In the world of construction, choosing the right materials can mean the difference between a project that endures and one that fails prematurely. Today, let’s take a closer look at a project that showcases the incredible resilience of our tropical hardwoods: the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk.
🔨 Historic Challenges & Modern Solutions:
Originally built in 1870 from old-growth pine, the boardwalk required frequent replacements every five years due to rot and harsh weather conditions. In 1981, a pivotal decision was made to switch to ipe and cumaru, two tropical hardwoods known for their extreme durability, provided by suppliers like us.
🪵 Why Ipe & Cumaru?:
Ipe and cumaru are known for their exceptional properties. John Feairheller, the assistant engineer of the boardwalk, pointed out, “Essentially the Boardwalk has to to be able to support a small bridge load, and do it without splintering or burning, and the untreated cumaru and ipe meet those performance criteria.”
✅ Built to Last:
These woods are ideal for high-traffic areas due to their natural resistance to decay, splintering, and fire. The switch has dramatically reduced the need for replacements; now, maintenance is primarily for hurricane damage repair or substructure work, not because of material failure.
🚶♂️ Safety and Aesthetics Hand in Hand:
The boardwalk now supports both pedestrian and vehicular traffic without the risk of tripping, fire, and splintering concerns. The use of ipe and cumaru now ensures a safe, durable surface that meets the demands of one of America’s beloved boardwalks.
🌳 Brazilian Lumber’s Commitment:
At Brazilian Lumber, we are dedicated to importing and distributing top-quality ipe and cumaru for commercial, public, and residential projects. Our goal is to help our customers build long-lasting, sustainable structures that leave a lasting impression.
If you’re planning a project that requires the best in tropical hardwood decking, think of the Atlantic City Boardwalk—a prime example of how the right materials can make all the difference.
#Construction #Architecture #Sustainability #BrazilianLumber #Decking #CaseStudy
(Photo by Newark Happening)
