Ipe Decking
Ipe: The Hardwood That Earns Its Reputation
Dense, naturally durable, and resistant to the conditions that destroy lesser materials — Ipe has been the premium outdoor hardwood specification in Florida for decades.
What Ipe Is and Why It Performs
Ipe — pronounced ee-pay — is a Brazilian tropical hardwood with a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf, making it one of the densest commercially available decking species. That density is not incidental: it is the source of Ipe's natural resistance to moisture, insects, fungal decay, and surface wear. Ipe contains natural oils that protect the wood without chemical treatment. It is rated for ground contact and direct water exposure.
In Florida's coastal environment — salt air, high UV, standing water, and pool chemical exposure — Ipe outperforms softwoods, pressure-treated lumber, and most composite products in longevity. Left untreated, it weathers to a silver-gray patina. Maintained with periodic oiling, it holds its rich, dark brown color. Either way, a properly installed Ipe deck will outlast the structure it is attached to.
Hardness and Density
At 3,680 lbf Janka, Ipe is harder than most domestic hardwoods and nearly all tropical species used for decking. This density resists denting, scratching, and surface wear under heavy foot traffic.
Natural Durability
Ipe's natural oils provide resistance to moisture, insects, and fungal decay without chemical treatment. It is rated for ground contact — the most demanding durability classification.
Class A Fire Rating
Ipe carries a Class A fire rating — the same classification as concrete and steel — making it appropriate for applications with fire code requirements, including commercial and resort properties.
Appearance and Weathering
Fresh Ipe ranges from olive-brown to dark chocolate brown with fine, tight grain. Untreated, it weathers to a uniform silver-gray — a look many owners prefer. Oiling every one to two years maintains the original color.
Where Ipe Is Used
Residential Estates
Pool decks, waterfront terraces, covered lanais, and rooftop decks. Ipe's longevity and appearance justify the investment for owners who want a surface that will not need replacement in ten years.
Hospitality and Resort
Hotel pool decks, resort boardwalks, and outdoor dining terraces. Ipe's durability under high-traffic commercial use and its premium appearance make it a natural fit for five-star properties.
Waterfront and Coastal
Docks, boardwalks, and coastal decks where salt air, moisture, and UV exposure are constant. Ipe's natural resistance to these conditions is unmatched among wood species used for outdoor construction.
Architectural Surfaces
Beyond decking — Ipe is used for ceilings, cladding, louvers, shutters, and gates where the same durability and appearance are required on vertical and overhead surfaces.
Deckmasters Ipe Projects
Ritz-Carlton Residences Pompano Beach
Ipe deck, beach boardwalk, cable railing, fire pit, trellis, ADA ramp, and Ipe louvers.
View projectWaldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach
Nearly 5,000 sq ft Ipe deck, 4,500 sq ft pergola, ADA ramp, stairs, and Ipe cladding.
View projectNixon Presidential House
Custom Ipe deck on the bayside of the former Presidential retreat on Key Biscayne.
View projectSolemar Pompano Beach
Ipe deck and exterior cladding for the Solemar Pompano Beach sales center.
View projectTongue & Groove Ipe
Ipe tongue and groove ceiling, wall, and floor installations — the full range of Ipe surface applications.
View projectMaintenance
Ipe requires less maintenance than most wood species. Left untreated, it weathers to a silver-gray patina that many owners find attractive and that requires no upkeep. For those who prefer to maintain the original color, cleaning and oiling every one to two years — depending on sun exposure and proximity to salt water — will keep the wood looking fresh. Deckmasters provides Ipe refinishing services for existing installations throughout the region.
Related Services
Discuss Your Ipe Project
Tell us about your project and we will schedule a site visit.