IPE has a natural, rich, dark brown color and left unstained it will gradually age to a lighter brown with gray overtones. However, IPE can be stained to retain its rich, dark brown color or it can be stained to give it a glossier finish. No matter how you choose to finish your deck, IPE requires no chemical preservatives to keep it smooth and splinter free and its naturally safe.
IPE decking is knot-free and is resistant to decay and termite infestation. Due to the density of the wood, it will not cup, bow or twist like treated pine. IPE has a durability rating of 25 years or more by the U.S. Forest Products Lab. It also has a fire rating of NFPA UBC I – same as steel and concrete! Most importantly, IPE is ompetitively priced when compared to cedar, redwood, or composite (TREX) decking.
