Purpleheart Decking
Purpleheart Decking is a unique and durable choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces in New Zealand. This South American hardwood is known for its striking colour transformation and exceptional strength, making it a popular option for both residential and commercial decking projects.
What is Purpleheart Decking?
- Description: Purpleheart is an extremely dense and strong hardwood, native to South America. Its heartwood is initially light brown when freshly cut, turning deep purple upon exposure, and eventually maturing to a rich brown before weathering to a silver-grey. The wood has a smooth, fine texture with a medium to high lustre, and the grain is usually straight but can sometimes be wavy or irregular.
- Origin: Purpleheart is sourced from the tropical forests of South America, where it is known for its remarkable durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Botanical Information: Purpleheart belongs to the Leguminosae family, with species such as Peltogyne excelsa and others.
Purpleheart Decking
Benefits of Purpleheart Decking
Durability:
Classified as a Class 1 durable hardwood, Purpleheart is one of the most robust decking options available. It is highly resistant to decay and wear, ensuring a long lifespan for outdoor applications.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The unique colour change of Purpleheart - from light brown to deep purple, and eventually to silver-grey, adds a dynamic and evolving visual appeal to any decking project.
Stability:
Purpleheart’s dense and resilient nature ensures stability in service, making it ideal for various architectural applications, including decking, pergolas, posts, and beams.
Eco-Friendliness:
JSC's Purpleheart is sustainably sourced and FSC® certified (FSC Licence Code - C003608), supporting environmentally responsible building practices.
Purpleheart Decking
Technical Specifications
Sizes and Profiles:
Purpleheart decking is available in 90x19mm &140x19mm as well as 140x42mm & 140x32 are available for commercial projects, providing flexibility for different project requirements. For larger structural elements, sizes up to 200x200mm are available.
Density and Strength:
Purpleheart has an air-dry density ranging from 900 to 1100 kg/m³. It boasts a Modulus of Rupture of 147 MPa and a Janka hardness of 11 kN, underscoring its exceptional strength.
Maintenance Requirements:
As with all hardwoods, regular maintenance, including cleaning and re-coating, is recommended to preserve Purpleheart’s appearance and longevity.
Purpleheart Decking
Installation Guidelines
Preparation:
Proper site preparation, including ensuring adequate ventilation and moisture control, is essential for successful Purpleheart decking installation. Store the timber in a dry, covered area until ready to install.
Fixings:
Use stainless steel screws for fixing, ensuring pre-drilling to minimise the risk of splitting. Proper spacing and ventilation are critical to prevent issues like cupping and warping.
Ventilation:
Ensure sufficient air circulation beneath the decking to maintain its structural integrity and extend its service life.
Our sales and technical team are happy to provide further guidance to ensure accurate and proper installation of this product. Flick us an email or give us a call.
Maintenance Tips
- Cleaning: Purpleheart decking should be cleaned annually using a soft brush and mild detergent. Avoid high-pressure washing to prevent damage to the wood.
- Re-coating: Periodic re-coating with a penetrating clear oil is recommended.
Cost Considerations
While Purpleheart decking may have a higher initial cost compared to other materials, its durability and low maintenance requirements offer long-term value, making it a cost-effective choice for high-quality decking projects.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardwood decking should be cleaned annually. Use a soft brush with water and mild detergent. Do not direct high pressure water on any part of the hardwood timber. Where a coating is applied, periodic recoating is required to ensure its integrity is sustained. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding hardwood chemical runoff. The amount and characteristics of the runoff will depend on the species, dryness of the boards when installed and how exposed the deck is to the weather.
Regular cleaning and periodic re-coating with a penetrating oil are recommended to maintain the deck's appearance and longevity.
Purpleheart transitions from light brown when freshly cut to a deep purple upon exposure, and eventually matures to a silver-grey as it weathers.
Purpleheart typically starts transitioning from its deep purple hue to a silver-grey within 6 to 12 months of exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. The exact timing can vary based on environmental factors, such as the amount of direct sunlight and exposure to the elements.
Yes, Purpleheart’s durability and aesthetic appeal make it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Yes, JSC Purpleheart is FSC® certified, ensuring it is sourced from responsibly managed forests.