Brazilian Ipe Deck and Ipe Hardwood Decking
ABSWood carries a full line of Ipe Woods including decking, lumber, and handrails!
ABSWood also sells FSC Ipe showcasing our commitment to sustainably managed forests.FSC® C117062
At ABSWood we are proud to be one of the leading suppliers of Brazilian Ipe decking and timbers in the country. With an 18 year history of serving decking needs across the globe, we pride ourselves in an unparalleled experience. We pass down the savings to you through direct to builder and consumer relationships. Our Ipe is all premium grade and we ship our premium grade Ipe domestically in the US as well as to Europe, Asia, Central and South America. We also ship to the entire Caribbean Islands and have relationships to assist the process. This includes shipping to the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and many others.
Brazilian Ipe Decking at ABS Wood offers the best combination of quality, price, and longevity. This magic wood comes in rich brown with red amber colors. Ipe is also one of the hardest woods and durable that it makes a perfect option for commercial projects such as for large-scale beach piers or boardwalks, and public benches. Ipe decking has proven to be an eco-friendly decking choice. Ipe can withstand all climatic condition without any chemical preservative. It also resists decking issues, such as decay, rot, termites and more.
Ipe Specifications
Ipe, known under various names in the US like Ironwood or Brazilian Black Walnut, is one of the hardest woods on earth. Think of something 3 times as hard as a baseball bat. It is a very popular choice in Asia with a lot of Ipe going to the Olympic “Bird’s Nest” in Beijing. Europe has been a strong user of Ipe for decades and rivals the US for it import quantity.
For Interior or Exterior use, Home, Deck and Dock builders in the US all know that Ipe is a beautiful wood. Ipe holds up to the elements and can last decades. It has a luxurious brown color and grain. When maintained with a UV Finisher it will last indefinitely. Ipe resists WDO like termites and rot. If you do nothing to it after installation, it will still last decades while turning a silver gray patina.
All our Ipe is responsible harvested and comply to the Lacey act. Ipe is natural and once its long life is at an end, it will decompose and return to earth. Unlike composites that will sit in landfills for hundreds of years.
If you are building a dock, boardwalk, deck, table, pergola or whatever, Ipe is a strong candidate for your review.
Ipe Characteristics:
Ipe is semi-unique as it sinks. The density is such that dock builders have learned to be careful as they loose Ipe to the bottom. This density is what allows it to be 3 times harder than Oak. The density also provides it with a fire rating comparable to Concr
ete, that of A1. When it comes to bugs, again Ipe density does not allow bugs to bite it. If they try to gnaw at all, they will pull back and find something softer. There are no chemicals needed to achive these affect the Ipe itself. Of course, due to the density you will have to pre-drill any penetration into the wood
Ipe Color:
Ipe or Brazilian Walnut, is brown. In fact Ipe has a small quantity of colors that many find very attractive. Across a large expanse of Ipe you should expect to see a few ipe deck boards that are so dark they are black. A few that are red and a few that are greenish. The texture is very fine and it has a beautiful graining pattern. Every ipe deck boards will vary in color and grain with the predominate color of medium brown
Ipe Hardness:
This : No Wood Destroying Organisms (WDOs) like fungus or pine Beatles can get a grip into the wood. For the technical minded, the Janka is 3680lb. As you can imagine, you need carbide tipped tools. Use name brand saws and keep them sharp. I like to use 80 teeth to keep a nice clean cut. As for screws, always pre-drill and have extra bits handy.
Ipe Wood Durability:
No Wood Destroying Organisms (WDOs) like fungus or pine beattles can get a grip into the wood. It is so hard it is scratch resistant. If you do drag something across an Ipe deck, hit it with 80 grit on an orbital sander to smooth it out. Yes 80 grit, the stuff is hard.
Ipe Timbers Preservation:
None needed! All wood will turn gray in the sun. Ipe is no exception and will also turn silver gray and last that way for decades. If you want to maintain the beautiful brown color you will need periodically apply a UV blocking finisher.
This table outlines why Ipe decking is a top choice for decking and other outdoor applications, offering a unique combination of beauty, durability, and performance.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Ranges from rich brown with reddish or greenish tints to nearly black. Tends to darken upon exposure to sunlight. Long-term will gray unless a UV blocker finisher is applied. |
| Texture | Fine to medium texture, with a straight to irregular grain pattern. Slightly oily to the touch. |
| Hardness | Extremely hard, with a Janka hardness rating of approximately 3,680 lbf (16,390 N), making it resistant to scratches and wear. |
| Weight | Very dense, approximately 69 lbs/ft³ (1,100 kg/m³), significantly heavier than many other types of wood used for decking. |
| Fire Resistance | Class A fire rating, the highest rating for wood materials, equivalent to concrete and steel in terms of fire resistance. |
| Workability | Very difficult to work with due to its hardness and density; carbide-tipped tools and pre-drilling for fasteners are recommended. |
| Stability | High stability with minimal expansion and contraction in response to environmental changes, thanks to its dense structure. |
| Expansion/Contraction | It exhibits lower rates of expansion and contraction compared to other woods, a result of its density and natural oils. ~ 2% to 4% |
| Termite Resistance | Highly resistant to termites and other insects due to its dense structure and natural chemical composition. |
| Buoyancy | Due to its high density, Ipe does not float easily or sinks in water, contrasting with less dense wood types that are more buoyant. |
| Type | Dimensions net | Notes |
| DECKING | ||
| Ipe Decking 1×6 | 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ | Selected Length |
| Ipe Decking 1×6 Grooved | 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ | Call for details selected length pricing |
| Ipe Decking 5/4×6 | 1″ x 5 1/2″ | Special Terms |
| Ipe Decking 5/4×6 Grooved | 1″ x 5 1/2″ | Call for details selected length pricing |
| Ipe Decking 5/4×4 | 1″ x 3 1/2″ | 8-20 |
| Ipe Decking 5/4×4 Grooved | 1″ x 3 1/2″ | 8-20 |
| Ipe Decking 1×4 | 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ | 8-20 |
| Ipe Decking 1×4 Grooved | 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ | 8-20 |
| RAILING | ||
| Ipe Handrail 2 x 6 | 1 1/4″ X 5 1/4″ | |
| Ipe 2×6 | 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ | |
| Ipe Handrail 5/4 x 6 | 1 x 5 1/4″ | |
| Ipe Handrail 2×4 | 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ | |
| Ipe 2×2 Balusters | 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ | |
| Ipe sub-rail 1×4 | 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ | |
| Ipe sub-rail 2×4 | ||
| Ipe 2×4 | 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ | |
| Ipe 4×4 | 3 1/2″x 3 1/2″ | |
| Ipe T&G 1×6 | 3/4″ x 5″ Face | |
| Ipe T&G 5/4×6 | 1″ x 5″ Face | |
| Ipe T&G 1×4 | 3/4″ x 3″ Face | |
| Ipe T&G 5/4×4 | 1″ x 3″ Face | |
| Various Dimensional Lumber & Timbers | Assume we have it – call for pricing | |
| Also available in Ipe Ipe 2 x 6 Ipe 2 x 8 Ipe 2 x 10 Ipe 2 x 12 | Ipe 3 x 4 Ipe 3 x 6 Ipe 3 x 8 Ipe 3 x 10 Ipe 3 x 12 |
Ipe 4 x 4 Ipe 4 x 6 Ipe 4 x 8 Ipe 4 x 10 Ipe 4 x 12 Ipe 6 x 6 Ipe 6 x 12 Ipe 8 x 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Brazilian Ipe hardwood such a standout choice for Ipe deck boards?
Brazilian Ipe hardwood is considered the gold standard for decking because of its unmatched strength, beauty, and longevity. It’s one of the hardest woods in the world, offering exceptional resistance to scratches, impacts, rot, termites, and even fire (Class A fire rating, like concrete or steel). Ipe deck boards can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance, while maintaining their stability in any climate. With its rich brown and amber tones, tight grain, and luxurious appearance, Ipe combines natural elegance with industrial-level durability, making it a standout choice for both residential and commercial decks.
2. Are Ipe deck boards eco-friendly and suitable for harsh outdoor environments without chemical treatment?
Yes, Ipe is both eco-friendly and naturally durable in harsh outdoor environments. ABSWood sources its Ipe from responsibly managed forests, and FSC-certified material is available, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices. Because Ipe is so dense and naturally resistant to rot, termites, and decay, it does not require chemical treatment to perform outdoors. In fact, untreated Ipe can last for decades in direct sun, rain, and extreme climates, weathering to a beautiful silver-gray patina if left natural.
3. What aesthetic benefits do Ipe hardwood boards offer, and how do they age over time?
Ipe hardwood is prized for its natural beauty. Freshly installed boards feature a rich range of colors, deep brown, olive, amber, and even subtle red tones, paired with a tight, fine grain that gives decks a luxurious, high-end look. Because Ipe is so dense, the surface is smooth and polished, requiring no chemical treatment to look stunning.
Over time, if left untreated outdoors, Ipe naturally weathers to a sophisticated silvery-gray patina while retaining its strength and durability. For homeowners who prefer to keep the original deep brown tones, applying a UV-protective deck oil once or twice a year will preserve the color. Either way, Ipe delivers a timeless aesthetic that only improves with age.
4. What are common tools or techniques needed when working with Ipe hardwood, considering its density?
Because Ipe is one of the hardest woods in the world, it requires a few special considerations when cutting and fastening:
- Cutting & Drilling: Use carbide-tipped saw blades and drill bits to handle Ipe’s extreme density. Always pre-drill holes before fastening to avoid splitting.
- Fastening: Stainless steel screws are recommended for strength and corrosion resistance. Many builders also use hidden fastening systems for a clean, seamless deck surface.
- Finishing: While Ipe doesn’t need chemical treatment, applying a UV-protective oil helps preserve its rich brown color. For best results, seal cut ends with an end-grain sealer to reduce checking.
- Tool Care: Expect faster wear on blades and bits—sharpen or replace them more often when working with Ipe.
Tip: With the right tools and preparation, Ipe installs beautifully and delivers unmatched performance for decades.
5. How does ABSWood ensure sustainable sourcing and premium quality in their Brazilian Ipe deck boards?
ABSWood ensures both sustainability and premium quality in its Brazilian Ipe decking by focusing on responsible sourcing and strict quality control. All Ipe is harvested from well-managed forests in Brazil, with FSC-certified options available for customers who want third-party verification of sustainable practices. This means trees are harvested under strict environmental guidelines that protect biodiversity and ensure reforestation. See our page on Responsible Forestry for more information – /responsible-forestry/
On the quality side, ABSWood carefully inspects each shipment to ensure only premium-grade Ipe boards are supplied, dense, stable, and free of defects. Customers receive decking that not only meets the highest durability standards but also reflects the rich natural beauty Ipe is famous for.
Shipping Information
Shipping Locations
| Area | Transit Time |
| Northeast States | 1 to 3 days |
| Southern States | 1 to 3 days |
| Midwest States | 2 to 5 days |
| West coast | 1 to 3 days |
| European Countries | 3 weeks |