IPE DECKING
INSTALLATION GENERAL GUIDELINES
Ipe is an extremely dense tropical hardwood with excellent durability and
performance characteristics. When properly installed, Ipe, will provide many
years of service. Ipe is rated very resistant to attack by decay fungi and
termites by the USDA Forest Products Lab.
Handling and Storage:
Ipe is supplied as partially air-dried and is suitable for outdoor use. Ipe
should be kept dry, covered and stored out of direct sunlight. It should be
allowed to acclimate to local humidity conditions, and stacked on blocks up
off the ground, with thin strips placed between layers to allow for adequate
ventilation. By acclimating Ipe to Local conditions, prior to installation,
your decking will be more uniform. Due to naturally occurring alkali present
in Ipe, which gives Ipe its long lasting durability, avoid prolonged
inhalation of sawdust, wear eye protection and wash up thoroughly after
handling.
Installation, Cutting, and Drilling:
A gap of 1/16" between deck boards is recommended to aid in air circulation;
shrinkage of 1/16" on 4" wide boards; 1/8" on 6" wide boards can be
expected, after installation, when lumber is fully seasoned. The use of
carbide saw blades and premium drill bits along with, pre-drilling and
countersinking before screwing or nailing is recommended due to high density
of Ipe.
End Sealing:
Seal all ends immediately after cutting with "Anchorseal" or equal in order
to reduce end checking.
Fasteners:
We recommend stainless steel fasteners to provide longer service life and
eliminate potential chemical reaction or staining of the wood. We do not
recommend galvanized or coated fasteners due to shorter service life of
these types of fasteners; as they will wear out before Ipe does.
Finishing:
Due to its natural durability, Ipe does not require any sealer-ever. Like
all wood, Ipe will age to a silver patina over time. Some installers use a
pigmented water base sealer with U/V inhibitor to maintain the rich walnut
color, which will need to be reapplied as needed.
We carry Bush Oil and Penofin these products can be used on a variety of our wood products to protect the wood and bring out the natural wood characteristics. Please contact us for more information.
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Suggested Ipe Spans |
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| Nominal Size | 40 PSF | 60 PSF | 100 PSF |
| 1x4 | 32" | 28" | 24" |
| 5/4 x 6 | 42" | 38" | 32" |
| 2 x 4 | 62" | 56" | 48" |
These spans are designed for minimal deflection of the deck surface. Ipe has been tested and rated fire-resistant without any additional treatment. (NFPA CODE, CLASS A and UBC CODE, CLASS 1)
Suggested Installation Tips
- We suggest using pressure treated pine for joists and any other unseen structural parts of your project.
- You will find it easier to pre-drill all screw holes before attaching decking to joists. IPE is so dense that it’s virtually impossible to drive nails or screw through it without pre-drilled holes.
- At Lewis Lumber Products we stock everything you’ll need for your IPE project—the lumber, joist hangers, non-staining screws, and stains.
IPE Decking
The Perfect Blend of Beauty and Durability—Naturally
Available Exclusively At:
Lewis Lumber Products
30 South
Main Street
Picture Rocks, PA 17762
Phone: 570-584-4460
FAX: 570-584-4466
Getting to Know IPE Decking
Suggested Installation Tips
Ipe Environmental Statement
