Why Ipe'?

One of the strongest woods in the world

Environmentally friendly

Low maintenance

Up to a Class A fire rating for flame spread

Termite, Mold & Fungi resistant

No knots

High scratch & slip resistance

Can outlast composite material

Twice as strong as Oak

Time proven on many commercial projects

Better than teak

Great for docks, gazebos, benches, & tables

Worldwide shipping is available

Large selection of stock sizes

Up to 20 feet long

Up to 6x6 timbers

We custom mill to your dimensions

Comparably priced with composite decking choices

Available with hidden fastening system

Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is the finest quality wood available. From the Atlantic City Boardwalk, to Las Vegas' Resort Hotel Treasure Island, to your own backyard, nothing keeps it's integrity or lasts as long as Ipe Decking. Ipe is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, is 8 times harder than California Redwood, and is guaranteed for 20 years without preservatives!

 

Compare Ipe Decking!

Compare the available decking woods. Read the following comparison and then give us a call. By any measure (hardness, strength, durability, appearance), our Ipe Decking is clearly the superior decking material across the board. Don't take our word for it, ask for a sample. Our Ipe Decking speaks for itself! Click on the following deck pictures to see full size versions.
Brazilian walnut decking Ipe porch decking
ipe deck installed with ipe clip fasteners ipe decking

 

  APPEARANCE HARDNESS BENDING
STRENGTH
DECAY
RESISTANCE
Ipe An extremely dense, tight grained wood. Generally a deep rich brown with some pieces displaying red and amber hues. 3600lbs 22,560 psi Highest rating for insect (termite) and decay resistance. Offers a 75+ year lifespan.
Douglas
Fir
A light reddish-brown wood with 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-green palor due to chemical treatment of the wood. 690 lbs. 14,500 psi There are 2 commonly used chemical preservatives, MCA (Micronized Copper Azole) and ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary). These chemicals are forced into the wood to help reduce decay but there are some potential health concerns with these treatments.
California
Redwood
Several grades available that vary considerably in in appearance and quality. Usually straight grained with a fine, even texture. Color varies from cherry-red to dark reddish-brown 480 lbs. 10,000 psi Premium grades are more durable than most woods in common use. Resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Treatment is recommended.
Western
Cedar
Fresh cut, this wood appears a salmon pink color which turns a coffee brown over time. Species is generally straight grained. 580 lbs. 7,500 psi This softwood is more durable than most woods in common use. Resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Treatment is recommended.
Philippine
Mahogany
Interlocked grain similar to true mahogany, but with a courser texture. Species is generally medium to dark brown. 760 lbs. 12,000 psi Only the dark red species are resistant to decay. Although more durable than cedar and redwood, it is still relatively soft compared to Ipe Decking.

 

FIRE RATING FOR IPE Decking (Up To) IPE DECKING RATINGS (Up To)
Ipe Decking Flame Spread (10) Minutes 0 NFPA Class* A
Ipe Decking Flame Spread (30) Minutes 5 UBC Class** 1
Ipe Decking Smoke Developed Values (10) Minutes 3
Ipe Decking Fuel Contribution (10) Minutes 0
* NFPA is the National Fire Protection, NFPA no. 1 Fire Safety Code
** UBC is the Uniform Building Code, 1979 Edition, Part VIII, Fire Resistive Standard for Fire Protection.

 

Ipe Decking vs. S. Yellow Pine CCA Treated
  IPE TREATED PINE
Bending Strength 25963 psi 13100 psi
Work to Maximum Load 22 in-lbs/cu. in. 11 in-lbs/cu. in.
Shear Strength 2048 psi 1390 psi
Weight 69 lbs/cu. ft. 36 lbs/cu. ft

 

  Ipe Philippine Mahogany Southern Yellow Pine Western Red Cedar Redwood
Hardness - psi 3,180 630 740 350 420
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) - psi 3,140,000 1,630,000 1,520,000 1,110,000 1,100,000
Modulus of Rupture(bending strength) - psi 25,400 12,100 13,000 7,500 7,900
Specific Gravity 1.06 0.43 0.48 0.32 0.35
Weight - lb./ft3 69 31 35 23 26