I am going to order my fencing/decking this weekend, and am trying to decide between Massaranduba or Ipe. As of right now, I am leaning toward Massaranduba (because it is cheaper) for the fence, and Ipe for the deck. Would greatly appreciatie any thoughts from people who have experience with both--I am under the belief that both types of wood will look nearly idential after one year.

As to the deck, I'd like to achieve a clean look, and am considering pregrooved. I live in southern California, and we don't get much rain. If there was anyway I could, I'd install T & G--I absolutely love that look. But I realize that because the deck isn't covered, I can't. I'd therefore like to achieve a look with the least amount of spacing between boards and least number of visible fasteners--is there any problem going with pregrooved and using a hidden fastener system.

Thanks in advance!