VS
exotic-wood
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
Price$12 – $25 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
composite
Trex Composite
Price$10 – $22 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
←
Trex Composite (9/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
←
Trex Composite (9/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (3/10)
→
Trex Composite (8/10)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (5/10)
→
Trex Composite (6/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
$9,600
to $18,000
Trex Composite
$9,000
to $17,100
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
Trex Composite
Pros
- Industry-leading 25-year warranty
- Made from 95% recycled materials
- Fade & stain resistant shell
- Consistent colour and finish
- Most popular composite brand in Canada
Cons
- Premium pricing over generic composites
- Can get warm in direct sun
- Heavy boards require sturdy framing
- Limited to Trex colour options
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) if:
Luxury homes and commercial projects wanting the absolute best.
Choose Trex Composite if:
Homeowners seeking premium composite with industry-leading warranties.
