Comparative Study of Brazilian Hardwood Deck vs Composite Decking Under Extreme Weather Conditions
A deck can completely change how you use your outdoor space. But with so many products available today, choosing the right decking material can feel confusing. Two of the most common options you’ll see are Brazilian hardwood decking and composite decking. And although they both have their strengths, it’s the Brazilian hardwood deck that tends to perform better when extreme weather becomes a factor. Let’s take a closer look below at how they compare so you can pick the right material for your project.
| Brazilian Hardwood Decking (Ipe / Cumaru) | Composite Decking | |
| Appearance | Natural wood grain with rich brown tones and hints of red and amber | Manufactured surface designed to imitate wood |
| Aging over time | Can maintain color with UV oil or naturally age to a silver-gray patina | May fade over time when exposed to strong sunlight |
| Heat under sunlight | Stays relatively cooler in direct sun | Tends to retain more heat, which can make boards hot to walk on |
| Hardness | Very dense hardwood (Ipe: 3,680 lbf Janka; Cumaru: 3,540 lbf) | Softer material compared to Brazilian hardwood |
| Durability | Extremely durable and resistant to wear due to natural density and oils | Durable but may show wear or fading over time |
| Weather resistance | Natural oils and density reduce moisture absorption and help prevent warping or splitting | Engineered to handle weather changes without splintering |
| Maintenance | Optional UV finish to maintain original color | Typically low-maintenance surface |
| Long-term performance | Maintains structural strength and appearance in demanding outdoor environments | Performs consistently but may heat up and fade with prolonged sun exposure |
Real hardwood that looks great for many years
If you’ve ever seen real Brazilian hardwood decking, you’ll probably notice right away how different it looks compared to composite boards. Composite materials try to imitate the appearance of natural wood, but they usually can’t match the same depth of color and grain that real hardwood has.
Take Brazilian hardwood like ipe, for example. It naturally has deep brown tones with touches of red and amber that can make your outdoor space look warm and elegant. If you want to keep that rich color, you can apply a UV-blocking finish from time to time. Otherwise, you can let it age naturally and gracefully. The wood will gradually develop a soft silver-gray color that adds character to your deck.
You’ll also notice how composite decking tends to behave a bit differently when it’s exposed to direct sunlight. Thanks to its composition, it usually holds more heat, which makes the surface feel quite hot on sunny days.
If you live somewhere with strong summer sun, you might also notice the boards fade more quickly over time. And on really hot afternoons, walking barefoot on a composite deck can feel uncomfortable because the surface heats up faster than a Brazilian hardwood deck.
Naturally durable
Another thing you’ll appreciate in Brazilian hardwood decking is its durability. For example:
- Ipe has a Janka rating of 3,680 lbf, aboutthree times harder than oak.
- Cumaru comes in at 3,540 lbf, so it’s also significantly harder than common hardwoods like oak and maple.
You can count on these Brazilian hardwoods to hold up very well in outdoor environments where your deck deals with constant use and exposure to the elements.
Weather performance
Although you’ll find that both composite decking and Brazilian hardwood decking can handle outdoor conditions, they perform in different ways.
Composite boards contain synthetic materials that help them stay fairly consistent when temperatures change. Because of that, you won’t have to worry about them splintering. Plus, they can handle shifting weather conditions reasonably well.
When you build a Brazilian hardwood deck with ipe, you won’t have to worry about its performance in demanding environments because of its natural density and oils. These qualities help reduce moisture absorption and lower the chances of warping or splitting over time. As a result, your hardwood decking stays stable even when it’s exposed to rain and strong sun, or even seasonal weather changes.
The verdict
If your goal is a deck that maintains its beauty while handling challenging weather, Brazilian hardwood decking often delivers the best long-term results. Its natural durability and resistance to wear make it a strong choice for both residential and commercial projects.
At ABS Wood, you’ll find Grade-A ipe and cumaru that let you build a beautiful and durable Brazilian hardwood deck that adds lasting value to your property. You can place your order directly through our website or contact us for a custom quote at 1-877-722-7473 (1-877-7ABS-IPE) or 352-508-4990.
