VS
Overall Winner: Cumaru
Based on price, durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness
wood
Pressure-Treated Wood
Price$2 – $5 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceHigh
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
★ Winner
exotic-wood
Cumaru
Price$8 – $16 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Pressure-Treated Wood (5/10)
→
Cumaru (9/10)
Pressure-Treated Wood (5/10)
→
Cumaru (9/10)
Pressure-Treated Wood (4/10)
→
Cumaru (5/10)
Pressure-Treated Wood (9/10)
←
Cumaru (7/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Pressure-Treated Wood
$6,600
to $12,000
Cumaru
$8,400
to $15,300
★ Better Value
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pros
- Most affordable decking material
- Widely available across Canada
- Easy to work with — any contractor can install
- Can be stained any colour
- Resistant to rot and insects (treated)
Cons
- Requires annual staining/sealing
- Warps, cracks, and splinters over time
- Chemical treatment concerns
- Colour fades without maintenance
- Shorter lifespan than alternatives
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 Pressure-Treated Wood if:
Budget-conscious homeowners who don't mind regular maintenance.
Choose Cumaru if:
Homeowners who want exotic hardwood looks at a lower price than Ipê.
