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Tigerwood Deck Installation Guide
Everything you need to install Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) decking — joist spacing, board gaps, acclimation, fastener rules, pre-drilling, and species-specific tips.
Janka Hardness
2,160 lbf
Fire Rating
Class A
Lifespan
40+ years
Density
54 lbs/ft³
Tigerwood Wood Properties for Installation
Pre-Drilling
Recommended — prevents splitting
Workability
Moderate — dense but more workable than Ipe or Cumaru
Color
Dramatic striped grain with orange-brown and dark brown streaks. Deepens with age.
Tannin Bleed
Minimal tannin bleed.
Blade Note
Carbide-tipped blades recommended. Easier on tools than Ipe.
Joist Spacing for Tigerwood Decking
Board Spacing for Tigerwood
Between Boards
3/32"
End Gap (Structures)
1/8" from fixed structures
Airflow Under Joists
18" minimum unobstructed air under joists
How to Acclimate Tigerwood Before Installation
Allow 7 days for Tigerwood to acclimate to your local climate before installation. Store boards on blocks at least 12" off the ground with proper ventilation between layers. Cover with plywood — never plastic or tarps.
Climate Note
Tigerwood performs well in moderate to warm climates. In extreme freeze-thaw regions, its lower density compared to Ipe means slightly more moisture movement — proper gapping is critical.
Fasteners for Tigerwood Decking
- Fastener type: Stainless steel only (304 or 316 grade).
- Edge distance: 3/4" minimum from board edges
- Pre-drilling: Recommended — prevents splitting
Tigerwood Installation Tips
Pre-drill to prevent splitting, even though Tigerwood is less dense
Sort boards by color pattern during layout for the best visual effect
May require light sanding after initial weathering to smooth raised grain
Seal end cuts within 24 hours
Plan board placement — Tigerwood's dramatic pattern means layout matters more
Use UV oil if you want to preserve the distinctive tiger stripes
Common Tigerwood Installation Mistakes
Not sorting boards by pattern — random placement can look disjointed
Skipping pre-drilling on thinner boards
Expecting uniform color — Tigerwood varies dramatically by nature
Not sanding after first season — grain may raise slightly
Installing without end-grain sealer
Using galvanized fasteners
Build Your Custom Installation Plan
Get a printable, jobsite-ready plan with fastener spacing, joist layout, and climate-specific guidance.
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Tigerwood Installation FAQ
Common questions about installing Tigerwood decking.
For 1×4 and 1×6 Tigerwood boards, maximum joist spacing is 16" on center max. For 5/4×6, you can go up to 24" on center max. For 2×6, up to 32" on center max. Always verify with your local building code.
Recommended — prevents splitting. Tigerwood has a Janka hardness of 2,160 lbf, which makes it essential to pre-drill to prevent splitting and broken fastener heads. Use brad point or Forstner drill bits for the cleanest holes.
Allow 7 days for Tigerwood to acclimate to your local climate. Store on blocks 12" off the ground with proper ventilation. Cover with plywood (NOT tarps or plastic). For a customized estimate, use our Acclimation Calculator.
Stainless steel only (304 or 316 grade). Never use galvanized fasteners with Tigerwood — they cause black staining and corrosion. For a clean look, use pregrooved Tigerwood boards with hidden fastener clips.
Leave 3/32" between Tigerwood boards for ventilation and expansion/contraction. Leave 1/8" from fixed structures from fixed structures like walls or posts.
Tigerwood decking can last 40+ years outdoors with proper installation and minimal maintenance. It's Class Class A fire rated and naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects.
Tigerwood requires more care than softwood or composite due to its density (2,160 lbf Janka). Moderate — dense but more workable than Ipe or Cumaru. With the right tools (carbide-tipped blades, stainless steel fasteners) and pre-drilling, both DIYers and contractors install Tigerwood successfully.