PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
Handling and Storage: Ipe is supplied partially air dried and should be stored out of direct sunlight and allowed to stabilize and acclimate to the installation environment humidity levels before installation. It is best to allow for groundside ventilation in the design as proper air circulation is necessary for long term stability of Ipe. When installing, allow 1/16" gap between the deck boards for circulation of air. When Ipe is fully seasoned, shrinkage of approx. 1/16" on 4" wide boards to 1/8" on 6" wide boards may be expected.
Cutting and Drilling: Premium carbide tipped saw blades and high quality drills are recommended for smooth cuts due to the hardness of Ipe. Pre drill a pilot hole and countersink when using screws as fasteners.
End Sealing: Ends should be sealed immediately after cutting using a clear aqueous wax end sealer to reduce end checking.
Fastening: Coated or galvanized steel fasteners may be used, but they tend to have a shorter life span and may cause staining of the wood. Stainless steel screws are considered the best and they will also eliminate potential chemical reactions or staining at the fastener location.
Allowable Ipe Spans
Nominal Size |
40psf |
60psf |
100psf |
| 1 x 6 |
32" |
28" |
24" |
| 5/4 x 6 |
42" |
38" |
32" |
| 2 x 4 |
62" |
56" |
48" |
These spans are designed for minimal deflection of the deck surface Finishing: Ipe may be sealed upon installation to reduce the potential of checking. Penetrating oil based finishes are used with Ipe by most installers. Excessive application of oil based sealers may create a sticky surface and will not enhance or extend their performance. To maintain and keep the rich natural walnut-like color of Ipe, use a pigmented, penetrating oil sealer with UV inhibitors. Reapply as needed, or, if you wish the natural weathering to a silver gray, apply a penetrating oil based sealer during installation and do not reseal... ever.
Decking Comparison Chart for Ipe vs Redwood, Pine & Cedar
Common Name |
Ipe |
Cedar |
Redwood |
CCA Southern Pine |
| Grade |
Clear, all-heart, No knots, No sapwood |
Varies, common grades have knots and sapwood |
Varies, common grades have knots and sapwood |
Varies, available grades have knots and other defects |
| Appearance |
No splinters. Surface stays smooth and resists scratches. No sealers required. Develops a silvery patina from UV exposure and small surface checks |
Scratches easily. Splinters, becomes a dirty gray without regular cleaning and applying of sealers. |
Scratches easily. Splinters, becomes a dirty black/gray without regular cleaning and applying of sealers |
Surface develops large splits. Splinters, boards twist and cup, surface becomes rough without regular application of sealers, cleaners, and power washing. |
| Decay Resistance |
High 25 years plus |
Moderate 10-15 years |
Moderate 10-15 years |
Varies with treatment |
| Fire Rating Class-NFPA |
A |
B-C |
B-C |
C-D |
| Resistance to Termites |
High |
Low |
Low |
Varies with treatment |
| Resistance to Marine Borers |
High |
Low |
Low |
Varies with treatment |
| Movement in Service |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium to High |
| Weight (per cu. ft.) |
69 lbs |
30 lbs |
30 lbs |
35 lbs |
| Bending Strength |
25,400 psi |
6,800 psi |
7,900 psi |
14,500 psi |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
3,140,000 psi |
930,000 psi |
1,000,000 psi |
1,700,000 psi |
| Max. Shear Strength |
2,060 |
900 |
940 |
1,370 |
| Hardness |
3,680 lbs |
580 lbs |
480 lbs |
690 lbs |
FAMILY NAME
Tabebuia avellandedae, Tabebuia ipe and Tabebuia serratifolia of the Family Bignoniaceae.
COMMON NAMES
Ipe, pau d'arco, ipe tabaco, bethabara, lapacho, ebene vert, amata prieto, ironwood,
greenheart, amapa, cortez, guayacan, guayacan polvillo, flor amarillo, madera negra,
tahuari, lapacho negro, Brazilian Walnut.
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
Trees routinely grow to 150 feet, and can reach 200 feet, with trunk diameters of 6 feet and
boles clear to 60 feet or more. Weight varies between 60 and 75 pounds per cubic foot with
a specific gravity of 1.08.
PROPERTIES
Usually air dries rapidly with very slight checking or warping. Material can be difficult to work
and difficult to saw. Hardness of material can cause a blunting effect to cutting edges. High
quality carbide and diamond tipped blades are recommended as well as pre-drilling when
surface fastening. Machining material generates a fine, yellow dust that may cause breathing
problems and dermatitis. Ipe is highly resistant to all insect and fungal attacks.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: Stable, minimal checking and warping
MAINTENANCE: Low
FIRE RATING (NFPA): Class A
RESISTANCE TO INSECTS & DECAY: High
MOVEMENT IN SERVICE: Low
WEIGHT IN LBS. (CU.FT): 60-75 lbs
BENDING STRENGTH (PSI): 26,000
MODULAS OF ELASTICITY (PSI): 3,308,000
HARDNESS (PSI): 3,650
SPAN VALUES: Nominal Size 40 lbs/sf 50 lbs/sf 60 lbs/sf 100 lbs/sf
1 x 4 32” 30” 28” 24”
1 x 6 38” 34” 32” 28”
5/4 x 6 42” 38” 36” 32”
