Ipe (ee-pay)

This fantastic and durable South American Hardwood is rated by the US Forest Products Lab for 25 years plus. It is resistant to fire naturally, has a rating of Class A by the NFPA or class 1 by the UBC, resists insects, moisture, and movement. This wood is perfect for exterior residential and commercial applications such as boat docks, decking, boardwalks, outdoor furniture, etc. It can be sealed to maintain its natural color and beauty, or weathered to a beautiful silver gray color.

It is available in various standard dimensions and can be cut with standard carbide tipped blades. It does however require predrilling and screwing with stainless steel screws or hidden fastening systems. Standard decking size is 4/4 material not 5/4 or 8/4. On 24" centers the 4/4 material will provide a 100 lb. load rating far better than any cedar, redwood, or CCA pressure treated material. It has a hardness rating of 3640 Janka, almost 3 times better than that of Red Oak. Ipe is also resistant to surface checking and naturally resistant to molds which are 2 of the most destructive forces to deck faces.

When compared to other woods such as redwood, cedar, or copper chromium arsenate pressure treated materials, Ipe lasts much longer (3-5 times the life span), a stronger resistance to fire, insects, weather and movement while it is priced competitively with high grades of cedar or redwood. By comparison, the value of Ipe is very clearly the best timber product for outdoor usage bar none.

Handling and Storage: Ipe is supplied partially air dried and should be stored out of direct sunlight and allowed to stabilize and acclimate to the installation environment humidity levels before installation. It is best to allow for groundside ventilation in the design as proper air circulation is necessary for long term stability of Ipe. When installing, allow 1/16" gap between the deck boards for circulation of air. When Ipe is fully seasoned, shrinkage of approx. 1/16" on 4" wide boards to 1/8" on 6" wide boards may be expected.

Cutting and Drilling: Premium carbide tipped saw blades and high quality drills are recommended for smooth cuts due to the hardness of Ipe. Pre drill a pilot hole and countersink when using screws as fasteners.

End Sealing: Ends should be sealed immediately after cutting using a clear aqueous wax end sealer to reduce end checking.

Fastening: Coated or galvanized steel fasteners may be used, but they tend to have a shorter life span and may cause staining of the wood. Stainless steel screws are considered the best and they will also eliminate potential chemical reactions or staining at the fastener location.

---

Allowable Ipe Spans