VS
wood
Redwood
Price$8 – $15 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
exotic-wood
Cumaru
Price$8 – $16 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Redwood (8/10)
→
Cumaru (9/10)
Redwood (10/10)
←
Cumaru (9/10)
Redwood (7/10)
←
Cumaru (5/10)
Redwood (7/10)
=
Cumaru (7/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Redwood
$8,400
to $15,000
Cumaru
$8,400
to $15,300
Redwood
Pros
- Rich, warm natural colour
- Naturally resistant to decay
- Dimensionally stable — less warping
- Lightweight and workable
- Beautiful grain patterns
Cons
- Expensive in Canada (imported)
- Limited availability
- Still needs periodic sealing
- Softer than Ipê
- Not as common with Canadian contractors
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 Redwood if:
Premium natural wood decks with rich colour.
Choose Cumaru if:
Homeowners who want exotic hardwood looks at a lower price than Ipê.
