When it comes to premium, sustainable exterior materials, Ipe wood stands apart as the gold standard for upscale decking and siding applications that stand the test of time. Here’s why it remains the go-to choice for architects designing high-end homes and commercial spaces, and a smart choice for your project.
Mataverde Ipe wood was chosen as part of the restoration at this luxury Inn in Rhode Island
If you’re designing a luxury home or commercial space, Ipe siding and Ipe decking are top-tier choices for durability and aesthetics. What is Ipe wood?
You may also see it referred to as Brazilian Walnut or “Epay”. Ipe wood is popular in high-end projects for aesthetics and sustainability, and in any design that calls for impressive strength and longevity.
At Mataverde, we have decades of experience providing architects and builders with premium hardwood solutions and Ipe is no exception. Here’s what we know about Ipe and why architects and builders trust Mataverde Ipe wood for their siding and decking projects.
Ipe wood decking offers exceptional bending strength, making it ideal for supporting heavy items like this outdoor kitchen. The decking extends to the workspace front for a custom appearance.
1. Ipe Wood’s Natural Beauty Enhances Any Project
Ipe creates luxurious aesthetics for any project. Using Ipe for decking or siding offers rich, medium-to-dark brown range of tones and interesting and exotic grain patterns. It is also well suited for wood fencing and architectural details. Whether you choose to maintain its color with a UV protectant or let it weather to a silver-gray patina, Ipe delivers stunning visual appeal.
RELATED: Discover more luxurious inspiration in the Ipe Wood Decking Project Photo Gallery here.
2. Versatile Design Applications for Ipe Wood
Ipe wood is the preferred choice for a wide range of high-end architectural applications, including:
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Ipe Wood Siding: Adds an upscale, modern aesthetic with unmatched durability.
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Ipe Wood Decking: Available in multiple sizes to create stunning, long-lasting outdoor living spaces.
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Ipe Dimensional Lumber: Perfect for structural elements like pergolas and gazebos.
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Ipe Beams and Posts: Offers superior strength and natural elegance.
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Ipe Boardwalks: Excellent rot and decay resistance is ideal for waterfront projects.
3. Ipe Wood’s Rapid Growth and Renewability
Mataverde Ipe wood comes from Brazil, and they are native to South and Central America. Ipe trees grow up to 150 feet in just 30-35 years. This rapid growth makes Ipe wood a highly renewable lumber source, responsibly harvested with certified methods to support long-term forest sustainability.
4. Mataverde Ipe Wood’s Sustainable Harvesting
At Mataverde, we are committed to environmentally responsible sourcing. All of our Ipe siding and decking material is responsibly harvested using sustainable forestry practices.
Mataverde Ipe is also available with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Certification, making it ideal for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects.
Ipe wood lasts significantly longer than typical siding and decking options and requires fewer repairs, making it a more sustainable choice. When it reaches the end of its useful lifespan, unlike many other exterior options, it can be safely recycled.
RELATED: Explore more sustainable Ipe Wood Rainscreen Siding Projects in the Photo Gallery here.
Real Ipe wood rainscreen siding warms the exterior to contrast beautifully with the stone tile decking.
6. Ipe Wood Offers a High ROI
Luxury architects and developers choose Ipe not only for its performance but also for its value. With minimal maintenance and a lifespan of 25+ years, Ipe wood delivers an exceptional ROI (return on investment). At Mataverde, we stand behind our Ipe with a 25-year limited warranty, giving you confidence in your project’s long-term success.
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7. Ipe Wood Hardness, Resilience, and Durability
Ipe is considered part of a group of hardwoods commonly called ironwood for its extreme hardness. It is the standard other tropical hardwoods are compared to and is one of the hardest woods in the world. Boasting a density that is over 2.7 times greater than White Oak (@wood-database.com), it is exceptionally resistant to wear, impact, and weathering.
Ipe wood’s incredible natural physical properties allow it to be used where other exterior materials fall short. Ipe naturally resists slipping, splintering, checking, and scratching. It has excellent resistance to wear and tear from rubbing tree limbs or siding or foot traffic. Ipe is too dense for boring insects to penetrate easily, and they give up.
Ipe wood was used in this Connecticut winery for a deck, pergola, and entryway for long-lasting, low maintenance luxury.
8. Ipe Wood is Naturally Fire-Resistant
Unlike many other hardwoods, Ipe boasts a Class-A fire rating, the same as concrete and steel. This makes it an excellent choice for homes and commercial buildings where safety is a priority.
Ipe wood was utilized for this gorgeous deck and privacy screens on beachside home
9. Ipe Wood Creates Remarkably Strong Outdoor Rooms and Structures
When incorporating large outdoor structures like overhangs, playground equipment, pergolas, and gazebos into your design, consider Ipe’s fiber strength. It can provide greater structural stability. With a fiber bending strength of 23,360 pounds per square inch (citation), Ipe can span nearly twice the distance of pressure-treated pine.
Custom wood rooftop deck and pergola with stained and natural crossbeams with Ipe wood
10. Ipe Wood Elevates Rooftop Decks
Rooftop decks get a bigger share of UV and harsh weather, so they need decking material with superior resilience. Ipe wood fits the bill, able to withstand high UV and storms with just an oil-based finish and has excellent dimensional stability.
The beauty of Ipe wood on a rooftop deck is long lasting and low maintenance. Ipe wood is very comfortable underfoot and creates a visually warmer, more inviting design than stone and pavers alone. It is also well suited to privacy screens and walls.
Ipe wood's high density, low porosity, and low-slip surface make it an ideal choice for the harsh exposure on rooftop decks and for wet pool decks, like this rooftop pool shower area.
11. Ipe Wood Siding and Decking Require Minimal Maintenance
Ipe’s natural high-fiber density makes it inherently resistant to decay, insects, and moisture. With simple cleaning and the occasional application of an oil-based UV protectant, its rich color can be maintained. For a maintenance-free approach, let Ipe age gracefully to a silver-gray patina without sacrificing performance.
Many people prefer the natural satiny silver-gray patina that Ipe offers when allowed to age, and it lowers maintenance.
12. Incomparable Ipe Moisture Resistance
Ipe is so dense that it actually sinks in water, making it incredibly resistant to moisture. Perfect for demanding outdoor and wet environments from humid climates to pool decks.
This amazing contemporary home chose Ipe wood rainscreen siding with an oil-based light gray tint.
13. Ipe Wood is Perfect for Marine and Boardwalk Use
Thanks to its density, moisture resistance, and hardness, Ipe is the go-to material for heavy foot-traffic areas such as boardwalks, docks, and waterfront structures. The U.S. Navy even used it in the Panama Canal!
This California boardwalk and docks was created with Mataverde Ipe wood decking.
Ipe wood isn’t just a decking or siding material - it’s an investment in high quality, impressive aesthetics, and long-term performance. Whether you design contemporary commercial spaces or timeless residential retreats, Ipe’s strength, elegance, and sustainability make it the ideal choice to elevate your project. Partner with Mataverde to ensure your project benefits from the best Ipe wood available, backed by expert guidance and industry-leading service.
Ready to Start Your Next Ipe Siding or Decking Design? If you’re designing a luxury home or commercial space, Ipe wood is a top-tier choice for durability and aesthetics. At Mataverde, we have decades of experience providing architects and builders with premium hardwood solutions. Contact us today to explore how Mataverde can help enhance your next project with Ipe wood.
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