Ipe vs Cambara

Cambara (Erisma uncinatum) comes from South America and is sometimes marketed as a tropical hardwood, but with a Janka hardness of approximately 780 lbf and a density of about 33 lbs/cu ft, it performs more like a domestic softwood than a genuine tropical hardwood like Ipe (3,680 lbf, 69 lbs/cu ft). Don't let the 'South American' origin fool you — it's a fundamentally different class of wood.

Yes — approximately 4.7 times harder. Ipe's Janka hardness is 3,680 lbf vs Cambara's approximately 780 lbf. This means Ipe is dramatically more resistant to dents, scratches, and surface wear from furniture, foot traffic, and everyday use.

Cambara typically lasts 8–15 years in outdoor decking applications, depending on climate and maintenance. In wet or coastal climates, it may deteriorate even faster. Ipe can last up to 75+ years — meaning you'd replace a Cambara deck 4–5+ times in the lifespan of a single Ipe deck.

Cambara can be used for light-duty decking on a very tight budget, but its low hardness, low density, poor natural rot resistance, and short lifespan mean it will need frequent maintenance and early replacement. For any project where you want lasting quality, Ipe is a far better investment.

Cambara is cheaper because it's a low-density, low-durability species that grows abundantly and is easy to process. Its performance characteristics are similar to domestic softwoods like Pine, not premium tropical hardwoods. The price reflects the quality — and the dramatically shorter lifespan means you'll spend more on replacements over time.

Cambara is not recommended for marine, dock, or water-adjacent applications. Its low density and poor natural rot resistance make it vulnerable to moisture damage, marine borers, and decay. Ipe is the proven standard for docks, piers, and boardwalks due to its natural resistance to saltwater, marine borers, and extreme weather.