Ipe Decking
Pronounced “e-pay”
About Ipe Wood
Ipe is one of the finest natural wood decking materials on the market today.
We maintain one of the largest inventories of Ipe in the United States and have a wholesale customer base throughout the US and Canada.
Ipe is widely recognized as one of the hardest and most durable timber species in the world. Its wide color variation provides a striking appearance on decking, siding and other uses. It is naturally durable and resistant to rot and decay, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications. It not only lasts a long time, but has the beauty of an interior hardwood. Ipe is a popular natural alternative to PVC or composite products. It outlasts other popular wood decking species such as treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood and Douglas Fir.
We offer a wide selection of Ipe sizes used for decking boards, joists, treads, risers, skirting, posts and hand rails, as well as heavy timbers for boardwalks and structural applications. We also carry pre-grooved (PG) and tongue-and-groove (T&G) profiles, and offer custom millwork for special profiles or sizes. Ipe deck facing is air-dried (AD) and for outdoor use only. ETT Fine Woods also stocks all the accessories – fasteners, sealers, cleaners, and finishes – to complete your deck.
Ipe FAQ
What spans can I expect from Ipe?
1x (net 3/4″) – up to 16″ on center
5/4x (net 1″) – up to 24″ on center
2x (net 1-1/2″) – up to 32″ on center
Diagonal patterns may require shorter joist spacing
We recommend that you check with your local building code before deciding on joist spans.
What grades of Ipe do you sell?
Can Ipe be installed on existing SYP pressure treated framing?
Can Ipe be painted?
How do I maintain that original dark, rich color?
Ipe Decking Sizes
Standard: 8' - 20'
Possible Odd Lengths: 9', 11', etc.
Possible Shorts: 2' - 6'
Possible Longs: 21', 22'
Please contact us to find out our current stock levels, sizes and lengths available as they vary at any given time. We also offer millwork services for special sizes or profiles.
Railing Profiles
ETT offers the following stock Red Balau railing profiles:
Sub-Rail
Use this profile for the top and bottom runners of your railing. Screw your 2×2’s or balusters in place between these boards.
Rail Cap - Curved Top
Use this profile for the top hand rail by fastening it from underneath through the sub-rail.
Rail Cap - Flat Top
Use this profile for the top hand rail by fastening it from underneath through the sub-rail.
Hand Rail
Use this profile for small handrail or stair cases.
Handrail Assembly
This cross-diagram and photo shows how to assemble the handrail parts.
Tongue & Groove Porch Flooring
Tongue-and-Groove Porch Flooring allows for interlocking of decking boards. This is offered in 1×4 and 5/4×4 Ipe Tongue-and-Groove (T&G) Porch Flooring for exterior covered porches. Red Balau T&G Porch Flooring typically runs in random odd and even lengths from 7′ to 20′.
1x4 T&G Profile
This Profile measures net 11/16" x 3".
5/4x T&G Profile
This profile measures net 15/16" x 3".
Siding
ETT offers standard shiplap siding profiles for exterior vertical spaces. Red Balau Shiplap Siding typically runs in random odd and even lengths from 7′ to 20′. Our standard profile measures net 9/16″ x 4-3/8″ face. Also known as “lap and gap”, we can custom-mill various profiles and sizes by request, please call for details and pricing.
Wholesale Ipe Decking
Stock Information
4/4
5/4
8/4
12/4 and 16/4
Timbers, Rails, and Plugs
Ipe Decking Informational Video
Presented by Jim Larkey
Wood Species Guide
Natural woods vary in performance characteristics from one another. This wood comparison chart helps you compare hardness, weight, fungal resistance, and more. Use the wood comparison guide to help you find the right wood for your project.
Locations
Locations are strategically placed throughout the United States to serve our customers. Products stocked at each location are different based on customer needs.