How Much Does Ipe Wood Decking Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $10 - $25
The average cost of ipe wood decking ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot, with an average of $14 per square foot. Ipe is an endangered wood, so it is more costly than others.
Editor’s note:
Three genera in the ipe family (Handroanthus, Roseodendron, and Tabebuia) have officially been submitted for the CITES Appendices of endangered species. Their inclusion goes into effect in November 2024, after which trade of ipe will be more strictly regulated and prices will likely increase.
Ipe wood decking costs $14 per square foot on average and ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot for materials only. Total installation costs for Ipe wood decking range between $50 to $80 per square foot when considering the combined cost of materials and labor. Many factors come into play when considering Ipe wood decking for your project—let’s review how they’ll impact your bottom line.
- Average
- $14
- Low end
- $5
- high end
- $35
Ipe Wood Decking Cost Factors
There's more to installing Ipe decking than laying the boards. From the size and shape of the deck to labor costs and even deck stairs, there’s a lot to consider when planning for the bottom line. Connect with a local deck builder near you to get a specific quote for your backyard project.
Deck Size
Ipe decking is wonderfully warm, as it holds some of the sun’s heat and is also soft on your bare feet. That being said, this decking material is incredibly time-consuming and requires special equipment to install.
Ipe wood prices are higher than many other types of decking, with an average installed cost of $50 to $80 per square foot. And it’s no surprise that the bigger the deck you are building, the more wood you need and the more labor time it requires. For instance, a small 10’x10’ Ipe deck averages between $5,000 and $8,000, whereas a standard 12’x20’ Ipe deck ranges from $12,000 to $19,200.
| Deck Dimensions | Ipe Wood Decking Cost, Materials Only | Ipe Wood Decking Cost, Materials Plus Labor |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 | $1,000–$2,500 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 12x12 | $1,400–$3,600 | $7,200–$11,500 |
| 14x14 | $2,000–$4,900 | $9,800–$15,700 |
| 14x16 | $2,300–$5,600 | $11,200–$18,000 |
| 12x20 | $2,400–$6,000 | $12,000–$19,200 |
| 16x16 | $2,600–$6,400 | $12,800–$20,500 |
| 14x20 | $2,800–$7,000 | $14,000–$22,400 |
| 16x18 | $2,900–$7,200 | $14,400–$23,100 |
| 15x20 | $3,000–$7,500 | $15,000–$24,000 |
| 20x20 | $4,000–$10,000 | $20,000–$32,000 |
Deck Shape
Another factor that impacts Ipe decking costs is the deck shape you’re building. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for standard shapes like a rectangle or square deck since you won’t need to account for additional labor costs to make unique angles or curves. If the sky is the limit with your budget and you want to go the lavish route, you have more flexibility in building an Ipe wood raised or multi-layered deck.
Labor
As mentioned above, the cost of materials alone for Ipe wood decking is between $10 and $25 per square foot, but that only counts for part of the overall cost of building an Ipe wood deck. The total labor cost for installing an Ipe wood deck ranges from $20 to $45 per square foot, since Ipe decking requires a much more complex installation than other deck projects.
Foundation Installation
Your deck will need a foundation unless one already exists for safety and deck stability. Expect to pay $5 to $15 per square foot of surface area. The price of the foundation depends on whether it only involves pouring concrete or if it also needs a wooden substructure.
Site Preparation
Preparing the area where your new Ipe wood deck will be built may take some considerable time or no time at all, depending on the current circumstances. If you have an existing deck that needs to be torn down first, you’ll likely incur additional labor costs (it’s best to speak to your decking pro to learn how much extra that will be). Also, if your land needs to be leveled before building your Ipe deck, you’ll spend about $2,200 as an average cost to regrade your yard.
Additional Ipe Wood Decking Costs to Consider
Some extra features are necessary to complete the space in addition to the decking, but they’re not usually included in the average Ipe decking cost.
Railings
Installing or replacing exterior railings costs $925 on average, including labor and materials. Railings don’t only add to the aesthetic of your new deck—they also make them safer for kids and pets. You can also upgrade to glass or cable railings, costing $150 to $250 per linear foot for cable and $200 to $450 per linear foot for glass.
Deck Stairs
Building deck stairs costs $15 to $25 per square foot, including labor and materials. Your project cost depends on the design complexity, height, and number of stairs. Keep in mind that stairs are an essential component for raised, multi-level decks, so it’s a non-starter expense for most decks.
Staining or Painting
Budget $1 to $2.50 per square foot to coat your Ipe deck with a protectant. This dark hardwood doesn’t need standard staining or sealing because of its density, meaning stains don’t change the color the way they will on lighter wood. However, coating with a UV protectant stops the wood from fading in the sun.
Electricity
You might want to run power to your new Ipe deck to hang atmospheric fairy lights or install outdoor speakers. The cost to install an outdoor electrical outlet averages around $225.
DIY Ipe Wood Decking Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Even though you could save yourself up to $45 per square foot in labor costs by installing Ipe wood decking yourself, it's better to hire a local deck builder. A deck builder will install your deck safely and efficiently while you relax and start planning the barbecues you’ll have in your new outdoor space.
Even if you’ve worked on a deck project before, you need to think twice before attempting this installation as a DIY project. Installing Ipe wood decking isn't as easy as working with other woods. Ipe is hard, dense, and heavy, requiring specialty drill bits and saw blades. Plus, you may have to excavate and level the area where you’ll put the deck, and then potentially pour a concrete foundation.
How to Save on Ipe Decking Costs
Ipe isn’t the most budget-friendly material, so don’t expect to cut your projects in half with one magical tip. However, there are a few ways to save if you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck.
Choose a classic shape, like a square or rectangle, for your deck. A simple deck shape means lower labor costs.
Get more than one quote from contractors, and don’t just choose the cheapest quote. Some contractors may offer deals on materials, better warranties, or savings on different parts of the project. Look at pro quotes as a whole rather than just focusing on the price.
Order your Ipe wood decking in bulk in the fall or winter when prices are lower. You’ll cut costs due to seasonality and may even save by buying bulk.
Ipe Wood Decking Pros and Cons
Now that you’ve learned all about Ipe wood decking costs, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this wood before deciding to build a deck with it. Your local deck builder can discuss the pros and cons as well as the best alternate options for your area more in-depth, but below are some of the highlights:
| Ipe Decking Pros | Ipe Decking Cons |
|---|---|
| Most long-lasting and durable wood decking option | Higher upfront installation costs than other decking options |
| Low maintenance due to density | Listed as an endangered species as of November 2024, making it strictly regulated |
| Natural deterrent for insects due to hardness | Coloring can be inconsistent across boards |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ipe is a hardwood from Central and South America, also known as Brazilian Walnut and pau lope. It's one of the hardest woods, measuring 3,600 on the Janka hardness scale. In comparison, red oak only measures 1,290.
Its beauty, longevity, and resistance to fungus, insects, and rot make it highly sought after. But its popularity has also led to widespread deforestation and illegal harvesting, so if you must use ipe, make sure your timber is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance for sustainability. You could also consider a fast-growing, sustainable alternative that isn't endangered, such as black locust, or another type of wood or composite deck material.
Yes, Ipe has a long lifespan. It can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance as its own oils help to preserve it. However, to get the most out of your Ipe wood deck, you should perform some routine maintenance, including:
Regular cleaning, including sweeping leaves and debris and rinsing off spills with a hose (but not a power washer).
Repairing any deep scratches as soon as you see them by using wood putty or an epoxy-based filler.
Sealing annually to create a protective barrier against scratches and scuffs.
Yes, Ipe wood is a popular high-end choice for pool decking. It repels water and is naturally slip-resistant. It's not susceptible to mold, mildew, or rot, either, so it lasts longer and is cleaner and more hygienic than other popular decking materials. However, remember that due to its status, it is a very high-cost wood, and you might find that an alternative would serve you just as well for significantly less.
No, you don't need to stain Ipe decking, although you can if you want to change the color. You will, however, need to apply a UV coating if you don't want the natural color to fade. Speak to a deck staining specialist near you to discuss the best options if you want to stain your decking. And remember that you’ll need to seal your Ipe wood deck annually to protect it from scratches and Mother Nature.
It is not recommended to power washing your Ipe wood deck is not recommended. Power washers use—you guessed it—high-pressure water to clean, which will ultimately destroy your expensive Ipe deck. Instead, use a garden hose to clean off any spills or mud messes you see. For something more stubborn, you can use gentle cleaning solutions like OxiClean.
If you want to build the deck of your dreams but can’t justify spending the high costs associated with Ipe wood, don’t worry—you have a few options. Teak and mahogany are both excellent choices for hardwood, and neither option will break the bank.
Another alternative to Ipe wood decking is composite decking, which is also highly durable and low maintenance. Composite decking tends to be more expensive to install than some wood options, but it is still less expensive than installing an Ipe wood deck.