Exotic Hardwood, Composite, and PVC Decking Built For The Carolina Coast

Ipe, balau, garapa, composite and PVC in stock. Decks built for salt air, humidity, and full sun. We've supplied coastal decks across NC, SC, and VA since 1983.

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Why Hardwood Decking For Coastal Builds

Salt air, UV, and humidity destroy cheaper lumber faster than most people expect. Exotic hardwoods like ipe and garapa are built for this environment, outlasting pressure-treated pine on coastal decks by decades.

Density

Ipe is 3x harder than pressure-treated pine. It's resistant to scratching, denting, and decay

Longevity

Typical pine decking lasting ~15 years. We offer treated wood that far outperforms that. Properly maintained exotic hardwood decks last 40–75 years. Composite typically 25–30.

Appearance

Natural grain and color that composites replicate but never quite match

some of our favorites

Featured Decking Products

Beachfront patio deck with white railings, turquoise hot tub, and lounge seating beside a house

Wooden dock extending over calm blue water under a clear sky, with rope-lined posts leading into the distance

Wooden deck overlooking the ocean and sandy dunes under a blue sky

Wooden deck walkway with railings overlooking lush greenery under a clear blue sky

Wooden deck with outdoor dining table, benches, and cushioned chair in a wooded backyard

Open book with glasses on a blanket-covered chair beside a green plant on a wooden floor

Deck overlooking a blue lake with pine trees and a bright sky

Wooden deck with cushioned chair, coffee table, and forest view beyond railing

Sunset over a waterfront dock with boats, palm trees, and homes across the water

Wooden deck with white cable railing overlooking dense green hedges and a garden walkway

Luxury yacht docked at a marina at sunset, with a wooden gangway leading to the boat.

Modern luxury pool deck at sunset with palm trees, cabana seating, and a house with lit glass walls

"I can't say enough nice things about this place. They were wonderful and took their time helping my husband find the cedar shake siding we needed. Top notch service." — Susan Wells-Roberts

Susan Wells-Roberts

"Special Wood is my go-to in Wilmington for all types of wood and siding. The crew is great."

Matt Durand, Atlantic Roofing

Exotic Hardwood Decking In Stock

Best Value

Vertical Grain Pine

Tight, straight grain that resists cupping and warping better than flat-sawn pine. Takes stain beautifully and offers the best price point of the group. 15–25 years with regular sealing.

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Ipe

The hardest decking species available. Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and fire. 40–75 year lifespan on coastal builds.

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Red Balau

Dense tropical hardwood that shrugs off rot, decay, and insect attack. Rich reddish-brown color that weathers evenly. 25–40 year lifespan with minimal upkeep.

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Yellow Balau

Same tough Balau family in warm golden-brown tones. Handles heavy foot traffic and coastal humidity without splintering. 25–40 year lifespan.

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Garapa

Light honey-gold hardwood that stays noticeably cooler underfoot than ipe — the usual pick for pool decks and full-sun boardwalks. Dense, splinter-resistant, and 25–40 years with regular sealing.

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Low-maintenance decking alternatives

Not every project calls for exotic hardwood. Lumber Rock composite and PVC decking hold up well on coastal builds, require less maintenance, and come in profiles that work for a range of budgets. We stock both and can help you weigh the tradeoffs for your specific project.

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Lumber Rock Composite

In stock · Low maintenance · Multiple color profiles

PVC decking

Custom Order Usually 2-3 days • Fully waterproof • No staining required