VS
wood
Redwood
Price$8 – $15 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
exotic-wood
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
Price$12 – $25 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Redwood (8/10)
→
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
Redwood (10/10)
=
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (10/10)
Redwood (7/10)
←
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (3/10)
Redwood (7/10)
←
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) (5/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Redwood
$8,400
to $15,000
Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood)
$9,600
to $18,000
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
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 Redwood if:
Premium natural wood decks with rich colour.
Choose Ipê (Brazilian Hardwood) if:
Luxury homes and commercial projects wanting the absolute best.
