Tigerwood, also known as Goncalo Alves, is a premium tropical hardwood sourced from Tropical Central and South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela). With a Janka hardness rating of 2,160 lbf and a density of 58 lbs/ft³, Tigerwood is classified as Class 2 - Durable — one of the most durable commercial lumber species available. The heartwood exhibits golden to reddish-brown with dramatic dark brown to black stripes with interlocked to wavy grain, medium texture, creating a striking natural appearance that improves with age.
Why Choose 1x3 Tigerwood Wood for Your Soffit?
Tigerwood soffit and porch ceiling boards create a warm, premium overhead aesthetic that vinyl and aluminum simply cannot replicate. The natural grain pattern adds architectural character to any covered outdoor space. Properly installed 1x3 Tigerwood soffit delivers a service life of 40+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the Tigerwood wood weather to a distinguished silver-gray patina. Tigerwood carries a Class A - Low flame spread, making it suitable for wildfire-prone regions where code-compliant materials are required.
The 1x3 shiplap profile creates an overlapping joint with a distinctive shadow line between boards. Popular for siding, accent walls, and architectural cladding applications. All Tigerwood lumber is available in Select and Better grade with lengths ranging from 4′ to 20′. For detailed step-by-step instructions, consult our Tigerwood installation guide. Long-term care recommendations are covered in our Tigerwood maintenance guide.
1x3 Tigerwood Soffit — Installation & Coverage Specs
- Recommended joist spacing: 16" on center for 1x3 boards (0.75" actual thickness)
- Fastener placement: Secure per profile requirements, one fastener per joist minimum
- Board weight: A 12-foot 1x3 Tigerwood board weighs approximately 9 lbs (0.76 lbs/LF)
- Coverage: Each 12-foot 1x3 board covers 2.5 sq ft of soffit surface (2.5" face width)
- Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Tigerwood — the 2,160 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing