Have any of you had any experience with a species of wood used for exterior decking called IPE . We live in the NorthEast and I was considering this material for a deck I’m currently building. How does it hold up to adverse weather? How does it weather in color? Thanks. Matt
Edited 9/22/2005 9:18 pm ET by NLN
Replies
NLN,
Ipe is the finest decking commercially available, IMO. Like all woods, it eventually weathers to gray. However, it does not get splintery as many woods do, and it stays together very well. Try the search function for more info. Lots has been posted on this topic here.
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Bill
Well Bill has it right in my opinion I have only built six decks with IPE but I have found no natural product better. If left untreated it "silvers" nicely but if you want to bring out the rich beauty of the wood use ( Penofin ) which are rosewood oils & hold up great to U V light. here is a link to penofin "penetrating oil finish" http://www.penofin.com/ Just be careful when cutting IPE the greenish yellow dust can cause dermatitis.
I have a 16 x 24 deck in the back and absolutely love it! It will try your sawblades and is heavy, but well worth the trouble. The Jersey Boardwalk was done with it back in the 40 or 50's and they are just replacing some boards now, and that's with NO finish and sea salt exposure. They used 2x material and the span was 5' between joists.
I used Eb-tys for my deck so as not to have any exposed fasteners, and I get lots of compliments. I went thru 3 biscuit joiner blades putting it down, but I won't do it any other way. It went slow, but it was at my own pace.
I have been to most of the NJ boardwalks and I have never noticed ipe. Just out of curiosity, do you know which towns use it?
My supplier told me that fact and has since disbanded. He mentioned it because I told him I planned to use 2x12s only 12 inches apart to take the weight, and he then conveyed the stiffness and related span info. Literature I got from Milwaukee Timber Holdings also mentioned related info.
I treat my classes to a fun little demonstration of Ipe. I have a left chunk of 3/4" x 5 1/2" deck board about 5' long. I hold onto it like its light and talk about it's strength and then lay it with one end propped up on a table. I put one foot in the middle and start pressing down... eventually I am standing on one foot, all 200#s, and it barely flexes. I then bounce and they expect it to break. Mind you it is only 3/4", not 5/4" deck board. I pick it up and drop it on end on the concrete floor and it sounds like a steel I-beam.
You should drop a chunk into a pail of water and watch their eyes pop when it sinks !
As if you need another positive, have it on the back exposed stairs in NE Florida. Mixed a variety of woods (PT, stained PT, TREX, some other syn & IPE) love the IPE, it has held up without any maint.