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Hardwood Decking Cost Guide (2026)
Real Prices, Not Estimates
Every price on this page comes directly from our current inventory — not from third-party contractor surveys or outdated databases. Unlike HomeAdvisor, Angi, or HomeGuide, we actually sell the product.
6
Species Compared
$11–$21/SF
Material Price Range
Garapa
Most Affordable
Class A
All Species Fire Rated
Quick Material Cost Calculator
Calculate basic lumber cost (excluding shipping, taxes, and installation)
Estimated Lumber Cost
All-Species Cost Comparison
Live pricing from our current inventory for 5/4×6 Eased-Edge boards — the most popular decking size. Click any species for a detailed cost breakdown.
| Species | Material $/LF (5/4×6) | Material $/SF | 200 SF Material | Est. Installed/SF | Lifespan | Cost/Year (200 SF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe | $9.80 | $21.38 | $4,276 | $50–$80 | 75+ yrs | $173 |
| Cumaru | $6.25 | $13.64 | $2,727 | $40–$70 | 50+ yrs | $220 |
| Massaranduba | $5.35 | $11.67 | $2,335 | $40–$65 | 50+ yrs | $210 |
| Tigerwood | $5.46 | $11.91 | $2,383 | $35–$60 | 30+ yrs | $317 |
| Garapa | $4.90 | $10.69 | $2,138 | $30–$55 | 30+ yrs | $283 |
| Red Balau | $5.40 | $11.78 | $2,356 | $30–$55 | 30+ yrs | $283 |
Prices based on current Ipe Woods USA inventory pricing for 5/4×6 Eased-Edge boards. Material costs only — does not include fasteners, substructure, installation, or shipping. See full price list →
Hardwood vs Competitors — 25-Year Total Cost
The cheapest decking upfront is rarely the cheapest decking to own. Factor in replacements, maintenance, and disposal costs over 25 years.
| Material | Material $/SF | Installed $/SF | Lifespan | Replacements (in 25 yrs) | Maint./yr | 25-Yr Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe | $10–$20 | $50–$80 | 75+ yrs | 0 | $50 (oil) | Lowest lifetime |
| Cumaru | $7–$14 | $40–$70 | 50+ yrs | 0 | $50 (oil) | Very low |
| Garapa | $5–$9 | $30–$55 | 30+ yrs | 0 | $75 (higher oil absorption) | Low |
| Pressure Treated | $3–$6 | $25–$45 | 10–15 yrs | 1–2 | $150 (stain/seal) | Highest |
| Cedar | $5–$10 | $30–$55 | 15–20 yrs | 1 | $150 (stain/seal) | High |
Key insight: Ipe and Cumaru have the highest upfront cost but zero replacement cost over 25 years. Pressure-treated lumber is 60% cheaper to install but costs more over 25 years when you factor in 2 replacements, annual staining, and disposal costs. The cheapest decking upfront is rarely the cheapest decking to own.
What Affects Hardwood Decking Cost?
Species selection is the biggest cost lever. Ipe is the premium choice — the hardest, most durable, and most expensive. Garapa is the most affordable exotic hardwood, offering genuine Class A fire-rated performance at near-composite pricing. Cumaru, Tigerwood, Massaranduba, and Red Balau fill the range between. All six species are Class A fire rated and Class 1 durable.
Board size and profile directly impact per-foot pricing. Thicker boards (5/4 vs 1×) cost more per linear foot but provide a more substantial feel underfoot. Pregrooved boards cost slightly more than eased-edge but include built-in drainage channels for hidden fasteners. Tongue & groove is typically the most expensive profile due to additional milling.
Board length affects value significantly. Random-length bundles are the best value per linear foot. Requesting specific lengths (all 12-footers or all 16-footers) costs more. Short boards (3'–7') are the budget option for smaller projects and creative layouts.
Grade — Standard/Select grade vs Clear grade. Most homeowners are happy with standard grade, which offers excellent quality with natural character variations. Clear grade provides the most uniform appearance at a premium.
Deck size and complexity — Larger decks cost more total but less per square foot thanks to economies of scale on labor. Multi-level decks, curves, stairs, built-in seating, and pergola integration all increase cost.
Location — Shipping costs vary by destination. Terminal pickup is the cheapest option. Labor rates vary by region — highest in the Northeast and California, lowest in the Southeast and Midwest.
DIY vs professional — Skilled DIYers can save 40–50% by self-installing. Pre-drilling is mandatory for all hardwood species. Our installation guide covers everything you need to know.
Cost Guides by Application
Detailed installed cost breakdowns for every species and application.
Decking Cost Guides
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Docks & Boardwalks
Soffit & Ceilings
Tools & Resources
Deck Cost Calculator
Enter your deck dimensions and species to get an instant material estimate.
Full Price List
See current per-linear-foot pricing for every species, size, and profile.
Contractor Resources
Find certified hardwood installers in your area.
Installation Guide
DIY? Start here for installation best practices.
Technical Data Sheets
Download species specifications, fire test reports, and engineering data.