Once a deck package is delivered to the job site, most of the equalization has already occurred. Keep the material off the ground by placing a few pieces of lumber underneath the deck package. Cover the material with a tarp to protect from sun damage and rain.

Material Application
Ground-side Ventilation: Build your deck so that the surface is at least 16” above the ground. There must be adequate air circulation underneath the deck in order to prevent cupping and warping of boards. In wet areas or over water, additional clearance is recommended.

Fasteners: Several different options are available for fasteners and for fastening technique. We recommend stainless steel screws through the face of every board. There are several types of stainless steel screws available. Although there are self-tapping screws available, it is best to pre-drill every hole with a countersink. Because stainless steel is not as strong as galvanized, self-tapping stainless steel screws will have a tendency to break during installation. We do not recommend the use of non-stainless fasteners since they will cause discoloration near the fastener.

End Sealer: Ipe decking is always end sealed during manufacturing to prevent splitting and checking on the ends of boards. We recommend that boards be end-sealed a soon as reasonably possible after cutting during installation. We recommend Anchorseal from UC Coatings, although several other products are available.

Finishing Options: In order to prevent surface checking and discoloration, we recommend that Ipe decking be finished immediately after installation. Especially in dry, sunny conditions, wood decking will develop surface checks if not properly finished.

If a natural silver color is desired, we recommend a water seal product such as Seasonite from Flood. Apply as soon as possible during or after installation of the deck. For best results, Seasonite should be reapplied every 2 or 3 years.

To maintain the deep brown natural color, an oil finish with UV inhibitors should be used. Generally, two coats should be applied during installation. Re-apply every two or three years, or as necessary to maintain color.

Ipe decking can also be pressure washed at up to 2500 psi without damaging the surface fibers. This can make cleaning and re-applying finish much easier than with softwood decking.

Required Equipment: Although Ipe is extremely dense, it can be crosscut with a good quality chop saw using a carbide-tipped blade. Ripping can be done on a table saw, although it is recommended that power be no less than 3 hp and a well-aligned high quality fence should be used.

When drilling, always use the high quality drill bits available. If screwing through the face, a countersink bit with a positive stop should be used so all screw heads end up at a consistent depth. If the joist material is also a heavy hardwood like Ipe, a full-length tapered bit may be used to give more holding power at the bottom of the screw. Fasteners should be lubricated for easiest assembly.

Routing or planning can be done with both high speed steel or carbide cutters. Feed speed should be fairly slow. Sanding is always recommended to complete your project.

Safety concerns: Safety glasses and a dust mask should always be worn when working with hardwood lumber. Some people may have an allergic reaction to hardwood dust. Remove wood slivers immediately to prevent infection.

Environmental Issues
Tropical forests are an immense resource that must be carefully managed for long term sustainable forestry. We encourage all of our Ipe suppliers to follow the best industry practices as established by the IBAMA (Brazilian government) and the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC).

Logging roads and skidder tracks break the canopy, and erosion is controlled through buffer zones around streams and no cutting on steep grades. The selective harvesting techniques used to cut Ipe minimize the damage to the environment and maximize the economic value from the forest.