When you’re building a new deck, you have a lot of choices for your decking material. One of the most popular decking materials is ipe decking. This South American hardwood is increasingly popular, and I think it’s one of the best materials you can choose for your new deck. While Ipe decks might seem ideal, this type of wood has several pros and cons. In this post, we will explain those pros and cons so that you are well-informed before making a decision.
What Is Ipe Decking?
Ipe, pronounced “ee-pay,” also known as Brazilian Walnut, is renowned for its exceptional durability, strength, and natural beauty. It is harvested from the tropical forests of Central and South America, primarily in countries like Brazil. Ipe wood is highly sought after for outdoor applications, including decks.
Ipe wood is incredibly dense and hard, making it one of the hardest and most durable wood species available. Its natural resistance to rot, decay, termites, and other insects makes it an ideal choice for outdoor use, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions.
Ipe’s high density and hardness result in wood with remarkable structural integrity, and its dense, tight grain and rich brown color give it an attractive appearance, and it weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina if left untreated.
Ipe is commonly used in decking, but there are other outside uses for this remarkable wood. It can also be used for exterior siding and cladding, as well as outdoor furniture like chairs and benches.
Pros of Ipe Decking
Curious about what an ipe deck can do for you? Here are some of the key benefits of ipe decking.
Exceptional Durability
Ipe wood is renowned for its incredible durability. It is one of the hardest and dense woods available, making it naturally water resistant and resistant to rot, decay, insects, and even fire. This durability ensures that your Ipe deck can withstand the harshest of weather conditions and heavy foot traffic without showing significant wear and tear.
Longevity
Ipe decks have a long lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, an Ipe deck can last for up to 75 years, far outlasting many other wood decking material options. This longevity can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run, as you won’t need to replace or repair your deck frequently.
Low Maintenance
Ipe wood requires minimal maintenance. It doesn’t need to be sealed or stained to maintain its durability, and its natural oils act as a protectant against the elements. However, you may choose to apply a UV protectant if you want to maintain the original rich brown color, as Ipe naturally weathers to a silver-gray patina over time.
We applied Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish for Hardwood to our Ipe deck. We followed the process recommended by Penofin, which included cleaning and restoring the wood prior to sealing. The end result was stunning. We could not be happier with the results.
Stunning Appearance
Ipe wood’s deep brown color and fine grain pattern offer a visually appealing, elegant, and luxurious look to your outdoor space. It provides a classic, timeless aesthetic that complements a variety of architectural styles and landscaping.
As you can see, the dark, rich color looks beautiful next to nature’s wide variety of greens.
Resistance to Pests and Fungus
Brazilian Ipe is naturally resistant to pests (including termites), mold, and fungus. This property further enhances its lifespan and minimizes the need for chemical treatments or pesticides.
Sustainability
Ipe wood is sourced from well-managed forests, primarily in South America. Many suppliers adhere to sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring that the wood is harvested responsibly. It is a renewable resource, and the slow growth of Ipe trees ensures a steady supply for future generations.
Resistance to Fire
Ipe lumber has a Class A fire rating, which is the highest level of fire resistance for building materials. This property can be particularly beneficial in regions prone to wildfires or for homeowners looking to prioritize fire safety.
Increased Property Value
Installing an ipe deck can enhance the value and curb appeal of your property. The luxurious appearance and durability of Ipe wood can make your outdoor space more attractive to potential buyers, increasing your property’s resale value.
Cons of Ipe Decking
While it has many great qualities, ipe decking has some disadvantages that mean it’s not an ideal deck material for every property.
High Cost
One of the primary drawbacks of Ipe wood is its relatively high cost compared to other decking materials. Its exceptional durability and longevity contribute to this higher price tag. While it may be a substantial upfront investment, the long-term savings on maintenance and replacement costs can balance this out.
Before purchasing the Ipe for our deck, I priced composite decking for comparison. While the Ipe was slightly higher in cost, it was very comparable and certainly worth the small difference.
Heavy Weight
Ipe wood is incredibly dense and heavy. This can make the installation of Ipe decking boards more challenging and time-consuming, especially for DIY projects. It may require more substantial framing and support structures to accommodate the weight, which can increase construction costs.
Initial Color Fading
Ipe wood starts as a rich brown color, but it naturally weathers to a silver-gray patina when exposed to sunlight and the elements. Some homeowners prefer this aged look, but if you want to maintain the original color, you’ll need to apply a UV protectant periodically, which can be an added maintenance task.
Slippery When Wet
Ipe wood can become slippery when wet. This can pose a safety hazard, particularly in areas prone to rain or near pools. To mitigate this, you may need to apply non-slip additives or consider alternative surface treatments.
Environmental Concerns
While many suppliers practice sustainable harvesting, there have been concerns about illegal logging and deforestation in some Ipe wood source regions. To address these concerns, it’s essential to choose a reputable supplier who can verify the wood’s origin and sustainability.
Difficult to Work With
Ipe wood is incredibly hard and dense, which can make it challenging to work with using traditional woodworking tools. Cutting, drilling, and shaping Ipe may require specialized equipment and expertise.
Not Ideal for Paint or Stain
Ipe’s natural oils can make it challenging to paint or stain. If you desire a different color or finish for your deck, it may require additional preparation and specialized products.
Availability
Depending on your location, finding a reliable supplier of Ipe decking products can be challenging. In some regions, it may not be readily available, and shipping costs can further increase the overall project expenses. We were very fortunate and were able to purchase Ipe decking from a local supplier.
Summary
Ipe wood decks offer numerous benefits, but like every building material, they have their drawbacks, too. To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to weigh these additional pros and cons against your specific preferences, location, and the intended use of your outdoor space.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to invest in an Ipe wood deck should align with your priorities for aesthetics, longevity, and maintenance. With this guide, I hope you feel more confident about making a decision!
