• What is IPE? IPE has the highest natural durability rating, 25 years plus, by the U.S. Forest Products Lab.
• Do I need to apply sealers? After installation IPE does not require any sealers to maintain their durability, to resist rot, to resist termites, to prevent cupping and warping, or to keep it from splintering. Without a sealer IPE weathers to a silvery gray. To enhance the stabilization process into your climate, or to retain the original color, a sealer may be applied to the finished deck.
• Can IPE be stained? YES, we recommend a V inhibitive pigmented, oil based sealer to maintain the original color and enhance the natural beauty of the wood. This will also help seal the wood and minimize shrinkage and swelling.
• Can IPE be painted? In very few applications is the natural beauty covered with paint, however, some brands of solid color stains have been used to create a painted look.
• What profiles and sizes are available? IPE is available in all standard decking and porch flooring.
• Is IPE a New product? NO. IPE has been used in demanding commercial applications, such as the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, since 1981 and have become popular for residential decks in the last few years.
• Where does IPE originate? Most IPE originates in Brazil, Indonesia and Africa. IPE suppliers are certified by the International Timber Organization and the Brazilian Government for meeting proper forest management codes.
• What special Installations are required? Due to the high density of IPE, the boards will need to be pre-drilled before nailing or screwing. When using self drilling screws the countersinks will need to be pre-bored. It is recommend to attach thru the face of the boards.
• Is IPE Kiln Dried? NO, it is milled after air drying and shipped to the wholesalers where the moisture content is typically 18% and 20%. There may be shrinking or swelling of plus or minus 2-4%.
• Is 5/4 Thick the standard thickness? NO. Due to the high strength and stability of these woods a net thickness of ¾" can span 24" between joists, based on a 100 lb. loading.
• Would IPE be used for the entire deck? For a virtually indestructible deck that lasts a lifetime, without maintenance; IPE decking, railing, and benches with grade stamped pressure treated joists and beams is the best combination. Many decks are built using IPE decking, cedar or redwood railing systems, and a pressure treated substructure, all weathering to a uniform silver gray patina.
• Where can I use T&G? Tongue and grooved Ipe is only recommended on covered porch or covered deck application.
• What tools are needed for installation? Although very dense, these woods can be worked with standard carbide tipped saw blades and router bits. The use of high quality or cobalt drills will give the longest life.
• What fasteners are recommended? Stainless steel self-drilling screws or stainless steel pneumatic finishing nails are your best choice. The various premium screws with specialty coatings have also been used.
• Will my deck be slippery when wet? Although the wood is a hardwood and feels very smooth, after weathering, the minor surface checking will usually eliminate any problem. Also, unlike softwoods, IPE’s density minimizes the ability for mold to grow, one of the main causes of slippery wood surfaces.
• How heavy is this wood? IPE is approximately twice as heavy as oak and four to five times heavier than cedar or redwood.
• Do insects damage this wood? NO. IPE has a high natural resistance to termites, decay, and marine borers and are among the highest rated timbers in U.S. Forest Products Lab testing.
• What is the fire rating on IPE? They are rated the same as steel and concrete; Class A by the SFPA Code and Class 1 by the UBC Code.
• How expensive is IPE? IPE is in the same price range as other high quality decking materials, such as clear grades of redwood or cedar and composite materials.

Ipe is an air-dried product. There is no expressed warrantee against shrinking and swelling. This information answers only basic questions. For complete installation instructions please contact an architect.