Lightning Brand Meranti

Cedar

Ipe

Cambara

CCA Treated Southern Yellow Pine

Redwood

Maintenance

Low
(when properly installed)

Medium

Low
(when properly installed)

Low
(when properly installed)

High

Medium

Bending

12,000 psi

7,500 psi

22,560 psi

11,300 psi

14,500 psi

10,000 psi

Shear

1,325 psi

1,130 psi

2,060 psi

1,145 psi

1,510 psi

940 psi

Elasticity
(1000 psi)

1,950 psi

930 psi

2,920 psi

1,670 psi

1,980 psi

1,340 psi

Compression

6,145 psi

6,310 psi

10,350 psi

5,550 psi

8,470 psi

6,150 psi

Classification

Hardwood

Softwood

Hardwood

Hardwood

Softwood

Softwood

Natural Characteristics

Naturally decay resistant. Interlocked grain pattern, wide range of use, both structural and ornamental. Well established reputation for quality and longevity in all conditions

More durable than other commonly used softwoods. Relatively soft compared to hardwoods.

Naturally decay resistant. Very dense wood, difficult to work due to hardness.

Interlocked grain pattern, wide range of use, both structural and ornamental.

Resistant only with toxic treatment. Soft knotty wood. Common wood product used both interior and exterior applications.

Premium grade product somewhat resistant to decay. Vertical even grain pattern, widely used products for exterior application.

Durability

Highly durable, well suited for both sheltered and exposed applications. Maintains integrity in most conditions (when properly installed.)

Very soft surface, limited durability in exterior uses. Easily susceptible to surface abrasions.

Highly durable, suited for both sheltered and exposed applications. Maintains integrity in most conditions (when properly installed.)

Durable (when properly installed). Susceptible to attack by termites.

Very soft surface, limited durability in exterior uses. Easily susceptible to surface abrasions.

Moderately durable, weathers quickly. Soft surface susceptible to surface abrasions.

Sustainability

Lightning Brand Meranti is harvested from only certified or environmentally responsible and sustainable sources.

Available, but not easily obtainable. Majority of product harvested domestically, future sustainability is unclear.

Some sustainable Ipe is available, however very difficult and expensive to obtain.

Some sustainable Cambara is available, however, very difficult and expensive to obtain.

Sustainable products are easily obtainable, however, the CCA treating process to coat the product may be harmful to wildlife and/or to the environment.

Available, but not easily obtainable. Majority of product harvested domestically, future sustainability is unclear.

Appearance

Light red to dark red/brown. Tight interlocked grain pattern, consistent feature from board to board.

Salmon pink to coffee brown color over time. Generally straight grain pattern, rustic appearance.

Deep brown with some red and amber hues. Tight interlocked grain pattern, consistent feature from board to board.

Pale pink to purplish brown. Interlocked grain pattern, consistent feature from board to board.

Dusty yellow green/yellow color. Very pronounced grain pattern. Very consistent feature from board to board.

Light cherry red to dark red/brown. Straight and fine grain pattern, consistent feature from board to board.

Fastening & Finishing

Can be finished with either hardwood stains or exterior oil, or left natural. Extremely solid fastening with predrilled stainless screws, nails or blind fastening system.

Weathers quickly, can be finished with exterior deck products. Nails have tendency to split wood, causing water damage to deck boards.

No finish recommended. Due to high density of wood, very poor finish penetration. Predrill with stainless steel screws only.

Can be finished with either hardwood stains or exterior oil. Recommend predrilled stainless screws, nails or blind fastening system.

Weathers quickly, can be finished with exterior deck products. Nails have tendency to split wood, causing water damage to deck boards.

Weathers quickly, can be finished with exterior deck products. Nails have tendency to split wood, causing water damage to deck boards.