Ipe and Cumaru on endangered list: Why you must rethink decking choices
The Changing Face of Decking in the UK
On November 18, 2022, at the CITES Conference of the Parties, two of the most sought-after tropical hardwoods—Ipe and Cumaru—were officially added to CITES Appendix II. These species, once synonymous with “luxury decking,” are now recognised as endangered. Ipe and Cumaru on endangered list, you should remember this folks, it’s an important one.
For decades, architects and designers specified Ipe and Cumaru as the gold standard for beauty and durability. But the decision by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora signals the end of an era.
This change demands a crucial question: why are some specifiers still choosing precious rainforest hardwoods when viable, sustainable alternatives exist?
Why Are Ipe and Cumaru Now Endangered?
Tropical hardwoods are not renewable in any realistic timeframe.
- Ipe trees grow painfully slowly—just 12 to 24 inches in diameter after 100 years.
- To reach the massive six-foot logs that dominate trade, trees must survive for thousands of years.
- Once cut, rainforest land is often stripped bare or even burned, destroying biodiversity and erasing the carbon-capturing potential of the ecosystem.
Cumaru shares a similar fate. Together, they join other rainforest species such as big-leaf mahogany and Pernambuco wood, which are either illegal to trade or effectively extinct in commercial terms.
So, while harvesting may continue for a 24-month window under Appendix II, the writing is on the wall. Labelling these woods as “sustainable” is no longer credible.
Ipe and Cumaru on endangered list is no longer an option, if there no demand then the supplier chain will dry up.
The Myth of “Sustainable” Tropical Timber
For years, importers and suppliers promoted tropical hardwoods under the banner of FSC certification or selective logging. But the reality is stark:
- Growth rates are too slow to support replacement.
- Replanting efforts rarely succeed.
- Logging scars the land, displaces wildlife, and undermines local ecosystems.
Consumers are waking up to this truth. Public perception is shifting, and luxury no longer means stripping rainforests bare.
Why Do Architects Still Specify Ipe and Cumaru?
Despite the evidence, architects continue to specify Ipe and Cumaru. Why?
- Tradition – These timbers have a long history in landmark projects.
- Perception of quality – Many still equate dense tropical hardwood with durability.
- Client demand – Some clients ask for “the best,” without knowing the environmental cost.
But the world has changed. Sustainability is no longer optional. Specifiers who cling to tropical hardwoods risk reputational damage and may soon face legal restrictions.
Smarter Timber Alternatives
If timber must be used, there are responsible options. Accoya and Kebony stand out as innovative, modified woods offering exceptional durability without harming rainforests.
- Accoya: Radiata pine modified through acetylation, stable and durable with a 50-year above-ground warranty.
- Kebony: Softwood treated with bio-based liquids to mimic hardwood properties, offering long life and a beautiful finish.
Both deliver the natural aesthetic architects love, but with a clear conscience.
Composite Decking: A Luxury Alternative
Beyond timber, the last decade has seen explosive growth in premium composite decking. These products combine recycled materials, advanced engineering, and aesthetics that rival natural wood.
- Millboard: Manufactured in the UK, it offers a moulded wood look with the practicality of polyurethane.
- Deckorators Excursion: A new mineral-based board with unmatched stability.
- Elements by Azek: Launched with energy by Composite Prime, they’ve quickly gained market traction.
- Trex Signature: The latest in a line of proven high-performance boards.
These brands are not only durable and low-maintenance, but also boast strong environmental credentials. They represent the future of luxury decking. The represent a better choice than Ipe and Cumaru on endangered list.
Why sustainability now equals luxury
Luxury used to mean rarity. Now it means responsibility. Homeowners and developers want outdoor spaces that are not just beautiful but also aligned with their values.
- Ease of maintenance – Composites remove the need for constant oiling or staining.
- Longevity – Modified timbers and composites offer lifespans rivalling or exceeding tropical hardwoods.
- Design freedom – A wider range of colours, textures, and styles than ever before.
In 2025, luxury isn’t about a rainforest giant cut down after 800 years. It’s about choosing a material that looks good, lasts long, and doesn’t cost the Earth.
The shift in public perception
The public is catching on faster than the specifiers. Increasingly, clients are asking questions:
- Where did this wood come from?
- Is it really sustainable?
- Are there better alternatives?
Those who specify Ipe and Cumaru risk looking outdated. Those who embrace Accoya, Kebony, or composites stand at the cutting edge of design and sustainability.
The end of an era, the start of a better one
The inclusion of Ipe and Cumaru on CITES Appendix II marks a turning point. These woods, once prized for their beauty and endurance, are now symbols of an unsustainable past.
Architects, designers, and contractors must lead the way. The options are clear:
- If timber is a must, specify Accoya or Kebony.
- If innovation is welcome, embrace Millboard, Deckorators Excursion, Elements by Azek, or Trex Signature.
Ipe and Cumaru on endangered list and they’re there to stay. The decking industry has a responsibility—and an opportunity—to define a new era of sustainable luxury. It’s time to leave Ipe and Cumaru in the history books, and design with conscience.
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Eva-Last Composite “Pioneer” range offers laser scanned and digitally printed IPE and Cumaru. We have immortalised these timbers and now offer exact composite reproductions of each of the individual planks we scanned – this is Sustainable Composite for the future !