The three premium Brazilian hardwood decking species, side by side. Which one is right depends on the look you want and how long you want it to last.
Performance Table
| Ipe | Cumaru | Garapa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janka | 3,680 | 3,330 | 1,650 |
| Lifespan | 50–75 yrs | 30–50 yrs | 25–40 yrs |
| Color | Chocolate | Reddish-brown | Golden honey |
| Fire | Class A | Class A | Class B |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $ |
The Quick Verdict
- Ipe when budget allows and you want the longest, hardest deck money can buy
- Cumaru when you want 85% of Ipe at a noticeable discount
- Garapa when you want a lighter, golden deck and best value
Common Trade-offs
All three are dense and require pre-drilling and stainless fasteners. All three weather to silver if untreated. Installation cost is essentially the same across species — material is the only variable.
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