VS
wood
Pressure-Treated Wood
Price$2 – $5 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceHigh
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
exotic-wood
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
Price$12 – $25 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Pressure-Treated Wood (5/10)
→
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
Pressure-Treated Wood (5/10)
→
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
Pressure-Treated Wood (4/10)
←
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (3/10)
Pressure-Treated Wood (9/10)
←
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (5/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Pressure-Treated Wood
$6,600
to $12,000
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
$9,600
to $18,000
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
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
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Pressure-Treated Wood if:
Budget-conscious homeowners who don't mind regular maintenance.
Choose Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) if:
Luxury homes and commercial projects wanting the absolute best.
