IPE WOOD PROBLEMS THAT CAN HAPPEN AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM AKA DECKING WISDOM

Below, we dive into the most common ipe wood problems—some are technical, others are misunderstandings—and how to deal with each one like a pro.

1. Last-Minute Orders: Planning Beats Panic

One of the most common ipe wood problems we see is customers waiting until the very last minute to place their order. After months of research, layout planning, and budgeting, many expect their Ipe hardwood decking to arrive immediately.

Here’s the truth: Brazilian hardwoods are typically special order items, and even if your chosen material is in stock, it still takes time to process and ship.

What to do:

• For in-stock items, plan for at least 2–3 weeks from order to delivery.
• If you need custom milling (e.g., grooves or special profiles), add another week.
• Always buffer your project timeline to avoid job site shutdowns due to delays.

2. Wood Damaged During Shipping: Don’t Panic, Take Pictures

Though rare, shipping damage is another one of the occasional ipe wood problems that can catch you off guard. Given the weight and volume of a shipment, sometimes a crate may break in transit.

What to do:

• Take clear photos of the damaged wood immediately—while it’s still on the truck.
• Do not sign the Proof of Delivery (POD) until you’ve inspected the boards.
• If boards are damaged, mark it on the POD, and get a copy or snap a photo of it.
• Most scratches or dents are superficial. Ipe, Cumaru, and other Brazilian hardwoods are so hard that imperfections are often only surface-level. Flip the board or sand it lightly with 80-grit paper and it’s as good as new.

At ABS Wood, we’re always here to assist you through the claim process if needed.

3. Mis-cuts and Underordering: The Classic DIY Error

Homeowners often try to order the exact number of boards required, hoping to avoid waste. Unfortunately, that precision can lead to another common ipe wood problem: running short due to mis-measurements or cutting errors.

What to do:

• Always order 5%–10% extra material to cover mistakes and cuts.
• Contractors know this rule well and factor it into every order.
• Ordering a few extra boards may seem expensive upfront, but it saves you from high shipping costs for small follow-up orders and costly project delays.

And don’t worry—any leftover Ipe can be used to make stylish planters, benches, or garden features!

4. Stacking Stick Marks: Don’t Be Fooled by Aesthetic Imperfections

Sometimes customers call us concerned about light-coloured stripes across their boards. These marks come from “stacking sticks”—wooden spacers used to separate boards for airflow during shipping from Brazil.

What to do:

• These marks are temporary and weather away naturally once the deck is exposed to sunlight and air.
• They do not affect the durability or strength of the decking.

These kinds of ipe wood problems are more perception than reality—but they’re still worth addressing for peace of mind.

5. Garapa Black Marks: Iron Meets Wood

This is a specific issue related to Garapa decking, but it can happen with other hardwoods too. Black marks may appear when steel or iron touches the wood—especially during installation.

What to do:

• Avoid metal-on-wood contact wherever possible during installation.
• If unavoidable, clean the area thoroughly to remove residue.
• Use stainless steel tools and fasteners to minimise chemical reactions that cause discolouration.

6. Tongue and Groove Decking: Special Requirements Apply

Tongue and Groove (T&G) decking gives you a smooth, floor-like finish with hidden screws. But it’s not suitable for every location.

Important tips:

• Only use T&G on covered porches.
• T&G decking is not waterproof—ventilation and drainage are essential.
• Never install T&G over a subfloor.
• Use adhesive to prevent movement, and don’t space boards too tightly—moisture causes expansion, which can lead to cupping or buckling.

This setup mimics indoor flooring, but outdoor conditions demand different rules.

7. Buckling Decking: Avoid Tight Spacing

Buckling is another avoidable ipe wood problem. All wood expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes. If your boards are jammed together, especially with T&G decking, they’ll warp or buckle over time.

What to do:

• Leave small gaps between boards during installation.
• Choose narrower planks if you’re concerned about seasonal movement.
• Slope the soil beneath the deck for drainage to reduce humidity build-up underneath.

8. ACQ/MCQ Fasteners and Flashing: Chemistry Matters

If you’re installing decking on pressure-treated lumber (PT), fastener compatibility becomes crucial.

Installation tips:

• Use only MCQ-compliant flashing and stainless steel fasteners.
• Never use indoor fasteners outdoors—they’ll corrode quickly.
• Always pre-drill Brazilian hardwoods—they’re dense and resistant to standard nails or screws.
• After cutting, seal board ends with wax emulsion to prevent end checking.

9. Wood Imperfections: Nature’s Fingerprint

Another perception-based concern is the natural variation found in hardwoods. Many customers expect perfection—but the unique grain, colour variation, or occasional knot is part of the charm.

What to do:

• Understand that wood is a natural material, not a manufactured product.
• Variations in grain and colour add character and visual interest.
• Brazilian woods like Ipe and Cumaru offer stunning patterns, especially in long planks.

10. Finishing—or Not: It’s Up to You

One of the great things about Ipe and other Brazilian hardwoods is that you don’t need to finish them. They’re naturally rot- and insect-resistant.

Options:

• If left untreated, the wood will weather to a beautiful silvery-grey patina.
• If you want to preserve the rich brown colour, use a UV-blocking sealer like Penofin.
• Either way, your deck will remain durable and stunning.

11. Splinters Happen—Wear Gloves

Yes, even premium wood like Ipe can splinter. It’s one of those ipe wood problems that’s universal across all hardwoods.

What to do:

• Wear gloves when handling.
• Don’t slide across your deck or walk barefoot until it’s fully installed and sanded if needed.