Ipe vs Cumaru vs Garapa: Which Brazilian Wood Decking is Best?

 

You can hardly go wrong with Brazilian hardwoods when you want a durable and long-lasting deck, not to mention a good-looking one. As you explore the options, you’ll often come across Ipe and Garapa, along with Cumaru decking. Here’s a quick comparison:

	Ipe	Cumaru	Garapa
Hardness	3,680 lbf	3,540 lbf	1,280 lbf
Look	Olive to deep brown	Reddish to golden brown	Light golden tone
Durability	Highest	Very high	Moderate to high
Maintenance	Low to moderate	Low to moderate	Higher
Cost	Highest	Mid-range	Lowest
Best for	Premium, long-lasting decks	Value-driven buyers who still want high performance	Buyers who want a lighter color at a lower cost

 

Why does ipe work so well for decks? 

You have probably heard about how hard Ipe decking is, and that’s not an exaggeration. It has a Janka rating of 3,680 lbf (think baseball bat made of oak, but 3 times harder) and can handle heavy foot traffic and rough weather, no problem.

You’ll also appreciate how naturally resistant ipe decking is to rot and insects. It has a Class A fire rating (which is similar to concrete), so you know for sure that you’re investing in a deck that’s built to last.

When it comes to looks, ipe has those rich olive to deep brown tones with a smooth, consistent grain that gives your deck a clean, high-end feel. If you leave it untreated, it will slowly fade into a silver-gray color over time, which a lot of people actually prefer. 

Maintenance is pretty straightforward, too. Just clean it occasionally and apply a UV-protective oil to keep its original color. Ipe decking might cost you more upfront, but its longevity and easy maintenance let you offset the costs down the road.

Woods similar to ipe 

Cumaru decking is often compared to Ipe because of their similar performance. Its Janka hardness is 3,540 lbf, so it’s still extremely durable and well-suited for outdoor use. One thing that might surprise you is that it’s usually around 20% to 30% less expensive than ipe decking, which makes it an appealing alternative if you want to save a little money. 

Cumaru decking also holds up well over time, thanks to its natural resistance to decay and insects. Even with a more open grain, it will still give your deck a clean and attractive finish. You might also appreciate the rich reddish to golden-brown tones that tend to deepen as the wood ages. Even with this change, your deck still maintains a warm and welcoming aesthetic. 

As for maintenance, it’s pretty much similar to Ipe decking. You’ll just need occasional cleaning and oiling if you want to maintain its color.

Garapa for a warmer, lighter finish

Garapa decking or Brazilian Ash is lighter and less dense than both Ipe and Cumaru, with a Janka hardness of 1,280 lbf. While it’s not as hard, it still gives you decent resistance to rot and decay. This makes it a good option for areas with lighter foot traffic or when you want a hardwood deck at a lower cost. 

If you’re drawn to lighter tones, Garapa decking is probably going to catch your eye right away. It has that bright, golden color that can really open up an outdoor space and make it feel more inviting. It may darken a bit over time, and it will eventually turn silver-gray if you don’t treat it with a UV blocker oil often.

While it needs frequent upkeep, Garapa decking gives you the most budget-friendly Brazilian hardwood for your deck. 

So, what should you actually use for your deck? 

Whichever you choose, make sure you’re getting premium-grade, responsibly sourced hardwood. At ABS Wood, you can find FSC-certified Brazilian hardwoods at mill-direct pricing. 

You can send us your cut or a takeoff list for a tailored quote today. If you have questions, feel free to call us at 352-508-4990 or 1-887-7ABS-IPE for expert guidance.

Source:https://abswood.com/ipe-vs-cumaru-vs-garapa-which-brazilian-wood-decking-is-best/