LumberCalcs: The Straight-Grain Figures for the Hand-Hewn Builder
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Ipe (Brazilian Hardwood)

For premium, extremely durable decking where maximum lifespan and hardness matter and cost is not the primary constraint.

Runner-up: Redwood · Retake the quiz

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Why this fits you

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  • You want the longest-lasting, most durable decking option available.
  • Cost is a secondary concern to lifespan and low maintenance.
  • You\'re prepared for the harder work (and specialized fasteners) that dense hardwoods require.
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Ipe is an extremely dense, hard tropical hardwood (Janka hardness around 3,510, several times harder than most domestic softwoods) prized for decking that can last 25+ years with minimal maintenance and strong natural resistance to rot, insects, and fire compared to softwoods. It\'s genuinely difficult to work -- pre-drilling is typically required for every fastener -- and it\'s the most expensive option in this comparison by a wide margin.

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How it compares

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OptionBest forDurabilityCost
Pressure-Treated PineDeck framing, posts, structural outdoor useChemically treated for rot/insect resistance$
Western Red CedarOutdoor furniture, fencingNaturally rot/insect resistant$$
RedwoodPremium decking, siding, furnitureNaturally rot/insect resistant$$$
IpeHigh-end deckingExtremely dense, rot/insect resistant, 25+ year lifespan$$$$
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Buying checklist

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  • Pre-drill for every screw -- ipe is too hard and dense to drive fasteners without splitting or breaking bits
  • Source from a supplier who can document sustainable/legal harvesting, since tropical hardwood sourcing varies in responsibility
  • Budget for the real cost premium over PT pine, cedar, or redwood -- ipe sits well above all of them
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Run the numbers

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Wood Weight CalculatorLumber Cost Calculator
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Frequently asked questions

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Why is ipe so much harder to work with than other decking woods?

Its exceptional density (Janka hardness around 3,510, roughly 5x harder than Western red cedar) is exactly what gives it such long durability, but that same density makes it genuinely difficult to cut, drill, and fasten without pre-drilling every hole.

Is ipe worth the extra cost over pressure-treated decking?

That depends on your priorities -- ipe\'s very long service life and minimal maintenance can offset its higher upfront cost over decades, but PT decking costs far less initially and performs well for a typical residential deck\'s lifespan.

Should I check where my ipe comes from?

Yes -- tropical hardwood sourcing varies in sustainability and legality, so buying from a supplier who can document responsible, legal harvesting is worth the extra diligence.

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Other Which Wood for My Project Finder results

Pressure-Treated PineWestern Red CedarRedwood
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