Cox Lumber - IPE Hardwood Decking

IPE

Return to our Decking Index page from here

Hardwood Decking
ipé decking…beauty, strength and durability naturally

Ipé ( pronounced EE-pay ), is a superior decking. An exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, it is 8 times harder than California Redwood and is guaranteed for 20 years without preservative treatment.The word Ipé is from Brazil, some other common names are Cortez ( Honduras and Costa Rica ), Amapa (Mexico ), Guayacan ( Panama ). The Name Ironwood is used in the U.S. by some because of the hardness of the wood.

Originating in South America, Ipé decking is a unique decking material that provides warmth , beauty , strength and durability to any deck naturally. Ipé is an ideal decking material if your looking for maintenance-free decking.

About Ipé wood

Ipé is a large canopy tree, growing to a height of 120 to 150 feet in the natural rain forest, with trunk diameter up to 3 to 5 feet and a clear bole of 60 feet.

Ipé heartwood is a deep rich brown with some pieces displaying attractive red and amber hues. It has a fine texture, medium luster, and a somewhat oily appearance. Ipé is very hard (two to three times as hard as oak), very strong and very heavy. It weighs approximately 70 pounds per cubic foot and sinks in water. Ipé is rated as extremely durable.

to the top

Here are some suggestions:

You can build the entire deck with Ipé including posts, joists, decking, handrail system, stairs, etc.
You can build an Ipé deck on top of pressure treated pine.
You can refurbish an old deck by replacing the decking, hand rail system and covering the pine with fascia boards.
No matter what your approach, Ipé is the most fabulous all natural decking wood on the market today. Homeowners who want a new Ipé deck or replacement Ipé decking should send us an email today.

Installing Ipé Decking

1x and 5/4 x Ipé decking may be installed on 16"o.c. joist system. 5/4 Ipé may also be installed on 24"o.c. joist systems. When installing decks with a diagonal pattern, it may require shorter joist spacing. It is recommended that there should be a 1/16" gap between deck boards when installed. This allows for air circulation and the possibility of shrinkage when the boards become fully seasoned. The average rate of shrinkage is approximately 1/16" 0n 4" wide boards and 1/8" on 6" wide boards.

Fasteners

Stainless steel fasteners are highly recommended because of superior corrosion resistance combined with maximum holding power.

Cutting

Premium carbide tipped saw blades and power tool bits are recommended to be used on Ipe Decking.

Pre-drill pilot holes close to the sizeof screw being used. If using trim-head screws, it is recommended to drill a slightly larger hole than the diameter of the scred head so it can countersink itself.

End Sealing

After cross-cutting , it is recommended to seal all ends wih-in 24 hours with a clear aqueous wax sealer.

One brand is Anchorseal by U.S. Coatings. This will reduce the checking.

Finishing

Because of the natural density and alkaline characteristics, many oil and water based coatings and finishes can cause reactions. It is recommended to test any product chosen on several sample areas to determine compatibility. Some products can change the color of the wood more than others.

If the desire is to maintain Ipe's rich natural color a natural walnut finish is required. Applying a superior quality penetrating oil finish with a UV sunblock approximately six months after installation is complete is also recommended.

Ipé will weather naturally to a beautiful silver gray over a period of time, there is no maintenance required.

to the top

Deck Parts

Ipé Decking Parts

Type Style Size Nominal Size Net Available Lengths

Decking Lumber

1 x Boards

1 x 4"

3/4 x 3-1/2"

6' thru 18'

1 x

1 x 6"

3/4 x 5-1/2"

6' thru 18'

1 x

1 x 8"

3/4 x 3-1/2"

6' thru 18'

5/4 x

5/4 x 4"

1" x 3-1/2"

6' thru 18'

5/4 x

5/4 x 6"

1" x 5-1/2"

6' thru 18'

Joists Stringers and Treads

2 x Joist

2 x 4"

1-1/2 x 3-1/2

6' thru 18'

2 x

2 x 6"

1-1/2 x 5-1/2

6' thru 18'

2 x

2 x 8"

1-1/2 x 7-1/4

6' thru 18'

2 x

2 x 10"

1-1/2 x 9-1/4

6' thru 18'

2 x

2 x 12"

1-1/2 x 11-1/4

6' thru 18'

Railings, Balusters

Top Rail

Mill from 2x6

1-1/4 x 5-1/4"

4' thru 12'

Sub. Rail

1-1/2 Rabbet

1 x 3-1/2"

4' thru 12'

Balusters

2 x 2"

1-1/2 x 1-1/2

3' and 8'

Post

2 x 3"

1-1/2 x 2-1/2

6' thru 18'

Post

4 x 4"

3-1/2 x 3-1/2"

7' thru 12'

to the top

Span Table
Nominal Size 40psf 60psf 100psf

1 x 4 32" 28" 24"

5/4 x 6 42" 38" 32"

2 x 4 62" 56" 48"

Compare Ipé To Other Decking Woods

Type	Appearance	Hardness	Bending Strength	Decay Resistance
Ipé Wood	An extremely dense, tight grained wood. Generally a deep brown with some pieces displaying red and amber hues. Little or no knots. If left natural turns a soft silver over time. Resistant to shrinking, splitting, twisting, cupping and checking.	3600 Lbs.	22,560 psi	Hightest rating for insect (termite) and decay resistance
Douglas Fir	A light Reddish-brown wood generally straight grain	670 Lbs	12,400 psi	Not naturally resistant to decay. Should be painted or stained to prevent decay.
Pressure Treated Pine	Very pronounced grain. Dusty yellow-g

Ipé Decking Parts
Type Style	Size Nominal	Size Net	Available Lengths

Decking Lumber
1 x Boards	1 x 4"	3/4 x 3-1/2"	6' thru 18'
1 x	1 x 6"	3/4 x 5-1/2"	6' thru 18'
1 x	1 x 8"	3/4 x 3-1/2"	6' thru 18'
5/4 x	5/4 x 4"	1" x 3-1/2"	6' thru 18'
5/4 x	5/4 x 6"	1" x 5-1/2"	6' thru 18'

Joists Stringers and Treads
2 x Joist	2 x 4"	1-1/2 x 3-1/2	6' thru 18'
2 x	2 x 6"	1-1/2 x 5-1/2	6' thru 18'
2 x	2 x 8"	1-1/2 x 7-1/4	6' thru 18'
2 x	2 x 10"	1-1/2 x 9-1/4	6' thru 18'
2 x	2 x 12"	1-1/2 x 11-1/4	6' thru 18'

Railings, Balusters
Top Rail	Mill from 2x6	1-1/4 x 5-1/4"	4' thru 12'
Sub. Rail	1-1/2 Rabbet	1 x 3-1/2"	4' thru 12'

Balusters	2 x 2"	1-1/2 x 1-1/2	3' and 8'

Post	2 x 3"	1-1/2 x 2-1/2	6' thru 18'

Post	4 x 4"	3-1/2 x 3-1/2"	7' thru 12'

Nominal Size	40psf	60psf	100psf
1 x 4	32"	28"	24"
5/4 x 6	42"	38"	32"
2 x 4	62"	56"	48"