Cumaru has a lot more movement than ipe before install and after far as surface checks go. I havent had a real good time with any kd outside decking with the expection of Garapa. J.

I have a similar issue as Kurt, except my total size is twice as large! Here is Santa Barbara I can buy Ipe for $2.93 per lf (1 X 6 nominal) versus $2.59 per lf for Cumaru, which comes to a $1500 difference. The Ipe is not nearly as uniform as what I used 8 years ago (sold as Pelope) so initial appearance does not seem to be a big factor in favor of Ipe. However, I am very concerned about the negative opinion on kiln dryed wood and on the expansion. I suppose the Ipe bisquit system would be inadvisable with Cumaru. Based on the comments on this forum I've already ruled out Mangaris.
Russell

Thanks for the advice, John. I have this mental image of cumaru running around the yard before I screw it down, but I think I know what you're talking about. :-)

I spoke to Bruce at abswood.com, and his first question was whether I was using hidden fasteners. If so, I think he would have suggested staying away from cumaru. I am not, but I decided to go with the ipe anyway.

I wish I could have bought the lumber locally. For cumaru, it was less than 10% more, but for the ipe I was quoted around $5/lf locally. No thanks!! I'll take my chances with having it delivered. I'll post my experience when I get it. I did talk to East Teak, but we were looking at another $1500. It all adds up.

Kurt

Maney reasons exist for the East Teak higher price. J.

I just got in 3400 LF of cumaru and will start installing it next week. Yes, it does move around a little more than Ipe but I got it because I am using SS screws and plugs. It also only cost me $2.17 LF locally. No shipping charges. Its very beautiful wood. Very please with the quality. I got in 10,12,16 ft boards and only a few of them seemed to be curved a little. Thats what a bowrench is for. I will post pictures as soon as I am finished. Good luck. You will love the Ipe.

Hi,
I just spent along time deciding on a decking product. I chose tigerwood. Did not hear anything good about Cumaru especially if your deck gets alot of sun, and ipe absorbs alot of heat and is hard to work with(and pricey) Key is getting a local distributer and knowing the quality of drying (kiln)before you get it, also if you have really twisted boards you can return them, if you buy online you are stuck using boards that sometimes are not usable plus you need to order extra to cover bad boards.
Alot of times people install boards that should not be put in due to the above this creates further issues.
The tigerwood I got 5/4 board which will lay better and not cup or check as readly I would not put down 4/4 or really 3/4" deck it is not worth the savings. It is important to end seal the boards with the wax like compound. We opted to hidden fastners exept at a few spots. Also we used poly to adhease the boards at the stringers between the clips this will hold the board in place from the bottom much like the screws on top. The potential issue with screws on top is water will find a way into even "plugged" caps and will advance checking. I paid 2.34 per foot A grade delivered did my own biscuits (pregrooved exposes more since it is the entire board)and put down 1250 square feet of decking. Try also to get longer boards 16' is a good length more seams more issues.

Mike

I am almost through with my cumaru deck. It will be a total of 3360 lft. I guess I have been very lucky with my shippment. I live in Mississippi and the deck is in direct sun all day. I have kept the cumaru under a tarp until I need it. I have had only a few boards that were slightly bowed. All the board have been beautiful in color and no flaws. I have had no problem with cupping or checking. I have installing them with #10 2.5" SS torx screws and countersinking them to plug them. After I sand the plugs you almost cant see them. This is mainly because I am using my scrap boards and I am turning the grain with the grain of the boards. I am using 5/4x6 16', 12' and 10' boards all on 45 degrees for a herringbone look with the ends kepted at 90 degrees. I am going to stain it with Woodtux brown sugar.

Hi
Glad I found this forum.
We are deciding between Ipe vs. Cumaru. My slight preference for cumaru is only because of the lighter color. Our house is contemporary, and the rustic look of ipe doesn't seem to go with the house, though I love the wood's properties.
I want the exterior woods of our house to be the same. Ultimately, we'll be doing three gates, a pool deck, a boardwalk entry, and a bench. We're doing the gates first, so I have to fish or cut bait on the choice of Ipe or Cumaru. I understand that we'd need heavy-duty hardware for the gates because of the weight of either wood. Anyone have experience building a gate with either wood?
Ultimately, we'll be doing three gates, a pool deck, a boardwalk entry, and a bench. I only heard of ironwood about a month ago when a neighbor installed an ipe deck and loved it. So, I feel like I'm searching in the dark here.
Appreciate any experiences.

Kurt,

Where did you get your pie from Atlanta?