IPE DECKING
Ipe Decking
Hardwood that delivers on strength, beauty, and longevity. Ipe decking is one of the toughest timbers available, offering a rich, contemporary look with exceptional durability. Favoured for high-end garden, balcony, and rooftop projects, its natural resistance to insects, fungi, and weather makes it the go-to choice for a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck
Is Ipe Decking Right For You?
Ipe is widely regarded as one of the finest decking timbers available. Incredibly dense and hard-wearing, it offers unrivalled durability and a natural resistance to insects, rot, and fungal attacks – without the need for chemical treatment. This South American hardwood is often called ‘Ironwood’ for good reason.
Beyond performance, Ipe’s rich palette of browns, reds, and greens creates a luxurious, high-end finish that only improves with age. When wet, the colours deepen beautifully, making it particularly striking in the ever-changing British weather.
Key Features & Options
Our Ipe decking is available in a range of profiles to suit your project needs. Choose from smooth, reeded, face grooved or edge grooved finishes, each precision-cut to showcase the timber’s rich, natural colouration. We supply two standard board sizes: 90x19mm and 140x19mm, both of which can be edge grooved for use with hidden fastening systems such as DeckWise.
For fast and flexible installation, our Ipe deck tiles are a smart solution. Each 500mm square tile features pre-drilled corners and integrated stainless steel fixings, ideal for patios, balconies, or concrete bases.
A Note on Grain Texture
Ipe is a natural product, so expect to see some short grain, grain swirl and occasional wormhole markings – these are not defects but authentic characteristics that contribute to its distinct, organic appeal. For those seeking a more uniform appearance, we recommend exploring our other hardwood options.
Ipe Decking Installation Advice
For a clean, professional finish, we recommend installing your Ipe decking with a hidden fastening system such as DeckWise. These clips slot into edge grooves between boards, eliminating the need for visible face screws and maintaining the board’s natural beauty.
A 4mm gap between boards is ideal for tropical hardwoods, allowing for seasonal expansion and contraction.
Boards can be pre-grooved in our workshop for convenience or grooved on-site using a biscuit jointer. For the best results, use a hardwood decking wrench – a self-locking straightening tool that holds boards in place while you fix them. This is especially useful when working with the occasional curved board and is available to hire if needed.
Taking time to install correctly ensures the long-term performance and look of your deck. Need help? Our team is on hand to advise on all the tools and fixings you’ll need.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Ipe Decking
Ipe requires minimal upkeep, but a little attention goes a long way. To preserve its rich tones, apply Treatex Bangkirai Oil – formulated specifically for exotic hardwoods – which enriches colour and protects the grain. Alternatively, let the decking silver naturally for a more weathered look.
Clean your deck periodically with hot soapy water and a stiff brush, always following the grain. We recommend sealing all cut ends with an end grain sealer to minimise moisture absorption and prevent splitting. While Ipe is naturally resistant to rot and insects, regular care will keep it looking its best for decades.
The Round Wood Approach to Sustainability
We operate a zero-waste approach at our East Sussex mill – all offcuts and sawdust are repurposed into wood fuel or used to power our biomass heating system. This commitment to resource efficiency ensures our products not only look good but do good.
Where We Source Our Ipe Decking
Our Ipe decking is responsibly sourced, with FSC-certified timber available where applicable, supporting ethical forestry and long-term environmental stewardship. By choosing our Ipe decking, you’re investing in a premium product with genuine eco credentials – crafted to last, with minimal environmental impact.
“Great product at a reasonable price, more importantly, it’s made in the UK!”
Related Articles
Ready to Build with the Best?
If you’re investing in a deck that’s built to last and designed to impress, Ipe is the clear choice. With its incredible strength, stunning natural finish, and long service life, our Ipe decking turns any outdoor space into something truly special. Speak to our friendly team today for expert advice and a tailored quote – your perfect deck starts here.
GET IN TOUCH
Ipe is one of the most durable hardwoods available. With proper care, it can last over 50 years – and often well beyond that, even without chemical treatment.
Yes – many customers successfully install Ipe decking themselves. However, due to its density, we recommend using quality tools and considering hidden fasteners for a professional finish. A decking wrench can help with alignment.
Yes – if left untreated, Ipe will naturally weather to a soft silver. If you prefer its original rich brown and red tones, periodic oiling will maintain the look.
Absolutely. Ipe performs exceptionally well in wet and changeable conditions. Its density and natural resistance to fungi and insects make it ideal for the British outdoors.
We typically dispatch within 5 working days of your order. Custom services such as pre-grooving may add a short lead time – please check with our team when ordering.
Yes! We stock everything you need, including DeckWise clips, stainless steel screws, decking wrenches and specialist oils. Just ask for a full accessories quote.