
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
Recommended Tigerwood Dock Board Sizes
5/4x6
Standard residential and marina dock boards. Best balance of strength and value.
Shop 5/4x62x6
Commercial docks, public piers, heavy load applications. Maximum durability.
Shop 2x61x6
Residential lake docks and smaller private piers. Economical option.
Shop 1x65/4x4
Narrow finger piers and walkways. Compact dock builds.
Shop 5/4x4Dock 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 Name | Astronium spp. |
| Common Names | Tigerwood, Goncalo Alves, Jobillo |
| Janka Hardness | 2,160 lbf |
| Density | 56 lbs/ft³ |
| Durability Class | Class 1-2 |
| Fire Rating | Class A (ASTM E84) |
| Rot Resistance | Very Good |
| Insect Resistance | Very Good |
| Marine Borer Resistance | Good to Very Good |
| Saltwater Suitability | Good — best for freshwater; usable in low-salinity coastal |
| Expected Dock Lifespan | 40+ years |
| Color (Fresh) | Orange-brown with dramatic dark tiger stripes |
| Color (Weathered) | Silver-gray patina |
| Chemical Treatment Required | No |
| Recommended Dock Sizes | 5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4 |
| Origin | Central & 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
| Feature | Tigerwood | PT Pine | Composite | PVC/Vinyl | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dock Lifespan | 40+ yrs | 10-15 yrs | 15-20 yrs | 15-20 yrs | 30+ yrs |
| Marine Borer Resistance | Natural | Chemical (fails) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Chemical Leaching | None | Yes — CCA/ACQ | Microplastics | Microplastics | None |
| Slip Resistance (wet) | Excellent | Poor | Moderate | Poor | Moderate |
| Barefoot Safety | Excellent | Poor — splinters | Hot in sun | Hot in sun | Hot in sun |
| Structural Strength | Very high | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Environmental Impact | Natural | Chemical-treated | Plastic-based | Plastic-based | Energy-intensive |
| Cost (50-year) | Lowest | Highest (replace 3-4x) | Higher | Higher | Moderate |
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 moreTigerwood Dock Decking FAQ
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