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.
Nominal Sizes and Milling Styles
| 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 / FEQ — virtually free of knots and sapwood |
Grading Standards (Tropical Decking Grades)
Unlike domestic species graded under NELMA or NHLA rules, tropical decking is sold to export quality standards. We stock to the top tier so the boards you receive install clean and consistent.
- Premium / FEQ (First European Quality): Our standard Ipe grade. Clear, defect-free heartwood with no sapwood, milled to tight tolerances. The vast majority of every board is usable — ideal for visible decking, dock surfaces, and architectural projects.
- Color Variation: Ipe ranges naturally from olive-brown to deep chocolate within a single bundle. This is an inherent characteristic of the species, not a defect. Mixing boards across bundles during installation produces the most balanced finished appearance.
- Custom & Clear Specifications: For projects requiring uniform color or specific clear lengths, we can quote select-and-better material. Contact us with your spec.
Fastening Ecosystem
Ipe's density requires specialized fasteners — pre-drilling is mandatory, and only stainless steel hardware should touch the wood. We supply everything you need; just tell us the profile.
- Hidden Clips (Pre-Grooved profiles): Ipe Clip 175-count Complete Kit covers 100 sq. ft. at 16" o.c. — 5/32" gap, brown finish.
- Face Screws (S4S / Square Edge): #7 × 2-1/4" trim-head stainless. One 350-count box per 100 sq. ft.
- Smart-Bit Pre-Drill & Countersink: #7 (flush) or #8 (countersunk). One per box of screws.
- Pro Plug System (optional, for hidden face screws): 5/16" species-matched plugs with Pro Plug tool.
- End Seal: Wax-based sealer applied immediately to every cut end to prevent checking.
Not sure what you need? Give us a call — we'll spec the hardware to match your deck.
Responsibly Sourced & FSC Chain-of-Custody
Specifying sustainable material on a commercial or institutional project? We can supply Ipe from suppliers who participate in FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) chain-of-custody programs, with the documentation your architect, GC, or LEED reviewer needs to verify legal, well-managed forest origin.
- Chain-of-custody paperwork on request — FSC-certified stock and the accompanying transfer documentation for qualifying orders.
- Legal-harvest assurance — tropical hardwoods sourced to comply with the U.S. Lacey Act and supplier due-diligence standards.
- Project-ready specs — documentation suitable for LEED, green-building submittals, and public-procurement requirements.
FSC-certified availability varies by species, profile, and quantity. Contact us early in your specification process so we can confirm certified stock and lead times for your project.
