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! |
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| 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. | |
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| APPEARANCE | HARDNESS |
BENDING STRENGTH |
DECAY RESISTANCE |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
