Common Mistakes in Ipe Decking Installation and How to Avoid Them

Ipe dock plug closeup

When you choose a durable and long-lasting hardwood such as ipe for your deck, you can enjoy your outdoor space for decades. You won’t have to worry about extensive and costly maintenance or replacing it within just a few years. However, installing ipe decking is not as simple as installing a typical wood deck. It requires expertise and the correct tools to ensure it’s built well. You also have to use the highest quality boards.

At ABS Wood, we are committed to bringing only carefully selected premium grade ipe wood decking. We sell FSC ipe to show our commitment to helping sustainably managed forests. Our expert team can help you with material selection based on your project. We want to ensure you are getting the most value from our products. So, for this blog, we want to share the common mistakes you must avoid in ipe decking installation to help you plan your project accordingly.

Using standard tools

Ipe is so hard no wood-destroying organisms like pine beetles and fungus can bite into it. How hard is it? It’s 3680 lb on the Janka scale. Given this feature, you need carbide-tipped tools and the sharpest brand saws. 80 teeth should be ideal for a smooth and clean cut every time. For a smoother finish, use 80 grit on your orbital sander.

Not pre-drilling

Installing an ipe wood decking is not as straightforward as an ordinary deck. We recommend pre-drilling the wood for screws and having extra bits on hand, just in case.

Not getting the necessary permits

One of the worst mistakes you could make is proceeding with ipe decking installation without checking if you need to get a permit for the job. If you violate local building codes, prepare to pay hefty fines or tear down what you have already built. Plus, building out of code makes it challenging to sell your home down the line. So, take the time to check for the necessary permits and secure them on time for a smooth sailing project and to avoid any delays.

Using inappropriate post footers

You need reliable post footers for  ipe wood decking, especially when your area experiences extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Ensure the post holes are four feet deep to prevent sagging, shifting, and leaning over time. Plus, consider using post stirrups. These will go deeper into the ground into the concrete to prevent moisture buildup and keep the wood posts above ground.

Not making it level

It sounds simple, but not everyone builds a level deck from the get-go. As a result, they had to make some adjustments down the road. Save time and effort by ensuring the ipe decking installation is level from the start.

Inadequate posts and support joists

The amount of posts and support joints varies depending on the size of your deck and the weight it must support. Ensure there’s enough for the size and weight of your ipe wood decking to avoid problems down the road. When in doubt, you can always ask professionals like us for advice.

Using low-quality attachment methods

Another common deck installation mistake is using inefficient attachment practices. In ipe decking installation, you should avoid screwing the support beams onto the sides of the posts. It’s best to groove out the post’s top part and firmly rest the beam on it. Otherwise, use the correct mounting brackets.

Additionally, some builders make the mistake of using inadequate metal hardware that is more prone to rusting. Because of this, their deck gets rust stains and develops poor structural integrity that compromises safety.

Forgetting the railing

Some homeowners believe railings and handrails are not a big deal, but these structures increase the safety of your deck. Don’t wait until someone gets in an accident or has to pay hefty fines for violating building codes. At ABS Wood, we offer different deck railings to meet your personal preferences and design goals.

Ready to build your ipe deck?

Get a quote for ipe wood decking materials here at ABS Wood. You can also call us at 352-508-4990 or 404-549-4840 for advice about ipe decking installation.