Ekki, also known as Azobe or Lophira alata, is a dense, durable hardwood from West Africa. Famed for its incredible strength and resistance to wear, Ekki decking offers a long-lasting, robust solution for outdoor spaces, especially large commercial ones such as piers, pontoons, marinas, harbours, etc.
Top Advantages of Ekki Decking
- Exceptional Durability and Strength: Ekki wood’s natural density and hardness make it incredibly durable. It withstands heavy foot traffic, resists wear and tear, and lasts for decades, even in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Natural Resistance to Decay and Insects: The wood contains natural oils that provide resistance to water, decay, and insect infestation. This natural defense makes Ekki an ideal choice for damp and humid climates.
- Low Maintenance Requirements: Unlike other decking materials, Ekki requires minimal maintenance. Its natural oils keep the wood in good condition without frequent staining or sealing.
- Environmental Sustainability of Ekki Wood: We source our Ekki wood from responsibly managed forests, ensuring environmental sustainability. It’s a choice that benefits your outdoor space and the planet.
Comparing Ekki Decking with Other Materials
Ekki decking stands out for its exceptional durability and strength, outshining most other decking materials like treated pine, cedar, and even composite decking. Renowned for its robustness, Ekki, a dense tropical hardwood, can withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect infestations. This inherent durability means that an Ekki deck can last several decades with minimal maintenance, making it a highly cost-effective choice in the long run. While composite materials offer similar longevity, they often lack the natural warmth and unique aesthetic appeal that Ekki’s rich color and grain provide.
In terms of maintenance and environmental sustainability, Ekki decking again proves superior. Unlike treated pine or cedar, which require regular staining and sealing to maintain their appearance and resistance to the elements, Ekki’s natural oils keep it in excellent condition with far less upkeep. This low-maintenance aspect, coupled with its long lifespan, makes it an environmentally friendly option as it reduces the frequency of replacement and the need for chemical treatments. Additionally, when sourced responsibly, Ekki wood supports sustainable forestry practices, offering an eco-conscious choice for decking that far surpasses many alternatives in both ecological and practical terms.
How to Choose and Maintain Ekki Decking
Choosing the right Ekki decking involves understanding your space’s specific needs. We provide tips on selecting the best quality Ekki decking size and profile as well as advice on installation techniques. Maintenance is straightforward, involving regular cleaning and periodic checks for wear.
Ekki related insights
Ekki is one of the many types of timber available at EcoChoice. This article will serve as a spotlight on the species.
Ekki is a naturally durable timber that’s amongst the hardest species on the planet. Subsequently it is the ideal material for use across a multitude of applications looking for a very long service life durability.
EcoChoice have a had strong presence in the marine construction industry for many years, and in particular we have specialist experience in delivering timber components to piers, pontoons and marinas. In this article we look at the type of timber that we use for piers, why we use it, and look at two of the piers that we have helped with in recent years – Southend Pier and Hastings Pier.
Ekki is one of the main species of timber that we sell here at EcoChoice. In this article we explain what Ekki is, look at the key benefits of using it and why it is so popular, and look at some of its main uses.
Hastings Pier wins coveted RIBA 2017 Stirling Prize. Ecochoice supplied all the planks to Hastings Pier or "The Plank" as it's locally known.