VS
Overall Winner: Western Red Cedar
Based on price, durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness
exotic-wood
Cumaru
Price$8 – $16 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
★ Winner
wood
Western Red Cedar
Price$5 – $10 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Cumaru (9/10)
←
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
Cumaru (9/10)
=
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
Cumaru (5/10)
→
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
Cumaru (7/10)
→
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Cumaru
$8,400
to $15,300
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
★ Better Value
Cumaru
Pros
- Similar hardness to Ipê at lower cost
- Beautiful golden-brown tones
- Naturally resistant to rot and insects
- Very dense and durable
- More affordable exotic option
Cons
- Still expensive compared to domestic woods
- Imported — sustainability concerns
- Hard to work with — requires pre-drilling
- Can be inconsistent in colour
- Less well-known than Ipê
Western Red Cedar
Pros
- Naturally beautiful warm tones
- Naturally resistant to rot and insects
- No chemical treatment needed
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Aromatic — pleasant cedar scent
- Grown in BC — Canadian product
Cons
- More expensive than pressure-treated
- Still requires periodic sealing
- Can grey over time if left untreated
- Softer wood — dents more easily
- Supply fluctuations affect pricing
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Cumaru if:
Homeowners who want exotic hardwood looks at a lower price than Ipê.
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
