Is Massaranduba as hard as Ipe?

Nearly — Massaranduba's Janka rating of 3190 is about 87% of Ipe's 3680. Both are extraordinarily hard and durable.

Why is Massaranduba cheaper?

Massaranduba is more abundant in its native range and has less brand recognition, keeping prices 20-35% below comparable Ipe.

Does Massaranduba weather like Ipe?

Both weather to a similar silver-gray if untreated. Massaranduba's deep red is worth preserving with UV-protective oil.

Can my contractor work with Massaranduba?

If they can work with Ipe, they can handle Massaranduba. The same tools, fasteners, and techniques apply to both species.

Ipe vs Massaranduba wood grain comparison

decking

Ipe vs Massaranduba: Comparing Ultra-Dense Exotic Hardwoods (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 2, 2026|Sources & methodology

Ipe and Massaranduba (also called Brazilian Redwood) are both extremely dense, durable South American hardwoods suitable for demanding decking applications. While Ipe gets most of the attention, Massaranduba is a worthy competitor with a distinctive deep red color and competitive pricing.

Ipe

Massaranduba

Key Takeaways

Ipe and Massaranduba (also called Brazilian Redwood) are both extremely dense, durable South American hardwoods suitable for demanding decking applications.
While Ipe gets most of the attention, Massaranduba is a worthy competitor with a distinctive deep red color and competitive pricing.
Massaranduba is one of the best-kept secrets in exotic decking, offering near-Ipe performance with a unique red color at a lower price.
Ipe remains the top choice when brand recognition and availability matter.
Choose Ipe for the most recognized name in exotic decking with the widest availability of profiles.

Property	Ipe	Massaranduba
Hardness Janka	3680	3190
Density Lbft3	69	68
Price Range	$4.50-$7.00/lf	$3.00-$4.50/lf
Durability Class	Class 1 (Both)	-
Color	Dark olive brown	Deep reddish-brown to burgundy

Ipe

Pros

Highest Janka hardness for decking
Most recognized exotic hardwood brand
Widest selection of profiles and sizes
Proven in commercial applications worldwide

Cons

Premium pricing
Can bleed tannins when new
Challenging to work due to extreme density

Massaranduba

Pros

Beautiful deep red color
Nearly as dense and durable as Ipe
Significantly lower price
Class 1 durability rating

Cons

Less well-known — harder to source
Can be prone to surface checking
Fewer profile options available

Best Use Cases

Choose Ipe for the most recognized name in exotic decking with the widest availability of profiles. Choose Massaranduba for a stunning deep red deck at a significant savings over Ipe.

Verdict

Massaranduba is one of the best-kept secrets in exotic decking, offering near-Ipe performance with a unique red color at a lower price. Ipe remains the top choice when brand recognition and availability matter.