Ipe Questions and Answers

Ipe FAQs

Question: "What is Ipe... some kind of composite like Trex?"

Answer: Ipe is a naturally durable hardwood that has been rated as a 25 year + wood by the U.S. Forest Products Lab.

Question: "Where is Ipe from?"

Answer: Ipe comes from South America.

Question: What are some of Ipe's other names? Are Ironwood and Brazilian Cherry the same thing?

Answer: Ipe is also known as Ironwood, Pau Lope, Brazilian Cherry, Cambara decking, Brazilian Walnut flooring, Green heart wood, Jatoba, purple heart wood, massaranduba to name a few. These are not all Ipe, but they are from closely related species.

Question: Is an Ipe deck naturally resistant to termites and decay?

Answer: It is so dense that insects do not bother Ipe decks and Ipe decks do not rot.

Question: Is Ipe decking slippery when wet?

Answer: No. Ipe decking does not allow mold and mildew to grow which is what makes wet wood slippery.

Question: Does Ipe wood require a sealer?

Answer: No. Ipe wood does not require any type of sealer to maintain its resistance to decay and insects. Some folks choose to seal the ends of the Ipe decking to prevent end checking. A penetrating UV-inhibited sealer may be applied to maintain the natural brown luster of the wood. Sikkens makes an excellent product.

Question: Is Ipe lumber expensive?

Answer: Ipe lumber is more expensive than pressure treated but Ipe lumber is less expensive than premium cedar. For an accurate estimation of the cost of an Ipe deck (labor and materials) see the Virginia Decking Deck Building Cost Calculator.

Question: Is there any way I can get a discount on Ipe... or is there a way to save money on an Ipe deck?

Answer: Absolutely! First, by ordering the Ipe from our Supplier you will save significantly. But a huge way to save money is by you buying the materials directly and then using the "We Frame - U Finish" service. This service gives you a $30,000 Ipe deck for $15,000! See the letter from Chris Cain to verify this rather bold statement.

Question: Are any special tools required to install Ipe?

Answer: A standard circular saw with carbide tipped blades work fine. You will want to pre-drill the decking and use stainless steel nails. Hidden fasteners can also be used.

Question: How heavy is Ipe?

Answer: Ipe is double the weight of oak.

Question: I suppose it doesn't burn easily either?

Answer: Ipe has the the N.F.P.A Code fire rating "Class A" which is the same fire rating of metal and concrete.