Ipe (pronounced ee-pay), cumaru, and tigerwood are dense South American hardwoods with Class A fire ratings and 40+ year service lives. Installed pricing runs $50–$90 per square foot in 2026 — the upper end of any mainstream decking material, but a true generational build if the client has the budget.
Why ipe is so expensive
Ipe has a Janka hardness of 3,510 — over 3× harder than oak. That means every cut needs a carbide blade, every screw needs a pre-drilled pilot hole, and framing has to be upgraded to handle the weight (ipe is ~70 lb/cu ft vs PT at 40). A skilled installer takes 50–70% longer to deck an ipe project than PT. Board-only: $7–$14 per linear foot, up to $18 for 1x6 premium.
Longevity
Ipe untreated lasts 40+ years in outdoor ground-contact. In protected deck applications, there are still functional ipe decks from the 1970s boardwalks of Coney Island and Atlantic City. The wood is so dense it resists rot, termites, and fire. With annual oil treatment, color holds — without, it greys evenly to a driftwood silver.
Ipe vs cumaru vs tigerwood
Ipe is the benchmark — hardest, most stable, most expensive. Cumaru is 80% as hard at 75% of the price and slightly more prone to checking. Tigerwood (goncalo alves) has the most dramatic grain pattern but can move more with seasonal moisture. For most buyers, cumaru is the sweet spot if ipe is out of budget.
Practical considerations
Ipe is heavy — framing spans have to be reduced. Pre-drilling is mandatory; stainless fasteners required. Ipe's dense surface doesn't absorb water, so it shouldn't be caulked or painted. Source FSC-certified ipe to avoid illegally-logged stock — reputable suppliers publish chain-of-custody documentation.
Ipe / Cumaru Hardwood deck cost by state — 300 sqft build
Standard 12×25 deck, 3–5 ft off ground, composite balusters, one stair run. Includes framing, footings, railing, stairs, permit, and 8% contingency.
$50–$90 per square foot installed. A 300 sqft ipe deck runs $15,000–$27,000 depending on region, framing height, and railing spec. Coastal metros with union labor push the upper end; Southeast and mountain-west builds come in near the bottom of that range.
Is ipe worth it over composite?+
Yes for a permanent-feel installation and for clients who want natural wood. Ipe lasts 40+ years vs composite's 25–30 and has zero plastic aesthetic. The downside is 50–80% higher upfront cost and more installer skill needed — get a contractor with verified ipe experience.
Does ipe need to be sealed?+
Not for structural longevity — ipe is naturally resistant to rot and insects. For color preservation, apply a UV-blocking hardwood oil (like Penofin, Cabot Australian Timber Oil, Ipe Oil Plus) once a year for the first two years, then every 18–24 months. Unsealed ipe greys to silver within 18 months but remains structurally perfect.
Can I use regular deck screws on ipe?+
No. Ipe is dense enough that standard screws will strip or snap. Use stainless-steel trim-head screws in pre-drilled pilot holes, or hidden fastener clips with stainless hardware. Pre-drilling is non-negotiable.
How long does ipe decking last?+
40+ years untreated, 50+ with annual oil. The wood is rated Class A fire and has the highest natural rot resistance of any mainstream deck material. Existing ipe installations from the early 2000s remain in excellent condition.
Price your own ipe / cumaru hardwood deck
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