A pergola is more than just an outdoor structure—it’s a statement piece that enhances your backyard’s aesthetic, provides shade, and creates a cozy space for gatherings. Choosing the right wood for your pergola is critical to ensuring it stands the test of time, resists the elements, and maintains its beauty.
While many homeowners opt for budget-friendly options like Pressure-Treated Pine or Cedar due to their affordability and availability, premium hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, Teak, and Brazilian Redwood offer unmatched durability, elegance, and long-term value.
In this post, we’ll discuss why these hardwood species are ideal for pergolas and why investing in them outweighs the downsides of cheaper lumber.
Why Hardwoods Are the Superior Choice for Pergolas
Pergolas are exposed to harsh outdoor conditions—sun, rain, wind, and even insects. While Pressure-Treated Pine and Cedar are popular choices due to their lower cost and widespread availability, they come with significant drawbacks:
- Pressure-Treated Pine: This chemically treated softwood is prone to warping, cracking, and splitting over time. The treatment chemicals can leach into the soil, and its appearance often fades, requiring frequent staining or painting. It’s also less resistant to insect damage long-term.
- Cedar: While naturally resistant to rot and insects, Cedar is softer than hardwoods, making it susceptible overtime to weathering, splintering and decay overtime. Softwoods do need waterproofing sealers applied to prolong the lifespan. Cedar is still a superior choice to pressure treated lumber especially since pressure treated nowadays does not last as long as the old preservative formulas that were used in pressure treated lumber.
These cheaper lumber options may save money upfront, but their need for frequent maintenance, repairs, or replacement can make them less cost-effective over time. Premium hardwoods, on the other hand, offer exceptional strength, natural resistance to weather and pests, and stunning aesthetics that elevate your outdoor space. Let’s dive into the best hardwood species for building a pergola.
Top Hardwood Species for Your Pergola
1. Ipe: The King of Hardwoods
Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is renowned for its unparalleled durability and strength, making it a top choice for pergolas. This Brazilian hardwood is incredibly dense, with a Janka hardness rating of 3,680, meaning it resists scratches, dents, and wear. Ipe’s rich, dark brown to reddish hues create a luxurious look, and its natural oils make it highly resistant to moisture, insects, and UV damage. Ipe pergolas can last 40+ years with minimal maintenance, and their fire resistance (Class A rating) is a bonus for safety-conscious homeowners. While Ipe is a premium investment, its longevity and low upkeep make it worth every penny.
Why Choose Ipe?
- Virtually indestructible and weatherproof
- Minimal maintenance—just periodic cleaning or oiling to maintain color
- Elegant, timeless appearance
2. Cumaru: The Cost-Effective Powerhouse
Cumaru, often called Brazilian Teak, is a fantastic alternative to Ipe, offering similar durability at a slightly lower price point. With a Janka hardness of 3,330, Cumaru is exceptionally strong and resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather. Its warm, golden-brown to reddish tones add a vibrant touch to pergolas, and it ages gracefully, developing a silver patina if left untreated. Cumaru’s interlocking grain enhances its structural stability, making it ideal for large pergola designs.
Why Choose Cumaru?
- Comparable strength to Ipe at a lower cost
- Striking color variations for a unique look
- Long lifespan of 30+ years with proper care
3. Tigerwood: Bold Beauty with Exotic Flair
Tigerwood stands out for its dramatic, striped grain patterns resembling a tiger’s coat, making it a showstopper for pergolas. This exotic hardwood has a Janka hardness of 2,160, offering solid durability and resistance to moisture and insects. Its reddish-brown color with dark streaks creates a bold, tropical aesthetic that’s perfect for modern or eclectic outdoor spaces. Tigerwood pergolas are low-maintenance and can last 25-30 years, though occasional oiling helps preserve its vibrant hues.
Why Choose Tigerwood?
- Eye-catching, exotic appearance
- Strong resistance to weather and pests
- Ideal for homeowners seeking a distinctive design
4. Garapa: Bright and Budget-Friendly
Garapa, also known as Brazilian Ash, is a lighter hardwood with golden to honey-blonde tones, perfect for creating a bright, inviting pergola. With a Janka hardness of 1,630, Garapa is durable and naturally resistant to rot, insects, and UV exposure. Its smooth texture and consistent grain make it easy to work with, and it maintains its color well with occasional sealing. Garapa offers a balance of affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious homeowners who still want a premium hardwood.
Why Choose Garapa?
- Warm, light tones for a welcoming vibe
- Good durability at a lower price than Ipe or Cumaru
- Easy to maintain with a lifespan of 25+ years
5. Teak: The Classic Luxury Wood
Teak is synonymous with luxury and is widely used in high-end outdoor furniture and structures. Its Janka hardness of 1,070 is lower than other hardwoods on this list, but its high oil content makes it exceptionally resistant to water, rot, and insects. Teak’s golden-brown color weathers to a distinguished silver-gray patina, adding character to pergolas. While Teak is one of the pricier options, its reputation for longevity (50+ years) and minimal maintenance makes it a favorite for upscale projects.
Why Choose Teak?
- Timeless elegance with a prestigious reputation
- Superior resistance to moisture and pests
- Ages beautifully with or without treatment
6. Brazilian Redwood: Rich Color and Resilience
Brazilian Redwood, also known as Massaranduba, is a dense hardwood with a Janka hardness of 3,190, rivaling Ipe in strength. Its deep, reddish-brown color adds warmth and sophistication to pergolas, and its tight grain ensures stability in harsh climates. Brazilian Redwood is highly resistant to rot, insects, and abrasion, making it ideal for pergolas exposed to heavy rain or humidity. With a lifespan of 30+ years, this wood is a reliable, long-term investment.
Why Choose Brazilian Redwood?
- Bold, rich color for a striking appearance
- Exceptional durability and weather resistance
- Low maintenance for busy homeowners
Why Invest in Hardwoods Over Cheaper Lumber?
While Pressure-Treated Pine and Cedar are tempting due to their lower upfront costs, their long-term downsides make hardwoods a smarter investment for pergolas:
- Longevity: Hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Teak can last 25-50+ years, while Pressure-Treated Pine and Cedar typically need replacement or major repairs within 10-20 years.
- Low Maintenance: Hardwoods require minimal upkeep—occasional cleaning or oiling—compared to the frequent staining, sealing, or repairs needed for softer woods.
- Aesthetic Value: Hardwoods offer rich colors, unique grains, and a premium look that enhances your property’s value, while cheaper woods often fade or look utilitarian.
- Durability: Hardwoods are naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather, unlike Pressure-Treated Pine, which can crack or warp, or Cedar, which is prone to checking and splintering.
Build Your Dream Pergola with AdvantageLumber.com
At AdvantageLumber.com, we offer a wide selection of premium hardwoods, including Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, Teak, and Brazilian Redwood, all sourced sustainably and milled to perfection. Our expert team can help you select the ideal species for your pergola, ensuring it meets your aesthetic, budget, and performance needs. Unlike cheaper lumber options, our hardwoods are an investment in quality, beauty, and durability that will elevate your outdoor space for decades.
Ready to start your pergola project? Browse our hardwood collection at AdvantageLumber.com or contact us for custom milling and expert advice. Build a pergola that’s as stunning as it is strong—choose premium hardwoods today!