Ipe Hardwood Decking
Ipe is a premium, ultra-dense South American hardwood (often called Brazilian Walnut or Ironwood) known for exceptional durability and long service life (often noted as 40–75+ years). Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and decay, Ipe is a strong choice for high-traffic exterior decks. It can be left to weather to a silver-grey patina or cleaned and oiled to maintain its rich, chocolate-brown tone.
Key Features & Benefits
- Extreme durability: Janka hardness rated at 3,680 lbf for high-wear applications.
- Natural resistance: Naturally resistant to insects, fungi, rot, and moisture.
- Fire rating: Class A (WUI compliant).
- Low maintenance (structural): Does not require staining or painting to maintain structural integrity.
- Comfort & traction: Does not retain heat and is noted as highly slip-resistant.
- Colour maintenance: Untreated boards fade to silver-grey; to maintain the original brown tone, clean and oil as needed.
Common Applications
- Residential decks, patios, and rooftop terraces
- Commercial walkways, boardwalks, and seating areas
- Pool decks (slip and moisture resistance)
Technical Overview
| Property | Specification | Units / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Handroanthus spp. | South American hardwood |
| Janka Hardness | 3,680 | lbf |
| Fire Rating | Class A | WUI compliant |
| Durability Class | Class 1 (Very Durable) | Naturally resistant to decay, insects, and rot |
| Moisture Content | KD to 12–14% | Typically kiln-dried |
| Lead Time | Varies | Contact us for current availability |
| Warranty | 20-year warranty | All Ipe products |
Available Profiles, Sizes & Lengths
- Available lengths: 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft, 14 ft, 16 ft, 18 ft, 20 ft
- Profiles: see profile specifications table below (profile images can be added per row)
| Profile | Profile Image | Size | Type | Available Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Board | 1″ × 4″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 1″ × 6″ | T&G | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 1″ × 6″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 1″ × 6″ | Pregrooved | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 1″ × 8″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 1″ × 10″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 1″ × 12″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 5/4″ × 6″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Deck Board | 5/4″ × 6″ | Pregrooved | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Dimensional | 2″ × 2″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Dimensional | 2″ × 4″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Dimensional | 2″ × 6″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Dimensional | 2″ × 8″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Dimensional | 2″ × 10″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Dimensional | 2″ × 12″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ | |
| Post | 4″ × 4″ | Solid | 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′ |
Fastening System
Use fastening methods appropriate for ultra-dense hardwood decking and follow local building codes and installer best practices. Due to Ipe’s hardness, pre-drilling is commonly recommended. Confirm fastener compatibility and corrosion resistance based on site conditions (including coastal or high-moisture environments).
- Pregrooved boards: intended for use with compatible hidden fastening systems (confirm clip compatibility).
- Solid / square-edge boards: often used for face-fastening where specified (confirm screw type and corrosion rating).
Maintenance & Colour Weathering
Left untreated, Ipe will weather to a silver-grey patina. To maintain the original rich brown colour, periodic cleaning and oiling is required, based on exposure and appearance preference.
