Cumaru and ipe hardwood decking are two popular options you’re likely to come across if you’re planning to build a deck with an exotic wood. But because both of them are known for their incredible strength and long lifespan, it’s not immediately obvious what you should use for your project.
How do you make the call? It will
ultimately depend on your priorities. While these hardwoods share many of the
same qualities, they differ in areas like color and cost. Understanding those
differences will help you choose the best material for your deck.
Here at ABS Wood, you'll find premium-grade
cumaru and ipe hardwood for
decking and other outdoor projects. Let's take a closer look at what sets them
apart.
Understanding each species
Ipe is often called the ‘ironwood’ of the
tropics because it’s incredibly dense and even offers a level of fire
resistance that's close to concrete. If you're looking for one of the toughest
hardwoods available, Ipe certainly deserves your attention.
Cumaru or Brazilian Teak is another
exceptionally durable hardwood. It's very similar to Ipe when it comes to
hardness and long-term performance.
Cumaru and ipe
hardwood decking are highly stable and
perform well outdoors, but you’ll notice how they respond a little differently
to prolonged sun exposure and moisture.
Where each hardwood works best
If you're building a commercial deck with
heavy foot traffic or a high-end residential deck where you want maximum
stability and the longest possible lifespan, ipe hardwood is usually the better fit. Its exceptional stability
also makes it an excellent choice for covered tongue-and-groove porch flooring.
Cumaru is a great alternative when you want
the same tropical hardwood appeal of ipe
hardwood decking while keeping your budget under better control. It
performs extremely well for residential decking and is also well suited to
fencing and rainscreen siding where durability is still a top priority.
Things to consider before choosing
There's a good reason ipe hardwood has become the benchmark
for hardwood decking. Its Janka hardness rating is among the highest in the
world, so you’ll find it hardly resistant to scratches and dents. However, you
may need to shell out more money to purchase ipe. And because it’s extremely
dense, you need to pre-drill any holes for fasteners.
Cumaru is also an extremely hard wood,
although it's slightly more likely to develop small surface checks while
drying. When properly acclimated, it delivers outstanding performance for your
deck.
Whichever hardwood you choose, keep in mind
that installation takes more care compared to working with pressure-treated
pine or other softwoods. Ideally, you should use stainless steel fasteners to
help prevent corrosion and staining. If you're installing grooved decking with
hidden fasteners, make sure the clip system is designed for high-density
hardwoods so it can accommodate normal seasonal movement.
Longevity and maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of cumaru and
ipe hardwood decking is that
neither requires chemical treatment to resist rot or decay.
Over time, both woods naturally weather to
a silver-grey patina when you leave them untreated. But if you'd rather keep
their original rich color, simply apply a quality UV-inhibiting penetrating oil
once a year.
Have you decided?
No matter what hardwood you choose, make
sure you’re sourcing it from a trusted source like us.
Here at ABS Wood,
you'll find premium-grade cumaru and
ipe hardwood at direct-from-the-mill pricing. Every order is produced
with tight specifications and carefully controlled moisture levels to help your
decking perform for years to come.
You'll also benefit from our reliable
nationwide shipping and durable packaging designed to protect your hardwood
during transit, so it arrives at your job site in excellent condition.
Ready to get started? Contact us here ABS
Wood today for a quote. If you have any questions, give us a call at 1-877-722-7473.
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