Are you planning your next decking project? While there are several factors to consider in the planning phase, choosing the right wood should be a top priority. This decision sets the foundation for a beautiful, durable space that will withstand the elements for years to come.

Ipe wood is a popular decking choice for homeowners because of its strength, weather resistance and stunning appearance. However, it’s important to see how it compares to other hardwood options like teak, mahogany and cedar before making your final decision. 

Various factors, including your budget, location and more, will help you determine if Ipe is the best choice for your project. You only want to build your deck once — understanding wood types and their qualities can be the difference between long-term design success and a costly replacement down the road. 

Is Ipe the Right Choice for Your Deck?

Ipe offers wide-ranging benefits, including durability, longevity and aesthetic appeal, that make it ideal for outdoor spaces. 

Durability and Strength

Ipe is known for its impressive strength and durability, making it a top choice for high-traffic outdoor areas. 

Its natural properties allow it to withstand harsh environmental conditions — like rain, sleet and freezing temperatures — making it a standout option for wood decking. Its natural oils also protect it from insects like termites, keeping your deck intact and functional for years.

Longevity and Maintenance

With proper care, Ipe can last decades, making it one of the most long-lasting materials for outdoor use. While it requires periodic maintenance, such as oiling to preserve its rich color, maintenance efforts are minimal compared to other materials.

Aesthetic Qualities

Ipe wood features beautiful natural color variations, ranging from deep browns to reddish hues, giving it a unique, luxurious appearance. The stunning grain delivers tight, uniform patterns that add depth and texture to any deck.

Whether you’re building a deck, patio or walkway, Ipe’s appearance helps create a warm, inviting environment perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Comparing Ipe To Other Hardwoods

While Ipe is a top contender for any decking project, other hardwoods offer distinctive benefits. Here’s how Ipe compares to these popular hardwoods and how each stands up in key areas like strength, aesthetic appeal and long-term performance.

Ipe vs. Teak

Teak is another highly regarded hardwood known for its rich color and natural oils that provide weather resistance. Due to its beautiful grain, natural oils and moisture resistance, teak is often preferred for outdoor furniture. 

While teak can withstand outdoor use, Ipe is a superior wood for decking. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions and wear and tear. In addition, genuine teak is cost-prohibitive for most decking projects, and the boards’ short lengths aren’t conducive to decking applications.

Ipe vs. Cedar

Cedar is a lighter wood known for its resistance to insects. While this material is often more affordable, it is softer than Ipe, making it more prone to scratching and denting. 

Ipe offers superior durability and resistance to the elements, making it a more long-lasting option for decking.

Ipe vs. Redwood

Like cedar, redwood is valued for its natural beauty and insect resistance. However, in the Northeast region of the United States, redwood has very challenging availability, especially in clear grades. Most homeowners who historically sought redwood have switched to cedar instead because of its comparable features.

Ipe is an upgrade compared to redwood, outperforming it in strength and longevity. Ipe’s dense structure makes it more resistant to moisture and rot, whereas redwood may require more maintenance over time.

Ipe vs. Cumaru

Cumaru, sometimes called Brazilian teak, is slightly cheaper than Ipe and offers similar durability and strength. 

While both are excellent decking options, Ipe tends to have a richer color and finer grain, giving it a more luxurious appearance. Ipe also has a higher density than Cumaru, leading to a harder, longer-lasting wood that is perfect for decking projects. 

Ipe vs. Garapa

Garapa is a lighter, golden-yellow hardwood that offers good durability at a lower price point than Ipe. For consumers looking for a tropical hardwood that weathers to a beautiful silver, it’s a budget-friendly consideration.

Ipe vs. Mahogany

Mahogany is known for its rich reddish-brown tones and elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for high-end furniture and cabinetry. However, while mahogany is beautiful, it doesn’t have the same weather resistance or strength as Ipe.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Decking

There are several factors to consider when selecting the right decking material for your home and lifestyle. 

From climate conditions to long-term costs, each decision will impact your deck’s durability, beauty and overall performance.

Climate and Weather Conditions

The climate in your area plays a significant role in determining which decking material is best for you. Some woods perform better in certain weather conditions than others, so it’s essential to consider how your decking will withstand heat, cold, humidity and rainfall.

Hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru are ideal for snowy regions, humid climates and coastal regions due to their exceptional durability and resistance to extreme conditions. 

In snowy regions, these woods can withstand freezing temperatures without warping or cracking, making them ideal for decking that must endure harsh winters. Coastal areas, with their salty air and frequent exposure to water, benefit from Ipe’s natural resistance to rot, decay and insect damage.

Various wood options will perform well in more temperate climates, but ongoing maintenance will still be required.

Budget and Cost Analysis

Budget is often a deciding factor when choosing decking. It’s important to weigh the initial cost of the materials against their long-term performance and maintenance needs. While some woods may have a higher upfront cost, they could save you money over time with their durability and low upkeep.

Hardwoods like Ipe typically cost more upfront than softer woods like cedar or pine. However, their longevity and low-maintenance requirements often make them more cost-effective, reducing the need for repairs, refinishing or replacement.

Maintenance Requirements

The amount of effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your deck will help you determine the best material for it. Different woods require varying degrees of maintenance, from regular cleaning to occasional sealing or oiling.

Some woods, like cedar and redwood, may need to be treated regularly to preserve their appearance. However, hardwoods like Ipe require less frequent upkeep. Ipe is low-maintenance and lasts 25 or more years without issues like rot or splitting. 

If left untreated, it will naturally turn gray, which many find appealing. For those who prefer its original color, occasional oiling can help preserve it. 

Pricing and Availability

The landscape surrounding Ipe is evolving with recent changes in global trade regulations. Ipe has been added to the CITES Appendix, tightening regulations on its export.  

This has led to more documentation, potential cost increases and challenges for smaller companies. Brazil has paused Ipe shipments until regulations are finalized, but “pre-convention wood” produced before the new rules can still be exported, which may affect pricing and availability.

Staying Ahead of Ipe Supply

Russin is committed to keeping clients informed about the situation surrounding Ipe. We aim to help contractors and builders understand how these changes affect their 2025 plans. By providing transparency and advance notice of potential disruptions, we’re taking steps to help our clients make informed decisions for upcoming projects.

Securing Ipe for Upcoming Projects

These standards going into effect in 2025 may cause potential shortages. To mitigate this, we encourage customers to consider “winter buys” — this means calculating the square footage needed to complete a year’s worth of Ipe projects and committing to a percentage of that volume.

By locking in purchases early in the year, contractors can secure the necessary materials before supply constraints become an issue. Our strong relationships with suppliers and our proactive approach allow us to be well-positioned to continue delivering Ipe decking to our clients despite the shifting landscape.

Make Your Decking Decision Easy With Russin

Whether you choose Ipe for its rich elegance or cedar for its natural charm, understanding key factors can help you make the best decision for your project. As Ipe supply faces potential challenges due to new trade regulations, our team is actively securing strong supplier relationships to ensure a steady, reliable stock for your upcoming projects.

At Russin, we offer decking products to suit every need and preference. Explore our decking options to find top-quality materials and inspiration to enhance your home. Let us help you create the perfect outdoor retreat today!