Is Cumaru as durable as Ipe?

Cumaru is very close in durability with a Janka hardness of 3540 vs Ipe's 3680. Both are Class 1 rated for decay resistance and will last 25-40+ years.

Which wood weathers better?

Both weather to a similar silver-gray patina if left untreated. Ipe tends to weather more uniformly, while Cumaru may show slightly more variation.

Can I use the same fasteners for both?

Yes, both require pre-drilling and stainless steel or approved hidden fastener systems due to their extreme density.

Which is more sustainable?

Both can be sourced with FSC certification. Cumaru is generally more abundant in its native range, potentially making it a slightly more sustainable option.

decking

Ipe vs Cumaru: Which Hardwood Decking Is Right for You? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated May 31, 2026|Sources & methodology

Ipe and Cumaru are two of the most popular exotic hardwoods for decking, both sourced from South America. While Ipe has long been considered the gold standard, Cumaru offers remarkably similar performance at a lower price point. Understanding the differences between these two species will help you make the best investment for your outdoor project.

Ipe

Cumaru

Key Takeaways

Ipe and Cumaru are two of the most popular exotic hardwoods for decking, both sourced from South America.
While Ipe has long been considered the gold standard, Cumaru offers remarkably similar performance at a lower price point.
Understanding the differences between these two species will help you make the best investment for your outdoor project.
Cumaru offers the best value for most homeowners, delivering 95% of Ipe's performance at 70% of the cost.
Ipe remains the top choice for commercial projects where its proven track record matters most.

Property	Ipe	Cumaru
Hardness Janka	3680	3540
Density Lbft3	69	66
Price Range	$4.50-$7.00/lf	$3.00-$5.00/lf
Durability Class	Class 1 (Both)	-
Color	Dark olive brown to blackish	Reddish-brown to yellowish-brown

Ipe

Pros

Highest hardness rating of any decking wood
Exceptional 40+ year lifespan
Naturally resistant to fire, rot, and insects
Proven track record on boardwalks and commercial projects

Cons

Premium price point
Very dense — difficult to cut and fasten
Can be hard to source sustainably

Cumaru

Pros

Nearly identical durability to Ipe at 20-30% lower cost
Beautiful reddish-brown tones
Class 1 durability rating
Good availability through specialty suppliers

Cons

More color variation between boards
Slightly more prone to surface checking
Less brand recognition than Ipe

Best Use Cases

Choose Ipe if you want the absolute hardest, most proven decking material and budget is secondary. Choose Cumaru if you want near-identical performance with significant cost savings and prefer warmer reddish-brown tones.

Verdict

Cumaru offers the best value for most homeowners, delivering 95% of Ipe's performance at 70% of the cost. Ipe remains the top choice for commercial projects where its proven track record matters most.