If you’ve been eyeing Ipe wood siding for your residential or commercial project, you might have noticed the soaring costs associated with it. But fear not; there’s a remarkable alternative that doesn’t compromise on beauty or durability. Enter Jatoba hardwood siding, a stunning and long-lasting cladding option that deserves your attention.

What is Jatoba wood siding?

Jatoba, scientifically known as Hymenaea courbaril, is a high-performance tropical hardwood originating from South and Central America. Known for its exquisite color variations and distinctive grain patterns, Jatoba, often referred to as Brazilian Cherry, has been a favored choice for interior wood flooring and furniture. However, it’s not limited to indoor applications. Jatoba’s exceptional resistance to insects and rot makes it an excellent choice for exterior wood siding, rainscreen cladding, and exterior trim.

The Beauty of Jatoba Hardwood Siding

Jatoba wood boasts delightful hues, ranging from pink and salmon to rich cherry tones, which deepen over time when exposed to UV rays. Its grain pattern, characterized by medium to coarse graining with occasional darker streaks, adds to its visual appeal. To enhance and protect your Jatoba siding, consider applying a UV-inhibiting oil-based sealer like Penofin Hardwood Formula, which helps preserve its fresh appearance.

For those who prefer a low-maintenance option, allowing Jatoba siding to weather naturally to a silvery gray patina over time is a practical choice.

Jatoba Hardwood Siding Installation Options

You have two installation options for Jatoba hardwood siding:

  1. Standard Siding Board Installation: Suitable for certain climates, Jatoba siding can be milled into traditional tongue and groove (T&G) siding profiles and installed over furring strips.
  2. Rainscreen Siding Installation: For a sustainable approach, a well-designed rainscreen system is highly recommended. This system offers several advantages, including passive insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency. The Climate-Shield rainscreen system, favored by architects and design professionals, excels in both residential and commercial wood rainscreen applications.

Comparing Jatoba and Ipe Wood Siding

While Jatoba siding is undeniably elegant, it’s also exceptionally durable. In fact, it holds its own when compared to the renowned Ipe hardwood siding, often considered the “gold standard” for exterior woods. Here’s a direct comparison based on test data from the USDA Forest Product Laboratory:

  • Jatoba Siding is Hard: Just like Ipe, Jatoba wood siding can withstand a variety of impacts and maintain its beauty. This strength becomes vital when facing hail, baseballs, or other objects that could dent your siding.
  • Jatoba Siding is Durable: Durability in exterior wood is determined by its resistance to mold, fungi, decay, rot, and insect infestation. Jatoba wood excels in these areas, with a USDA rating of “very durable.” This means you can expect Jatoba siding to last more than 25 years against these threats, and to top it off, Mataverde Jatoba comes with a 25-Year Limited Warranty.

Jatoba hardwood siding presents a compelling option for those looking to achieve the perfect balance of beauty and longevity for their exterior projects.