Mataverde Decking Blog

Ipe - The Best Decking Material

Written by Chris Nolan | Tue, May 8, 2012 @ 13:05 PM

Ipe has long demonstrated how durable of a decking material it can be. It is not unusual for Ipe decks to last for 40 to 50 years or longer. From early commercial usage of Ipe in the construction of the Panama Canal to later uses on the Coney Island and Atlantic City boardwalks, Ipe wood stands the test of time and ages beautifully.

Ipe is an amazingly strong high density tropical hardwood that grows throughout Central and South America. The best subspecies of Ipe trees are sustainably harvested in Northern Brazil, where the growing climate is ideal for Ipe to mature and be made into high quality hardwood products.  Ipe decking is prized for its strength, longevity and resistance to attack as well as its beautiful coloration and natural exotic graining. Ipe ranges from lighter to darker chocolaty and olive brown colors to almost blackish brown. The variation in colors and range of exotic graining are part of the natural characteristics of the remarkable Ipe hardwood species.

Ipe is considered a low maintenance hardwood decking material. Ipe wood is impervious to decay and insects including termites. An oil finish can be applied to high density Ipe hardwood to help it keeps its original colorations. Or you can allow Ipe decking to age gracefully to a pale silvery gray weathered patina. The rich graining adds tremendous character to Ipe decking boards or Ipe lumber as they age.

For additional information about Ipe decking and Ipe hardwood lumber please follow any of the links below:

Ipe Decking

Ipe Project Ideas

Compare Ipe decking to other Wood Decking species

Ipe Decking vs. Synthetic Composite Decking

Ipe Project Picture Gallery

For a FREE Quote for Ipe decking ot other hardwood decking material, please click on the button below:

For a wealth of useful information about all the available decking material options, please feel free to download the authoritative, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material". This comprehensive FREE guidebook will help you learn about the pros and cons of all decking products, so you can decide what's the best decking material for you.