I'll be building a new 2 story house soon and will have wrap around porches on both stories. The top porch will have a roof that extends from the house roofline, the lower porch will be covered by the top porch. Around 3,900 sq. ft. of decking.

My questions are: Despite the expense, I'd prefer South

American lumber for its durability. Because the porches will be covered, can I use tongue and groove decking? I prefer it to the hidden fasteners, and can't imagine drilling and plugging 3,900 sq. ft. of decking. I'd go mad.

I like the look of tigerwood and it's the most reasonable of the SA products (or so it seems). Any downsides to using it? And can I use 1x6 with joists 16" O.C., or should I go with 5/4x6?

Thanks