3 Hardwood Alternatives to Ipe
Compare Cumaru, Garapa, and Tigerwood for Decking and Siding
Ipe has long been considered the gold standard for hardwood decking and exterior siding. Known for its exceptional durability, density, and long lifespan, Ipe remains one of the most trusted exterior hardwoods on the market.
When comparing hardwood species, one of the first numbers you'll come across is the Janka hardness rating. While it doesn't tell the whole story, the scale provides a useful benchmark for understanding how different woods stack up against one another. It helps illustrate why some species are better suited for high-traffic decks, commercial spaces, and demanding exterior applications.
But hardness is only one piece of the puzzle. Color, grain pattern, stability, maintenance requirements, and budget all play an important role in choosing the right material. At TimberTown, we take pride in offering a wide range of hardwood species because no two projects are the same. Every material is selected with a specific design vision and performance goal in mind.
Cumaru
3,540 lbf
Cumaru is one of the most popular alternatives to Ipe thanks to its similar strength and long-term performance. Often referred to as “Brazilian Teak,” Cumaru is an extremely dense hardwood that stands up well to demanding exterior environments.
Compared to Ipe, Cumaru typically features warmer brown tones with subtle red and purple undertones. Left untreated, it will naturally weather to a rich silver-gray patina over time.
Why builders and homeowners choose Cumaru:
- Dense and highly durable
- Excellent for decking and siding
- Similar lifespan and performance to Ipe
- Often a more budget-friendly hardwood option
Cumaru Bench - Atlanta Braves Stadium
Garapa Decking - Austin, Texas
Garapa
1,630 lbf
Garapa is a great option for projects that call for a lighter, more natural appearance. With golden honey tones and a consistent grain pattern, Garapa offers a look similar to clear cedar, but with significantly greater durability.
While it is not as dense as Ipe, Garapa still performs exceptionally well outdoors and is a popular choice for decking, siding, soffits, and porch ceilings.
Benefits of Garapa include:
- Light, golden color tones
- Smooth, consistent grain
- More durable than traditional cedar
- Great for brighter exterior designs
Tigerwood
2,160 lbf
Tigerwood is known for its bold personality. Rich reddish-orange tones combined with dramatic dark striping create a high-contrast look that makes a statement on both residential and commercial projects.
Because of its distinctive color variation, many homeowners choose to maintain Tigerwood with exterior hardwood oil to preserve its original appearance over time.
Why choose Tigerwood:
- Distinctive striped grain pattern
- Rich, warm color variation
- Durable hardwood performance
- Ideal for statement projects and modern exterior designs
Tigerwood Decking - Atlanta, Georgia
Whether you prefer the classic look of Cumaru, the lighter tones of Garapa, or the bold character of Tigerwood, all three are excellent alternatives to Ipe for decking, siding, and other exterior applications. Each of these hardwood species offers long-term durability and strong exterior performance while bringing a different aesthetic to the project.
At TimberTown, we stock premium hardwoods and help builders, architects, and homeowners choose the right material for every project. If you’re building in Austin, Atlanta, Nashville, or the Southeast, our team can help you compare species, explore samples, and find the hardwood that’s the right fit for your design and performance goals.