Ipe Decking

Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is a premium tropical hardwood sourced from South America, globally revered for its extreme density, rock-solid strength, and luxurious aesthetic.

Also known as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe naturally resists rot, decay, termites, and severe weather without the use of harsh chemicals. It is considered the gold standard of natural wood decking because it is three times harder than common treated hardwoods, carrying a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbs.

An Ipe deck can easily last 50 to 75+ years, depending on the environment and installation quality.

Because of its natural oils and dense grain structure, it holds the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory’s highest durability rating for decay resistance. Famously, Ipe was used on the Coney Island Boardwalk, weathering decades of heavy public foot traffic and harsh ocean air.

No, Ipe is a remarkably low maintenance decking option that gives you two aesthetic choices for upkeep:

To maintain its rich color: Periodically apply a UV protective coating, such as Ipe Oil by DeckWise, to preserve its natural amber hued and brownish red tones.

To let it weather naturally: If left untreated, Ipe will gracefully transition into a soft, uniform silvery gray patina over time without losing any of its structural integrity or strength.

Yes. Ipe features a tight, virtually knot free grain that provides natural friction and slip resistance, even in wet conditions.

Its dense surface also naturally resists scratching, gouging, splintering, and cupping. This makes it an ideal choice for high traffic outdoor living spaces, pool decks, hot tub platforms, and commercial boardwalks.

Ipe decking carries a Class A Fire Rating, the highest possible classification provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

This is the same fire safety rating given to steel and concrete, making Ipe an exceptionally safe building material for residential decks featuring charcoal grills, fire pits, or homes located in wildfire prone regions.

At The Decking Superstore, we feature A Grade Premium Ipe decking, which represents the highest quality cut of wood available.

Our Premium Ipe offers the most uniform coloration with minimal streaks or discoloration, showcasing gorgeous, interlocked grain patterns for a flawless, high-end look.

The Decking Superstore is Northern California’s leading supplier of exotic hardwoods, offering three key advantages:

• Direct Sourcing & Better Pricing: We source our Ipe directly from top, certified suppliers in South America. By eliminating the middleman, we pass substantial savings directly to you.
• Massive, On Site Inventory: We house our entire inventory inside our 2 acre covered warehouse in the San Francisco Bay Area (San Jose, CA). Your wood stays completely clean and dry, and there is no waiting for out of state shipping.
• On Site Custom Milling: We provide quick-turnaround custom milling on site, allowing us to supply custom patterns, siding profiles, and precise dimensions to fit your exact project specifications.
• Sustainability: All of our Ipe hardwood is sustainably harvested from responsibly managed, certified growers.

Yes, Ipe’s versatility extends well beyond traditional deck boards.

At The Decking Superstore, we offer custom-milled Ipe Siding (ideal for modern rain screen clip systems) as well as Ipe Fencing and Gates in both classic vertical and modern horizontal styles.