClassClass 1-2
Fire RatingClass A (ASTM E84)
Rot ResistanceVery Good
Insect ResistanceVery Good
Marine Borer ResistanceGood to Very Good
Saltwater SuitabilityGood — best for freshwater; usable in low-salinity coastal
Expected Dock Lifespan40+ years
Color (Fresh)Orange-brown with dramatic dark tiger stripes
Color (Weathered)Silver-gray patina
Chemical Treatment RequiredNo
Recommended Dock Sizes5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4
OriginCentral & South America (Brazil, Mexico)

Dock Installation Tips for Tigerwood

Use 316 stainless steel fasteners for any marine environment. Joist spacing: 16" OC standard. Leave 3/16" gaps for drainage. Pre-drill all holes. Seal all cut ends. Acclimate 7-14 days. Orient boards to showcase the striped grain pattern across the dock surface for maximum visual impact.

Tigerwood Dock vs. The Alternatives

FeatureTigerwoodPT PineCompositePVC/VinylAluminum
Dock Lifespan40+ yrs10-15 yrs15-20 yrs15-20 yrs30+ yrs
Marine Borer ResistanceNaturalChemical (fails)N/AN/AN/A
Chemical LeachingNoneYes — CCA/ACQMicroplasticsMicroplasticsNone
Slip Resistance (wet)ExcellentPoorModeratePoorModerate
Barefoot SafetyExcellentPoor — splintersHot in sunHot in sunHot in sun
Structural StrengthVery highModerateLowLowHigh
Environmental ImpactNaturalChemical-treatedPlastic-basedPlastic-basedEnergy-intensive
Cost (50-year)LowestHighest (replace 3-4x)HigherHigherModerate

Tigerwood Dock vs Pressure-Treated Dock

PT dock lumber splinters, gets slippery, leaches chemicals, and lasts only 10-15 years. Tigerwood is splinter-free, slip-resistant, chemical-free, and lasts 40+ years — with a dramatic appearance PT can never achieve.

Tigerwood Dock vs Ipe Dock

Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,160 Janka) and better suited for high-salinity saltwater. Tigerwood offers a unique visual statement that Ipe's uniform color doesn't provide. For freshwater and residential docks, Tigerwood combines beauty and durability at a competitive price.

Learn more

Tigerwood Dock Decking FAQ

Yes. At 2,160 Janka — over 6x harder than pine — Tigerwood provides excellent dock performance with a unique striped appearance. It's especially well-suited for freshwater lake and river docks.

Tigerwood has Class 1-2 durability with natural rot and insect resistance for 40+ year dock lifespan. Best for freshwater and low-salinity coastal environments. For heavy saltwater exposure, Ipe or Cumaru may be preferred.

Fresh Tigerwood has bold orange-brown with dark stripes. The contrast mellows over the first year. UV oil preserves the vivid pattern; without it, Tigerwood weathers to silver-gray with subtle stripe visibility — still distinctive.

Tigerwood performs well in freshwater and low-salinity coastal environments. For heavy saltwater or commercial marina use, Ipe or Cumaru provide stronger marine borer resistance.

Tigerwood lasts 40+ years vs 10-15 for PT. No chemicals leach into water. No splinters. Better wet traction. Dramatically more beautiful. Over 30 years, Tigerwood costs less due to no replacement cycles.

5/4x6 (most popular), 2x6 (heavy-duty), 1x6 (residential), and 5/4x4 (finger piers). All available in E4E profile with live pricing.

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