For years, Ipe decking has been the top choice for high-performance hardwood decks. Known for its exceptional hardness, strength, and long life, Ipe wood has set a high standard for tough decking materials. However, changes in availability and pricing for Ipe wood are leading many builders and contractors to look at other comparable options. The good news is that there are excellent hardwood decking materials that offer similar performance and aesthetics, and at a cost-effective price.
Ipe decking has impressive strength, hardness, and undeniable beauty. But if Ipe wood doesn't fit your project budget or timeline, don't worry, you don’t have to sacrifice those features. Other high-performing hardwood options are worth considering.
There are several other high-density hardwood decking materials to choose from. Species like Machiche, Jatoba, Cumaru, and Garapa are all high-density exotic hardwoods that offer great benefits and are often more affordable.
Let's look at science to see how these Ipe alternative wood types compare to Ipe wood. While Ipe is definitely strong and durable, so are many other exotic hardwoods. In fact, Mataverde confidently backs all five of these types of wood decking with a 25-year limited warranty.
Comparing Other Hardwood Decking Performance to Ipe
The following charts, based on research from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, clearly compare the natural features and mechanical properties of Ipe, Machiche, Jatoba, Cumaru, and Garapa hardwood decking options. To give you a familiar point of reference, we've included North American Red Oak.
Hardness Comparison
The Janka hardness test measures how much force it takes to push a steel ball into the wood. This shows how resistant it is to dents. Many high-density hardwood options are similar to Ipe in hardness, and all are harder than Red Oak, often at a price that fits your project needs and budget nicely.
Density Comparison
Density is a good sign of how well a wood decking material resists moisture. High-density hardwoods like Ipe, Jatoba, Machiche, and Garapa are much denser than Red Oak. Several of these options can meet your project budget.
Bending Strength Comparison
Fiber bending strength, or modulus of rupture, measures how well a wood board resists breaking under pressure. Hardwood decking shows excellent bending strength across the board.
Crushing Strength Comparison
Crushing strength, or compression parallel to the grain, shows how much weight a wood can support. High-density hardwoods have impressive crushing strength, and some types of wood decking can better fit your project budget.
Durability to Termites Comparison
The natural density and oils in high-density hardwoods provide great resistance to termites and other insects.
Resistance to Fungal Decay Comparison
High-density hardwoods naturally resist fungal decay. While cleaning any outdoor wood decking is recommended, these species have built-in protection against rot, and many Ipe alternatives can meet your project budget.
Specialty cleaners like Penofin Pro-Tech Cleaner are a great way to keep your wood decking looking good and at peak performance.
Tangential and Radial Shrinkage Comparison
All wood moves a bit due to changes in moisture. Tangential shrinkage is the expansion and contraction of a flat-sawn board, while radial shrinkage is about vertical grain wood. Garapa and Cumaru have less tangential movement than Ipe, while Machiche, Garapa, Jatoba, and Cumaru show better radial stability. Understanding these properties helps predict how stable different types of wood decking will be.
Fire Resistance Comparison
Most high-density hardwood decking species have natural flame resistance. Ipe, Jatoba, Machiche, and Cumaru meet or exceed Class A fire resistance standards, while Garapa achieves a Class B rating. Several Ipe alternatives offer excellent fire resistance.
Exploring Ipe Decking Alternatives
When you compare Ipe alternatives to Ipe, you'll see both similarities and differences. Let's take a closer look at some of the best hardwood decking material options that can meet your project budget:
Machiche Decking vs. Ipe Decking
FSC® Certified Machiche decking has a beautiful chocolatey brown color with a more open grain. It's a high-density hardwood that performs very well and is often chosen when sustainable materials are needed. Importantly, Machiche decking is usually more budget-friendly than Ipe decking. It works well for both residential and commercial projects and fits project budgets effectively.
Here’s how FSC Machiche decking compares side by side with Ipe decking:
Machiche decking can be used on residential backyard decks and is strong enough to be used on commercial projects.
Machiche is a beautiful and long lasting decking option
Jatoba Decking vs. Ipe Decking
Jatoba decking, also known as Brazilian Cherry, has a light reddish-brown tone with a medium grain. This high-density hardwood is both beautiful and durable, making it a great choice for residential and commercial uses and often meets project budgets.
Here’s how Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) decking compares side by side with Ipe decking
Jatoba decking is beautiful enough to use on a residential backyard deck and strong and durable enough to be used on commercial projects.
Jatoba decking is tough, long lasting and beautiful
Garapa Decking vs. Ipe Decking
Garapa hardwood decking has a blonde to amber color with a finer grain. This high-density option is both attractive and budget-friendly, making it a versatile choice for backyard decks and even demanding commercial projects like boardwalks, ensuring it meets project budgets.
See how Garapa decking compares side by side with Ipe decking:
Garapa decking is an excellent and affordable decking material for backyard decks. Garapa is also strong enough for use on commercial projects.
Garapa hardwood decking is tough enough for a boardwalk in New Jersey
Cumaru Decking vs. Ipe Decking
Cumaru hardwood decking comes in shades of tan to reddish-brown with a unique interlocking grain. This high-density material offers exceptional strength and durability, making it well-suited for both residential and commercial decking projects and can often meet project budgets.
Here’s how Cumaru decking compares side by side with Ipe decking:
Cumaru decking is an excellent decking material option for backyard decks. Cumaru is also strong enough, and durable enough, for use on commercial projects.
Cumaru hardwood decking is a high performance material for residential and commercial projects
Choosing the right type of wood decking is a key decision for any project. While Ipe decking remains a top performer, understanding the characteristics and benefits of Ipe alternatives like Machiche, Jatoba, Garapa, and Cumaru allows contractors and home builders to make informed choices that balance performance, looks, and budget, ensuring the final selection meets project criteria, aesthetics, and budgets.
If you have a project in mind, and these wood decking materials are a good solution, feel free to contact us for more information, pricing, or samples. We are here to help with your decking project needs.
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