OKA WOOD PLANK
New to Hardwoods · What Is Ipe Wood?

Ipe, the Brazilian hardwood built for the outdoors.

Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is a tropical hardwood from South America. It is prized for decks, cladding and boardwalks because it is extremely dense, naturally resistant to rot and insects, and needs no chemical treatment.

Ipe hardwood deck with rich brown boards
Step 01

Where it comes from

Our Ipe is Brazilian hardwood, FSC certified and legally sourced, with traceable supply. It ships from Miami with delivery in 2 to 7 days.

Sustainably managed Brazilian forest
Step 02

Why people choose it

  • Very hard and dense, so it resists dents and wear from heavy foot traffic.
  • Natural oils help it resist rot, decay and insects without chemical treatment.
  • Rich brown color with variation from board to board.
  • Long service life. Ipe decks are commonly expected to last 25+ years with basic care.
Ipe deck on a residential project
Step 03

How it ages

Left untreated, Ipe weathers to a soft silver gray. To keep the brown tone, apply a UV-protective penetrating oil periodically. See the maintenance guide for details.

Ipe boards showing natural color variation
Step 04

Profiles we carry

  • S4S E4E decking boards (smooth four sides, eased edges).
  • Pre-grooved decking for hidden fastener systems.
  • V-Joint boards for siding, cladding and ceilings.
  • Trim boards and fascia.
Ipe decking profiles
Step 05

Things to know before buying

  • Ipe is heavy. Weight affects delivery, so it is calculated per order.
  • Pre-drilling is required for face screws because the wood is so dense.
  • Seal the cut ends to reduce end checking.