VS
exotic-wood
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
Price$12 – $25 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
exotic-wood
Cumaru
Price$8 – $16 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
←
Cumaru (9/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
←
Cumaru (9/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (3/10)
→
Cumaru (5/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (5/10)
→
Cumaru (7/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
$9,600
to $18,000
Cumaru
$8,400
to $15,300
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
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
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) if:
Luxury homes and commercial projects wanting the absolute best.
Choose Cumaru if:
Homeowners who want exotic hardwood looks at a lower price than Ipê.
