Naturally fire-resistant. Virtually maintenance-free. Built to outlast your mortgage—and your children's mortgages. Welcome to the world of Brazilian IPE hardwood.
HERO IMAGE: Luxury IPE deck at Texas Hill Country estate at sunset. Show warm wood tones, elegant outdoor furniture, and expansive views. Professional architectural photography style.
If you're considering a deck, patio, siding, or fence for your property, you've likely looked at the usual suspects: pressure-treated pine, composite materials, cedar. They're available. They're familiar. And they're temporary solutions to a permanent part of your home.
IPE (pronounced "ee-pay") is an exotic South American hardwood harvested from the Amazon basin. It's the material architects specify by name and luxury builders keep in their repertoire for clients who demand the absolute best.
So dense it doesn't float in water. This natural density makes it impervious to the elements.
The same fire rating as concrete and steel. Critical protection for Texas wildfire zones.
Resistant to rot, decay, insects, and mold without chemical treatments.
When you look beyond the initial price tag and consider the full picture—lifespan, maintenance, safety, and long-term value—the choice becomes clear.
| Material | Lifespan | Fire Rating | Maintenance | 30-Year Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPE Hardwood Best | 50-75 years | Class A | Minimal / Optional oiling | $55,000 |
| Composite Decking | 15-25 years | Class C | Low / Periodic cleaning | $80,000+ |
| Western Red Cedar | 15-20 years | Class C | High / Annual staining | $75,000+ |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | 10-15 years | Class C | High / Annual treatment | $60,000+ |
*Based on 500 sq ft deck including material, installation, maintenance, and replacements over 30 years. Actual costs vary by project.
When you choose IPE, you're not just buying wood—you're investing in decades of maintenance-free enjoyment and property value appreciation.
With minimal maintenance, IPE outlasts virtually every other outdoor material. Your grandchildren may inherit this deck.
Luxury materials signal quality throughout your home. Discerning buyers recognize and pay premiums for premium materials.
No staining. No sealing. No replacing warped boards every few years. Your weekends belong to you again.
In Texas, fire-resistant materials can impact insurance rates. IPE's Class A rating is the highest possible.
A material that architects and luxury builders specify by name—yours will be the outdoor space your neighbors admire.
IPE doesn't just survive Texas heat—it thrives. No warping, no fading, no cracking under our relentless sun.
Consider a typical 500 sq ft deck over 30 years:
A composite deck runs approximately $40,000 initially. But when you need to replace it at year 25 (if you're lucky), you're looking at another $40,000+. That's $80,000 minimum—plus all the hassle of construction twice.
IPE? Around $55,000 once. Zero replacements. And at year 30, your deck is just hitting its stride.
Plus the property value appreciation, time savings, and the peace of mind that comes from owning something truly permanent.
IPE doesn't just resist Texas heat—it thrives in it. While composite materials warp and fade, IPE maintains its structural integrity and natural beauty for generations.
IPE transforms every outdoor space into something extraordinary. Discover where this remarkable wood shines brightest.
Pool decks, outdoor living areas, rooftop terraces—wherever bare feet meet the outdoors.
Ground-level entertaining spaces that rival indoor luxury.
Dramatic exterior accents and rainscreen applications that age beautifully.
Luxury perimeter solutions that make a statement at your property line.
We don't just sell wood. We deliver an experience worthy of the material itself.
Personal site visits available. Guidance on quantities, dimensions, and finishing. Custom milling for unique specifications.
Hand-selected premium grade IPE, Cumaru, and Garapa. FSC certified options available. Official DeckWise partner.
Quick turnaround on custom orders. Flexible delivery scheduling. Responsive communication throughout your project.
Austin-based since 2011. Deep understanding of Central Texas climate challenges. Trusted across the state.
After 15 years, our IPE deck looks better than our neighbor's composite deck did after 5. The natural silver patina is beautiful, but we've chosen to oil it annually—and it still looks like it was installed yesterday.
The custom milling service meant our vision became reality, not a compromise. Austin IPE worked with our architect to create exactly what we envisioned. The attention to detail was remarkable.
In Texas heat, this was the only choice that made sense for our lakefront property. Two summers of brutal sun, and not a single board has warped or cracked. Worth every penny.
The questions we hear most often from homeowners considering IPE.
IPE typically costs more upfront than composite or pressure-treated options—but the real question is cost-per-year. When you factor in IPE's 50-75 year lifespan versus 15-25 years for alternatives, plus the maintenance, repairs, and replacements you'll avoid, IPE often costs less over time. We're happy to walk through the numbers for your specific project.
Structurally, yes—IPE will last 50+ years with zero maintenance. Cosmetically, you have a choice: let it weather naturally to a beautiful silver-gray patina (many homeowners prefer this), or apply oil once a year to maintain its original rich brown color. Either way, you'll never need to stain, seal, or replace boards.
We offer FSC-certified IPE harvested from responsibly managed forests. But here's the bigger picture: IPE's extraordinary longevity means you'll use one deck's worth of material instead of three or four over your lifetime. That's less manufacturing, less transportation, less waste in landfills. Longevity is sustainability.
Stock items typically ship within days. Custom milling takes longer depending on specifications—we'll give you a precise timeline during your consultation. We pride ourselves on meeting deadlines and keeping you informed throughout the process.
We focus on supplying premium materials—that's our expertise. However, we've built relationships with excellent installers who know IPE inside and out. We're happy to connect you with vetted professionals who will do justice to the material.
Local expertise matters. We understand Central Texas climate challenges. We offer custom milling that online suppliers can't match. We're here for consultations, questions, and support throughout your project. And if there's ever an issue, we're a phone call away—not a faceless customer service queue.
Whether you're building your dream home, elevating your current property, or developing a commercial space that demands attention—IPE delivers beauty, performance, and value that compounds over decades.