Decking Comparison

Cumaru vs Tigerwood Decking

A side-by-side comparison of Brazilian Teak and Tigerwood for decking, siding, and outdoor projects.

Choose Cumaru if you want maximum durability closest to Ipe. Choose Tigerwood if you want a dramatic striped grain at a lower price.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Property	Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)	Tigerwood (Astronium spp.)
Botanical Name	Dipteryx odorata	Astronium spp.
Common Names	Brazilian Teak, Tonka Bean	Tigerwood, Goncalo Alves
Janka Hardness	3,540 lbf	2,160 lbf
Density	66 lbs/ft³	56 lbs/ft³
Fire Rating	Class A	Class A
Durability Class	Class 1	Class 1–2
Rot Resistance	Excellent	Very Good
Insect Resistance	Excellent	Good
Lifespan	50+ years	40+ years
Color (Fresh)	Golden to reddish-brown, two-tone	Orange-brown with dramatic dark stripes
Color (Weathered)	Silver-gray	Silver-gray
Origin	Brazil, South America	Brazil, South America
Best For	Max durability on a budget, Ipe alternative	Striking aesthetics, mid-range budgets

Durability & Hardness

Cumaru is the clear winner on raw durability. With a Janka hardness of 3,540 lbf — 64% harder than Tigerwood's 2,160 lbf — Cumaru resists dents, scratches, and foot traffic far better. Cumaru's higher density (66 vs 56 lbs/ft³) also gives it superior rot resistance and structural performance over decades. Tigerwood is still a genuinely durable hardwood that far outperforms cedar, redwood, and composite — but the gap to Cumaru is significant.

Cumaru wins on durability — 64% harder, denser, and longer-lasting than Tigerwood.

Appearance & Color

This is where personal preference matters most. Tigerwood is one of the most visually striking decking woods on the planet — its bold orange-brown background with dramatic dark stripes creates a zebra-like pattern that's truly unique. Cumaru has a warm golden to reddish-brown color with attractive two-tone variation, but it's more subtle. Both species silver gracefully when left untreated, and both respond well to UV oil for color maintenance.

This comes down to taste — Tigerwood offers dramatic stripes, Cumaru offers warm, classic tones.

Cost & Value

Tigerwood is typically the more affordable option, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers who still want real hardwood. Cumaru costs more upfront but delivers significantly more lifespan (50+ vs 40+ years). When you calculate cost-per-year of ownership, Cumaru often edges out Tigerwood as the better long-term value despite the higher upfront investment.

	Cumaru	Tigerwood
Material Cost (200 SF deck)	~$2,800–$3,400	~$2,200–$2,800
Estimated Installed Cost	~$7,500–$9,500	~$6,500–$8,000
Lifespan	50+ years	40+ years
Cost Per Year of Life	~$150–$190/yr	~$163–$200/yr

Tigerwood is cheaper upfront. Cumaru is the better long-term value per year of service.

Installation & Workability

Cumaru's extreme density makes it harder to work with — pre-drilling is mandatory, carbide blades wear faster, and the heavier boards require more labor. Tigerwood is notably easier to install, with lower density that's less demanding on tools and installers. For DIY builders, Tigerwood is the more forgiving choice. Professional contractors can handle either species efficiently.

Tigerwood is easier to work with. Cumaru requires more care during installation due to extreme density.

Climate Performance

Cumaru's higher density gives it an edge in extreme climates — harsh freeze-thaw, extreme cold, and high-UV environments. It handles the toughest conditions from Minnesota winters to Arizona sun. Tigerwood performs well in moderate-to-warm climates and handles humidity and UV effectively, but in the most extreme cold regions, Cumaru's density provides extra stability. Both species work well in the majority of U.S. climates.

Cumaru is better for extreme cold and harsh climates. Tigerwood excels in moderate-to-warm regions. Both work well in most areas.

When to Choose Each

Choose Cumaru When:

Maximum durability is your top priority
You want the closest performance to Ipe at a lower price
Your climate is extreme (very cold, very hot, or coastal)
You're building a long-term investment (50+ year lifespan)

Choose Tigerwood When:

You want the most visually dramatic decking available
Budget is a key consideration
Your climate is moderate (most of the U.S.)
You want real hardwood that's easier to install

Cumaru vs Tigerwood — FAQ

Common questions about these two species.

Cumaru is significantly more durable — 64% harder (3,540 vs 2,160 Janka) and denser (66 vs 56 lbs/ft³). Cumaru lasts 50+ years vs Tigerwood's 40+ years outdoors.

Tigerwood is typically 15-25% less expensive than Cumaru per linear foot. However, Cumaru's longer lifespan can make it the better per-year value over time.

No. Tigerwood lasts 40+ years outdoors while Cumaru lasts 50+ years. Both far outlast cedar (8-12 years), pressure-treated (10-15 years), and composite (25-30 years).

Technically yes, but we don't recommend it — they have different expansion rates and color tones. Mixing species can create uneven aging and potential fastener issues.

Cumaru is closer to Ipe in appearance — warm brown tones without the dramatic stripes. Tigerwood's bold striped pattern looks nothing like Ipe.

Cumaru is the better choice for pool decks — its higher density provides better slip resistance when wet and superior dimensional stability around water.