IPE Hardwood Decking

Why choose IPE decking?

• Exceptionally durable,one of the hardest, densest decking timbers there is; naturally resistant to rot, insects and wear, with a very long service life.
• Premium look,a deep, rich brown with fine grain; the high-end decking finish.
• Low maintenance,performs for decades; oil only if you want to keep the colour.
• Sustainable,FSC certified, from responsibly managed forests.

How IPE weathers & finishing

Left untreated, IPE silvers to an elegant grey over time, with no loss of durability. To keep its rich brown colour, use a decking oil (such as Osmo or Owatrol). Because IPE is so dense, let the boards season after installation and remove any mill glaze before oiling, so the finish penetrates, then re-coat as the colour fades (typically every 18 months or so, depending on exposure).

Sizes, profiles & fixing

We stock IPE in a wide range of sizes (from 19×90mm up to 26×185mm) in smooth and reeded profiles. As a very dense hardwood, IPE must be pre-drilled to avoid splitting, we recommend the Spax step drill (pilots and counter-sinks in one pass) with stainless steel decking screws, or Deckwise hidden fixings for a clean, fixing-free surface. Build on a well-drained, ventilated sub-frame.

IPE decking cost per m²

As the premium hardwood decking, IPE sits at the top end, from around £60.53 m². See the boards above for live per-metre pricing. For a more affordable hardwood, compare Yellow Balau; for character options, Iroko or Jatoba; for a lighter, chemical-free alternative, the thermally modified Thermo-Ash decking.