Ipe (pronounced "EE-pay"), also known as Brazilian Walnut, is the premier decking and exterior wood in the world. With a Janka hardness of 3,680 lbf — harder than concrete — Ipe delivers extraordinary durability, natural beauty, and a lifespan measured in decades, not years. It's the wood you'll find on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Coney Island, and luxury residential projects across the country.
Color & Appearance
Freshly milled Ipe ranges from olive-brown to rich chocolate-brown with occasional darker veining. The grain is tight, interlocked, and produces a smooth, almost polished surface when properly sanded. Over time, unfinished Ipe weathers to a distinguished silver-gray patina. Annual application of UV-blocking oil preserves the original warm tones.
Available Profiles
| Nominal | Milling | Actual Width | Exposed Face | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x6 | S4S / Pre-Grooved | 5.5" | 5.5" | Exterior open-air decking |
| 1x6 | Tongue & Groove | 5.5" | 5.0" | Covered porches / ceilings |
| 1x4 | S4S | 3.5" | 3.5" | Decking / trim |
| 1x4 | Tongue & Groove | 3.5" | 3.0" | Covered porch flooring |
| 5/4x6 | Pre-Grooved | 5.5" | 5.5" | Heavy-duty / commercial decking |
| 5/4x6 | S4S (Square Edge) | 5.5" | 5.5" | Docks / commercial walkways |
- 1x6 Pre-Grooved Decking: Our standard residential Ipe profile. Pre-milled grooves on both edges accept hidden deck clips for a fastener-free surface. 5.5-inch exposed face. Standard lengths 8'–20'.
- 1x6 S4S (Square Edge): Traditional face-screw decking. 5.5-inch exposed face. Ideal for stair treads, perimeter boards, and any area where hidden clips cannot be used.
- 1x6 Tongue & Groove: Precision-milled T&G for covered porches and interior use only — not for exposed decks. Water trapped in the groove will freeze, swell, and buckle. 5.0-inch exposed face.
- 1x4 S4S Decking: The classic Northeastern architectural profile, providing a refined, linear aesthetic highly sought after in custom home building. 3.5-inch exposed face.
- 1x4 Tongue & Groove: Precision-milled for covered porch flooring. 3.0-inch exposed face.
- 5/4x6 Pre-Grooved: Heavy-duty commercial and extreme-load profile; many builders and homeowners also choose it for residential decks. Pre-milled grooves for hidden clip installation. 5.5-inch exposed face. Standard lengths 8'–20'.
- 5/4x6 S4S (Square Edge): Heavy-duty face-screw profile for dock planking and high-traffic commercial walkways. 5.5-inch exposed face.
We can source additional Ipe dimensions and profiles beyond those listed — contact us for availability.
Performance Specifications
- Janka Hardness: 3,680 lbf (hardest commercial decking species)
- Density: ~69 lbs/cu. ft. (Ipe will sink in water)
- Durability Class: Class 1 — naturally resistant to rot, decay, termites, and marine borers
- Fire Rating: Class A (ASTM E84) — approved for WUI zones
- Expected Lifespan: 40–75 years in ground contact; indefinite above-grade
- Grading: Premium Grade — virtually free of knots and sapwood
Fastening Ecosystem
Ipe's extreme density requires specialized fasteners and accessories. We carry everything you need — just let us know which profile you're working with and we'll make sure you have the right hardware.
For Pre-Grooved Decking (Hidden Clips)
- Ipe Clip Hidden Fasteners: We supply the premium 175-count Complete Kit, engineered to cover exactly 100 square feet of decking (16" o.c. joist spacing). Our standard kits feature the optimal 5/32-inch gap clip in a specialized brown finish, designed to disappear into the natural shadow lines of tropical hardwoods.
- Stainless Steel Screws: Our most common choice is #7 x 2-1/4" trim-head stainless for perimeter boards (S4S) and stair treads; a 350-count box covers 100 sq. ft. Other options are available if you prefer.
- Ipe End Seal: Wax-based end sealer to prevent end-grain checking. Apply immediately to all cut ends.
For Square Edge Decking (Face-Fastened)
- Smart-Bit Pre-Drill & Countersink: Choose #7 Smart-Bit for flush screw heads or #8 Smart-Bit to countersink the #7 screw slightly below the surface (recommended if heavy sanding is anticipated). 1 Smart-Bit per 100 sq. ft. (1 per box of screws) — Ipe's density dulls carbide tips rapidly.
- Pro Plug System: Ipe-matched wood plugs for a nearly invisible face-fastened finish. The Pro Plug tool drills a precision pocket for 5/16-inch plugs. 1 tool per 100 sq. ft.
- Hardwood Plugs: 100-piece box of 5/16" Ipe plugs. Order quantity matched to linear footage of S4S perimeter boards and stair treads.
- Face Screws: #7 x 2-1/4" trim-head stainless steel. 350-count box covers 100 sq. ft.
- Ipe End Seal
For Tongue & Groove
- Stainless Steel Fasteners
- Ipe End Seal
Not sure what you need? Give us a call — we'll walk you through it.
Common Applications
- Residential decking & elevated porches
- Commercial boardwalks & pool decks
- Dock & marina planking
- Exterior siding & rainscreen cladding
- Porch ceilings (T&G profile)
- Outdoor furniture & benches
