Botanical identity
Ipe is a trade name for several Handroanthus species. Ask for the botanical identity and country of origin represented by the shipment.
Independent technical buying guide
Ipe decking: specify it before you price it
Actual dimensions, drying, length tally, fastening, ventilation, appearance limits, and current trade documentation.
Ipe is exceptionally dense, hard and naturally durable, but performance depends on the complete system—not the species name alone. Specify botanical identity, actual dimensions, moisture condition, profile, length distribution, appearance limits, fastening, drainage and documentation before comparing prices.
Current trade context: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guidance states that CITES Appendix II requirements for trumpet trees, including Ipe genera, took effect November 25, 2024. Request the documents applicable to the shipment.
What a complete Ipe specification includes
Actual dimensions
Require finished thickness and width plus tolerances. Nominal 1x6 or 5/4x6 labels do not guarantee identical products across mills.
Drying condition
Confirm air-dried or kiln-dried condition, target moisture range, and whether the material was prepared for exterior service.
Profile and system
State standard/E4E, pre-grooved with its compatible clip, or tongue-and-groove for a covered and pitched condition.
Length tally
Request a written tally or agreed random-length distribution that fits the framing and board-break plan.
Appearance limits
Name exposed faces and permitted sapwood, checks, wane, color variation, grain, and defects. Approve representative samples.
Useful alternatives—not a hardness contest
Hardness is only one input. Compare durability, movement, fastening, documentation, maintenance, local availability, and installed cost.
| Material | Representative Janka | Best fit | Review carefully |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe | 3,490 lbf | High-wear decks and boardwalks | Heavy; demanding machining; CITES documentation |
| Cumaru | 3,330 lbf | Dense hardwood alternative | Interlocked grain; pre-boring; CITES documentation |
| Garapa | 1,650 lbf | Lighter golden appearance | Less hard; different durability and insect resistance |
| Thermally modified wood | Varies | Lightweight architectural work | Performance depends on species and process |
| Western red cedar | Much softer | Low weight and easy field work | Dents more readily; grade and heartwood matter |
Installation planning checklist
- Confirm code, permits, drawings, joist spacing, slope, and supplier instructions.
- Record delivery moisture condition; store elevated, supported, and ventilated.
- Set spacing from actual moisture, board width, climate, and written guidance.
- Provide drainage and cross-ventilation; avoid moisture traps at framing and edges.
- Use sharp carbide tooling, dust control, predrilling, and compatible stainless fasteners.
- Seal fresh end cuts promptly and approve a full-size spacing, fastening, finish, and color mockup.
Marine caution: natural durability does not approve Ipe for submerged structural use; the cited species profile notes susceptibility to marine borers.
Independent sources and limits
This Lumberama guide is original editorial work based on independent technical and government references. Representative values are not structural design values.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: CITES-listed Timber and Wood Updates: implementation date, regulated genera, and document guidance.
- The Wood Database: Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa profiles: representative properties, durability, workability, safety, and trade notes.
- USDA Forest Products Laboratory: Wood Handbook: moisture, dimensional change, fastening, finishing, and exterior wood principles.
Current law, local code, project drawings, design professionals, manufacturer instructions, and the supplying mill control each project. Updated September 2026.