VS
exotic-wood
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
Price$12 – $25 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
wood
Western Red Cedar
Price$5 – $10 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
←
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
←
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (3/10)
→
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (5/10)
→
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
$9,600
to $18,000
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
Pros
- Hardest and most durable decking wood
- Stunning natural beauty
- Fire resistant (Class A)
- Naturally resistant to insects and rot
- Can last 75+ years
- Increases home value significantly
Cons
- Very expensive material
- Extremely hard — difficult to work with
- Requires specialized installation
- Imported — environmental concerns
- Heavy — needs strong substructure
- Can be slippery when wet
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 Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) if:
Luxury homes and commercial projects wanting the absolute best.
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
