Best hardwood decking
Buyer's Guide

Best Hardwood Decking

The top 6 hardwood species for decking, ranked by performance, value, and beauty

#1

Ipe

Best Overall
Janka
3,680 lbf
Lifespan
25–75 yrs
Price
$8–15/sf

The undisputed king of hardwood decking. Ipe's extreme hardness, Class A fire rating, and 25–75 year lifespan make it the top choice for premium residential and commercial projects.

  • Hardest commercially available decking wood
  • Class A fire rating
  • 25–75 year proven lifespan
  • Virtually maintenance-free
#2

Cumaru

Best Value
Janka
3,330 lbf
Lifespan
20–30+ yrs
Price
$6–10/sf

Often called "Brazilian Teak," Cumaru delivers Ipe-class performance at a significantly lower price point. A warm golden-brown color and Class A fire rating make it the best value in exotic decking.

  • 90% of Ipe's hardness at 60–70% of the cost
  • Class A fire rating
  • Beautiful golden-brown color
  • Best value exotic hardwood
#3

Massaranduba

Best Color
Janka
3,190 lbf
Lifespan
25+ yrs
Price
$7–12/sf

Known as "Brazilian Redwood," Massaranduba offers a rich reddish-brown color that's unmatched. With hardness rivaling Ipe and a Class A fire rating, it's a top-tier performer.

  • Stunning reddish-brown color
  • Class A fire rating
  • Marine-grade durability
  • Rivals Ipe in hardness
#4

Tigerwood

Most Unique
Janka
2,160 lbf
Lifespan
15–20 yrs
Price
$5–9/sf

For homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind deck, Tigerwood's dramatic striped grain pattern delivers showstopping beauty at an accessible price point.

  • Dramatic striped grain — every board unique
  • Good hardness and durability
  • More affordable than Ipe
  • Natural decay resistance
#5

Garapa

Easiest Exotic
Janka
1,650 lbf
Lifespan
15–20 yrs
Price
$5–8/sf

Garapa's stunning golden color and splinter-free surface make it the most barefoot-friendly exotic hardwood. It's also lighter and easier to work with than denser species.

  • Gorgeous golden color
  • Splinter-free and barefoot-friendly
  • Easier to install than Ipe/Cumaru
  • Excellent for pool decks
#6

Teak

Best Marine
Janka
1,070 lbf
Lifespan
25+ yrs
Price
$12–20/sf

The world's gold standard for marine applications. Teak's extraordinary natural oil content makes it inherently waterproof — the top choice for boat decks, docks, and coastal projects.

  • Highest natural oil content of any wood
  • Marine-grade weather resistance
  • Lowest maintenance of any wood
  • Centuries of proven performance

Head-to-Head Comparisons

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