IPE WOOD DECKING INSTALLATION

Complete Guide to Ipe Wood Decking Installation: Everything You Need to Know

When you’re investing in an outdoor living space, you want materials that combine beauty, longevity, and strength. That’s where ipe wood decking stands out. At ABS Wood, we’ve spent years helping homeowners and builders across the U.S. bring their dream decks to life using only the finest Brazilian hardwoods — and ipe is our most popular choice. Whether you’re working on a brazilian wood deck by the beach or in your backyard, here’s everything you need to know about proper ipe decking installation.

Why Choose Ipe Wood Decking?

Ipe wood decking is known for its incredible hardness, natural resistance to decay and insects, and elegant appearance. Its tight grain and rich brown tones give it a luxurious feel while standing up to the harshest weather conditions. Unlike softer woods, Ipe doesn’t splinter easily and can last over 40 years with minimal upkeep. It’s a clear favourite for homeowners who want performance without compromising aesthetics.

Storage and Handling: Let It Acclimate

One of the most important aspects of ipe decking installation begins before you even start building. At ABS Wood, we supply Ipe that’s partially air-dried. However, before installation, it’s crucial to store the boards out of direct sunlight and allow them to acclimate to the local humidity and climate.

Proper acclimation helps minimise future movement like shrinkage or cupping. Good air circulation around the boards — especially underneath them once installed — is essential. For ventilation and airflow, leave a 1/16″ gap between boards during installation.

Ideal Spacing and Board Gaps

Brazilian wood decks, including Ipe, will naturally shrink slightly as they dry and season. On average, expect a 1/16″ reduction on 4” wide boards and up to 1/8″ on 6” wide boards. If you’re installing during colder months (below 40°F), use a tighter spacing of 1/16” to account for later shrinkage. Always use a spacer tool for even gaps, especially when doing a hidden fastener installation.

Understanding the Substructure

Just like any wood decking, a solid substructure is vital. Use pressure-treated lumber for your joists and make sure they’re spaced no more than 16” apart. This is the maximum recommended span for 1×6 ipe wood decking.

When planning your ipe decking installation, especially in areas with high humidity like Florida or Louisiana, always consult local building codes or a structural engineer. Certain states may have specific regulations, particularly for dock or elevated installations.

Cutting and Drilling Ipe

Working with Ipe is unlike working with pine or cedar. Due to its density, it requires specialised tools. Use high-quality carbide-tipped saw blades to achieve clean, smooth cuts. For fastening, always pre-drill pilot holes and use countersinks — this prevents splitting and ensures a flush, professional finish.

At ABS Wood, we recommend using a Smart-Bit or similar tool that drills and countersinks simultaneously to save time and effort.

Fastening: What to Use and What to Avoid

Fastening is one of the most crucial aspects of a successful ipe decking installation. Stainless steel screws are the gold standard — they don’t rust, stain, or cause chemical reactions with the wood. Galvanised or coated screws may be cheaper but tend to corrode faster and can leave unsightly marks over time.

We suggest using Headcote or DeckWise stainless steel screws, with a minimum length of 2.5 inches. These have smaller heads, making them less visible and more aesthetically pleasing.

Hidden Fastener Systems

For homeowners who want a seamless look, hidden fasteners are an excellent choice. ABS Wood carries grooved boards that work perfectly with hidden systems like Ipe Clip Extreme. These clips lock into the grooves, creating a smooth surface with no visible screws — all while providing over 1,000 lbs of holding power.

What sets our system apart? It installs from the top of the deck, so you don’t have to crawl underneath or twist into awkward positions. This feature alone makes it a favourite for both professionals and DIYers.

Don’t Forget End Sealing

Whenever you cut a board, seal the end grain immediately with a wax-based end sealer like Ipe Seal. This prevents “end checking,” which is the development of small cracks due to moisture imbalance. At ABS Wood, all our boards come pre-sealed at the mill, but any field cuts should be treated right away for optimal performance.

Deck Design Options: Covered vs. Uncovered

When it comes to planning your brazilian wood deck, consider how you’ll use the space:

Covered Decks

• Protection from weather: Shield your deck from rain, sun, and snow.
• Increased usability: Great for entertaining and outdoor kitchens.
• Less maintenance: Reduces fading and wear.
• Higher home value: Adds premium living space to your property.

Uncovered Decks

• Natural experience: Perfect for sunbathing or stargazing.
• Lower cost: Fewer materials and simpler construction.
• Greater versatility: Easier for gardening and barbecues.

Both options are ideal for ipe wood decking — it just depends on your lifestyle.