Hardwood Deck Material Comparison

Ipe and Cumaru - Not Your Only Options for Hardwood Decking

Cumaru is beautiful reddish brown

Hardwood deck material is a fairly new concept in North America and less so in other parts of the world where exotic hardwoods are native.

Ipe and Cumaru were the first two hardwood species to gain interest in the decking market.

But over the last tens years, or so, there has been an explosion of interest in many additional hardwoods for building decks.

Other Species Can Offer Similar Performance At Lower Cost

While it's true that Ipe is the gold standard for outdoor decking, it's also one of the more expensive species.  So if you don't need your decking to last 100 years, there are other species that will easily last for 25 years, even when left untreated and they cost much less!

Let's take a closer look into some of the hardwood deck material there is to choose from.

Ipe (Ironwood)

Natural Color
Density lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness (lbs force)
Movement
Maintenance
 

Ipe is a nice olivey brown variegated color

Red Brown with Variegated Olive Tones
73
3680
Very Low
Low to None
Comments:

Everything about Ipe wood is extreme. Hardness, work-ability, durability, lifespan and cost. It's grown in South America so please be sure to only buy it from reputable companies that have sustainable harvesting and re-planting. Advantage Lumber is one such reputable company.

Some say it will last 100 years on a deck. We know for sure that some of the public board walks near New Jersey and New York have had it in service for decades!

It's insect and decay resistant because of its hardness but also because the chemicals in the wood are not attractive to bugs and bacteria. Cutting and drilling require many carbide blades.

No need to stain or seal it but if you do there are certain stains to use given it's reduced porosity. This wood is as low maintenance as you can get and better than composite materials.

It is said to be heavier than water and it truly is your best fire resistant or possibly fire proof decking wood. Supposed Class A fire rating which is the same as concrete!

It is "supposed" because that is the result one private company obtained when they tested it against ASTM E-84. Either way you can safely say this is one heck of a wood.

Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)

Natural Color
Density lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness (lbs force)
Movement
Maintenance
 

Cumaru is a bit lighter color than Ipe but practically as hard

Reddish Brown to Light Golden Brown
66
3540
Very Low
Low to None
Comments:

Cumaru is sometimes difficult to tell apart from Ipe except that it is usually a little lighter brown in color. Like Ipe, it is a very hard wood and therefore tough on saw blades and drill bits best to use carbide tips. It has a tight grain and is decay resistant. Without any stain, it can last 25 years. However, due to its density it does not easily allow stains or sealers to soak in.

It is very smooth and pleasant to walk on and look at. For a minor reduction in lifespan you can usually pay about 1/4 less than Ipe or the top composite deck material. To keep the color nice you just need a good UV inhibiting finish.

Tigerwood

Natural Color
Density lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness (lbs force)
Movement
Maintenance
 

Tigerwood has an unmistakeble variegated coloring

Lighter Brown/Gold with Dark Striping
40
1850-2000
Very Low
Low to None
Comments:

This wood is gaining popularity because it also lasts 25+ years without preservatives and has a distinctive variegated striped grain pattern. It's not quite as dense or hard as Ipe and Cumaru but not far off. The density and tight grain make it last a long time just like the other great hardwood deck material.

A sharp blade and pre-drilling is required. It's less expensive than Ipe, lasts almost as long and has a unique appearance. All you need is to apply a UV deck finish to maintain the coloring.

Garapa (Brazilian Ash)

Natural Color
Density lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness (lbs force)
Movement
Maintenance
 

Garapa is also called Brazilian Ash

Yellowish
Brown with Gold
54
1210
Low
Low to None
Comments:

Tigerwood is another very hard and durable exotic hardwood deck material from South America. It can easily last 25 years without preservatives. If you want to maintain its golden color it will require some UV protectant finish. Otherwise, it will weather to a nice silver gray color.

It's hard on saw blades and pre-drilling is required for fasteners. It's less expensive than Ipe and yet lasts almost as long. It also has a fire rating that is the same as concrete. Due to its density, bugs and insects can't find a home in this wood.

So, when you are comparing many of these hardwoods you will see that they all last a long time. Your choice almost comes down to the color, look of the wood and cost.

Kayu Batu

Natural Color
Density lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness
Movement
Maintenance
 

Kayu is a long last wood

Light Brown with Yellowy Brown
54-61
1800 Janka Scale
Low
Low to None
Comments:

Kayu is also from the Shorea species and is typically guaranteed for 25 years without any preservatives. It's also one of the lower priced hardwoods and compares closely to high grade cedar and composite both of which do not last as long. Just finish with a UV inhibitor finish if you want the color to remain.

It's very hard so it is a great decay and insect resistant wood but tough on saw blades. The wood can crack and so you have to pre-drill all your fastener holes.

Bottom line, it is one of the nicest looking, durable and more affordable hardwood decking material. In fact, I think this is the best decking material out there for price and longevity.

Meranti

(Dark Red)

Natural Color
Density lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness (lbs force)
Movement
Maintenance
 

Meranti (mahogany) is pale reddy brown in color

Pale Reddy Brown
40
780
Low to Moderate
Frequent
Comments:

Meranti covers a number of similar species of Shorea trees most notably from the Philippines. There are dark and light red, yellow and white options. It is moderately hard but requires sharp blades or a fine furry surface is left behind.

It's not known as the best outdoor wood like the other harder species and therefore, it is not commonly used as decking. It is more commonly used in furniture that can be finished and sealed.

There you have it, a summary of the most common hardwood deck material on the market today.

Some Other Great Reading: 

Try One of The Soft Woods

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