It's one of the most common questions we get when a client is planning a new deck: Should I go with Ipe or Trex?
Both are premium materials. Both can last decades. And both have appeared in our projects across San Mateo, San Francisco, Saratoga, and Woodside. But they're very different products, and the right choice depends on your priorities.
Here's how they compare — honestly, from a contractor's perspective.
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Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is a tropical hardwood from South America. It's one of the densest woods on the planet — harder than oak, harder than teak, nearly as hard as concrete. It's naturally resistant to rot, insects, fire, and moisture.
Left untreated, Ipe weathers to a beautiful silver-gray. Oiled annually, it holds its deep brown color for decades. Either way, it's stunning.
Ipe has been used on the Coney Island boardwalk, major commercial piers, and thousands of premium residential decks. When properly maintained, it can last 40–75 years.
Trex is the leading brand in composite decking — boards made from 95% recycled wood fiber and plastic. It's engineered to resist fading, staining, scratching, and moisture without any sealing or oiling.
Trex comes in dozens of colors and finishes, including premium lines that convincingly mimic the look of natural hardwood. It carries a 25-year fade and stain warranty and requires almost no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
We're an approved Trex contractor, and we install it frequently — especially for clients who want a great-looking deck without the upkeep.
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California isn't one climate — it's many. Here's how each material handles what the Bay Area actually throws at it:
Our honest take: In most Bay Area projects, we see roughly equal demand for both. Clients in Woodside, Atherton, and Hillsborough tend to choose Ipe for the natural look. Clients focused on ease of ownership often go with Trex Transcend or TimberTech Legacy — the premium composite lines that get closest to wood aesthetics.
When in doubt, we bring samples to the consultation. Seeing and touching the material in your actual yard, in your actual light, usually makes the decision clear.
Ipe is a tropical hardwood, which raises legitimate sourcing questions. If you choose Ipe, look for FSC-certified material from a supplier with verifiable chain of custody. We source responsibly and can confirm certification on any Ipe project.
Trex uses 95% recycled content — reclaimed plastic film and wood fiber — and is one of the more environmentally conscious products in the building materials industry.
