Cumaru vs Ipe: went with Cumaru and saved 35%. Here's my 18-month update.

When I was planning my deck (520 sq ft, ground level, full sun exposure in NC), everyone said "Ipe Ipe Ipe." But I did the math and went Cumaru instead. 18 months later I have zero regrets. Cost comparison from a specialty hardwood supplier (where I sourced both quotes): - Ipe 5/4x6: - Cumaru 5/4x6: - My order (680 BF): saved going Cumaru The specs are barely different: Cumaru Janka is 3,330 vs Ipe at 3,510. Both Class A fire. Both naturally rot resistant without treatment. Cumaru is slightly lighter in color (golden-brown vs Ipe's olive-brown) which I actually preferred. Both gray out the same if you don't oil. 18-month condition report: zero soft spots, zero structural issues, zero insect activity. I have maybe 4-5 boards with minor surface checks (less than 1/16" wide, less than 2" long). All at end grain. Purely cosmetic. My Penofin oil is holding well, did a touch-up coat at 12 months on the sun-hammered south side only. The ONE downside versus Ipe: Cumaru's interlocked grain made pre-drilling slightly more annoying. My bits wandered more. Ipe drills straighter. Not a dealbreaker but worth knowing if you're face-screwing. Why my supplier: they stock Cumaru in all the same dimensions as Ipe which isn't true everywhere. Some suppliers only carry Ipe and Garapa. I needed 5/4x6 in 8', 10', and 12' mixed and they had it all on hand. Delivered to my NC site in 6 days. If you're budget-conscious but want the hardwood deck experience, Cumaru is the move. You get 90% of Ipe's performance at 65% of the price.