Ipe wood structures are hard, strong, and naturally resistant to rot, abrasion, weather, and insects. It is almost twice as dense as most woods and up to five times harder. It is medium to darker brown in color, like a mahogany, so not only lasts a long time but has the beauty of a fine interior wood.

PROS:

Pest resistant. Termites can’t chew it, so they stay away. Other pests and wood-burrowing creatures also face the same problem.

Doesn’t need to be treated. Unlike Pine and other woods, Ipe doesn’t need to be treated, so the wood you buy is the same wood from the tree itself.

Ideal for outdoor use. the USDA Forestry Service gives Ipe a durability rating of “very good – 25 years” which is the highest rating they offer.

High Janka hardness. The Janka hardness scale (measurement of wood strength) rates Ipe at 3684 pounds, making it the 9th hardest commercially available wood in the world.

High slip resistance. Ipe also exceeds the slip requirements from the Americans with Disabilities Act with a high static coefficient in wet environments rating.

Small movement. All wood will move (expand and contract due to temp and humidity). However, Ipe has a movement classification of “small.”

CONS:

Difficult to cut. You must use a carbide tipped saw blade to cut Ipe because it is so hard.

Hard to find. For the best results you want to stick to Ipe wood that is labeled as “premium” as this gives you the best uniform color and minimizes surface splintering. However, premium Ipe is notoriously hard to find.

Predrilled only. Because the wood is so strong and durable, it is almost impossible to screw through. Predrilling holes is the best (and virtually only) way to mount the decking.

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