Ipe wood and other such Brazilian hardwood for example and pressure-treated wood sit at opposite ends of the scale if we talk about quality, durability, and cost. Ipe wood, which is a tropical hardwood known as Brazilian Walnut, is valued for its natural toughness and range in tones. Pressure-treated wood is a softwood (usually pine or Douglas fir) treated with chemicals to protect it from rot, decay, and termites.
At ABSWood, we supply premium-grade Ipe wood and have seen firsthand the advantages it offers over traditional Pressure-treated lumber. Here’s a side-by-side look at how the two types of wood differ.
Quick comparison: Pressure-treated wood vs. Brazilian Ipe wood
Category | Ipe wood | Pressure-Treated (PT) Lumber |
Longevity | Can last 40+ years with proper maintenance; highly durable even after a decade in real-world use | Lasts 10–15 years depending on conditions; more prone to warping and early board replacement |
Janka Hardness | 3,680–3,684 lbf — extremely dense and resistant to dents, scratches, and heavy wear | Around 600 lbf — softer and more vulnerable to damage and wear |
Workability | Hardness makes it tough to cut or drill; requires carbide tools and experience for smooth installation | Easy to cut, nail, and screw with standard tools; DIY-friendly |
Environmental Impact | FSC-certified Ipe is a sustainable option; must comply with the Lacey Act to prevent illegal logging | Treated with chemicals to resist decay; newer formulas are safer, but some environmental concerns remain |
Aesthetics | Rich natural tones from light brown to dark chocolate; weathers to silver-gray unless treated with UV oil | More uniform look; can be painted or stained, but requires regular maintenance to retain appearance |
Longevity
Ipe Wood:
Ipe is one of the toughest hardwoods you can find today. With proper maintenance, records say that it can easily last 40 years or more in outdoor structures, furniture, or other projects. We’ve seen many of our clients’ Brazilian Ipe decking still looking and performing beautifully even after 10 years. It’s the kind of investment that you can truly count on for the long haul.
Pressure-treated lumber:
Pressure-treated lumber resists rot and pests, but it doesn’t last as long as Ipe. Typically, it lasts around 10 to 15 years, depending on weather and maintenance. It’s also more likely to warp, which can mean replacing boards sooner than you might expect.
Janka hardness
Ipe Wood:
We know Brazilian Ipe wood can be one of the priciest hardwoods out there, but if you need something that can really take a beating, whether it’s for decking, outdoor furniture, or garden structures, it is worth every penny. With a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 to 3,684 pounds-force, it resists dents, scratches, and heavy use like few other woods can.
Pressure-treated lumber:
Pressure-treated wood is much softer, with Janka hardness ratings around 600. It works for many outdoor projects, but it is more prone to dents, scratches, and wear over time.
Workability
Ipe Wood:
We know Ipe’s incredible hardness is part of what makes it so desirable, but it does make cutting and fastening a bit more challenging. If you are a DIYer, you might need to invest in carbide saw blades and bits, which can add to the cost. The good news is that professional installers come equipped with all the right tools and know-how to handle Ipe with ease.
Pressure-treated Lumber:
Pressure-treated lumber is much easier to work with. You can cut, nail, or screw it without any special equipment, which makes it a more DIY-friendly option.
Environmental impact
Ipe Wood:
Sustainably sourced Ipe Brazilian hardwood can be a responsible choice, especially when it is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Using certified wood helps ensure that the forests it comes from are managed carefully. Imported Ipe also has to comply with the Lacey Act, which helps prevent illegal logging.
Pressure-treated Lumber:
Pressure-treated lumber relies on chemicals to resist rot and pests. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to the environment and human health, though newer treatments are much safer than older arsenic-based methods.
Aesthetics
Ipe Wood:
Ipe shows a range of colors, from light brown to deep chocolate. You can let it weather naturally to a soft silver-gray, or apply oil to keep its original color vibrant.
Pressure-treated Lumber:
Pressure-treated wood has a more uniform, predictable appearance. You can paint or stain it to get the color you want, but it does need regular maintenance. Staining or sealing every couple of years helps keep it looking good and protects it from the elements.
For high-quality FSC-certified Brazilian Ipe wood for your next project, ring the ABSWood team at 404-549-4840 or 352-508-4990 today! Our team can help you choose the right wood and answer any questions about sourcing, installation, and care.