Building a deck is quite an investment, so it’s crucial to choose the right material — one that combines aesthetics, longevity, and performance. Ipewood ticks all the boxes for exceptional durability, natural resistance to insects and the elements, and gorgeous looks, which is why it’s among the most popular hardwoods we carry here at ABS Wood.
We are a proud supplier of ipe hardwood decking and other materials, including handrails and lumber. All our products are FSC-certified to show our commitment to help maintain sustainably managed forests. Plus, we only use the highest quality materials to prevent ipe wood problems.
Should you build your deck with ipe? This blog should help you answer that question. Join us as we share what makes ipe wood so special and understand why it’s a top choice for building aesthetically pleasing and durable outdoor spaces.
What is ipe?
Ipe is a tropical hardwood from South and Central America, prevalent in Brazil. Also known as Ironwood or Brazilian Walnut, it’s known for its outstanding density, strength, and ability to resist insects, rot, and weather changes. These qualities make it suitable for outdoor applications such as decks. Ipe wood eliminates problems associated with traditional hardwoods like pine. You won’t have to worry about termites and moisture destroying your deck easily.
How hard is ipe?
Imagine a material that’s 3 times harder than a baseball bat. That’s ipe wood. On the Janka scale, it scores 3680 lbf. This means you’ll need some serious tools to work with it — including carbide-tipped saw blades with at least 80 teeth for clean cuts. You’ll also need to pre-drill for screws. While these might sound like ipe wood problems, it’s a small price to pay for such a durable and long-lasting material.
A dense and durable material
Ipe is an incredibly dense wood that’s 3 times harder than oak — an extreme density that gives it a remarkable A1 fire rating, similar to concrete. It also makes it virtually impenetrable to insects. While bugs might try to chew through it, they’ll quickly give up and move on to something softer. You don’t need to use any harmful pesticides to protect it from pests.
Discover the beauty of ipe
Ipe may be brown, but that doesn’t mean it’s a boring color. Up close, you’ll discover its unique beauty with a fine texture and captivating grain patterns. As a natural material, each ipe board has its own unique character, with subtle variations in color and grain that add personality and charm to your deck.
No preservatives needed!
Ipe wood eliminates problems associated with regular upkeep and treatments. Besides routine and thorough cleaning once a year, it only requires regular sweeping to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating or staining your deck. We also recommend applying a UV-blocking finisher if you want to preserve the deck’s rich brown hue. However, if you prefer a more natural look, you can simply let it weather naturally in the sun. Over time, ipe will develop a beautiful silver-gray patina that can last for decades.
How does ipe compares to composite decks
Ipe wood is not only beautiful but outperforms contractor-grade, pressure-treated pine. It will allow you to enjoy your deck for decades. And when it reaches the end of its service life, it will decompose naturally and won’t burden the environment. That makes it superior to composite wood and other materials. Ipe wood hasn’t had problems like polluting the soil or filling up landfills for centuries.
Add magic to your deck with ipe!
Are you interested in using ipe wood for your deck? Contact us today here at ABS Wood for a quote! You may also call us at 404-549-4840 or 352-508-4990.