Decking is an important part of any construction and, as such, should be built with a wood that is hard, sturdy, and reliable. There are lots of hardwoods in the decking industry, of which Massaranduba and IPE are one of the most consistent names, so let us see how they compare to each other.
The Massaranduba decking wood, also known as Brazilian Redwood or Bullet Wood, is well known in the market for its sturdy construction, termite resistance, stylish look, and long-life span.
While the IPE decking wood, popularly known as Brazilian walnut, is one of the hardest commercial woods in the world.
Compared to the IPE, the Massaranduba is more likely to have movement in environments with extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations than the IPE. It has an average dimensional shrinkage percentage that is 25 percent higher than the IPE. Nevertheless, they are both hardwoods and one of the best in the market for decking.
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Comparison table for Massaranduba and IPE decking
| Features | Massaranduba | IPE |
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Texture | Fine and smooth | Fine and grainy |
| Color | Varies from a dull plum red to a light brown | Varies from yellow, darker blackish to reddish-brown hues |
| Hardness | Janka rating of 3190 | Janka rating 3510 |
| Strength | 29,200 psi | 23,360 psi |
| Longevity | 25 to 75 years | 25 to 75 years |
| Grain | Can be straight, wavy, or interlocked | Usually straight or interlocked |
| Insect resistance | High | High |
| Decay resistance | High | High |
| Fire resistance | High | High |
| Origin | South America | South America |
Differences between the Massaranduba and the IPE decking
There are lots of differences between the Massaranduba and the IPE decking, but the most significant ones are found in their hardness, strength, texture, grain, color, and cost.
Hardness
The hardness of the wood plays an important role in determining how reliable the decking would be immediately after the construction and years after. The Massaranduba has a hardness of 3190 Janka rating, while the IPE has a hardness of 3510 Janka rating. Both kinds of woods are hard enough to make a reliable deck, but the IPE is more preferred for anyone who wants the best among the two.
Strength
The strength of the wood is another important factor to consider when it comes to decking, as this will determine how the wood would perform when it is under high tension. That is when it is subjected to load and high temperature. The Massaranduba has a strength of 29,200 pounds per square inch, while IPE has a strength of 23,360 pounds per square inch.
Texture
The Massaranduba has a very fine and smooth feel, unlike the IPE, which is fine but with a grainy pattern. This is because the cells found in the IPE are larger than the ones found in the Massaranduba. While this might not affect the reliability of both kinds of woods, individual preference comes into play when choosing which wood to use.
Grain
A Wood grain, though usually overlooked, is a crucial factor to consider when looking for the right decking wood to use. Wood grain has a direct impact on the strength of the wood. When wood is cut vertically along the grain, it tends to be stronger than those that are cut across the grain. This means woods with straight grains have more strength. Also, the evenness of the grain matters. The more even the grains are, the stronger the wood.
The grains of the Massaranduba are sometimes straight, wavy, or interlocked. On the other hand, the IPE is usually straight and interlocked, which makes it stronger than the Massaranduba and the best choice for decking.
Color
The color of Massaranduba decking is usually dull plum red which is why it is called the Brazilian redwood but can also vary from red to light brown.
The color of IPE decking varies from yellow, darker blackish, to reddish-brown hues.
Cost
The Massaranduba decking is a much more affordable option than the pricier and exotic IPE decking.
Similarities between Massaranduba and IPE decking
As hardwood decking, the Massaranduba, and the IPE have some features in common, which can be seen in their Origin, longevity, insect resistance, decay resistance, and stability.
Origin
Both the Massaranduba and the IPE are gotten from South America.
Longevity
There are lots of factors that determine the lifespan of woods, but in the right condition, both the Massaranduba and the IPE decking have a life span of 25 to 75 years.
Insect resistance
The Massaranduba and the IPE decking offer a high level of resistance to insect attacks. At a density of 1000 and 1100 kilogram per cubic meter, respectively, insects like termites stand no chance against them.
Decay resistance
They are both naturally resistant to decay because of their ability to stay dry even in moist environments. This means decay-causing fungus cannot grow in them. In addition, they both have natural oil that deters rot and decay. Therefore, you can stick them in the dirt, come back 25 years later, and still find them intact.
Stability
Stability is one of the most sought-after features in decking, and it is safe to say that both the Massaranduba and the IPE decking will stay firm no matter what you or Mother Nature do to it.
Conclusion
From the discussion above, you can see that both the Massaranduba and the IPE will get the job done as long as decking is concerned. Knowing what you want, you just have to apply the details above so that you can make the right choice.
Technically, the IPE edges the Massaranduba. Some people call it the “King of Woods” because of its almost unbelievable characteristics. It can survive in extreme climate conditions for as long as 50 to 75 without shrinking or expanding. The IPE is the Go-To wood if you are looking for long-lasting, reliable decking material. Also, the Massaranduba is not too far from the IPE. It is generally considered an alternative to the IPE, and it comes as a cheaper option than the IPE. Also, people who are also interested in design turn to the Massaranduba because of its stylish appearance and texture.