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 5/4x6 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 5/4x6 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 5/4x6 rainscreen profile is engineered for open-joint cladding systems with ventilation gaps behind the boards. This modern system manages moisture while creating a striking contemporary facade. 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.
5/4x6 Tigerwood Soffit — Installation & Coverage Specs
- Recommended joist spacing: 16"–24" on center for 5/4x6 boards (1" actual thickness)
- Fastener placement: Secure per profile requirements, one fastener per joist minimum
- Board weight: A 12-foot 5/4x6 Tigerwood board weighs approximately 27 lbs (2.22 lbs/LF)
- Coverage: Each 12-foot 5/4x6 board covers 5.5 sq ft of soffit surface (5.5" face width)
- Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Tigerwood — the 2,160 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing