Ipe Wood in Canada:
Decking, Screens, Steps & Exterior Lumber

Q: What is Ipe wood?

Ipe is a trade name commonly used for several related Handroanthus species, formerly grouped under Tabebuia. It is widely sold as a dense tropical hardwood for decking and other exterior applications.

Ipe is a premium tropical hardwood used for decking, screens, steps, railings, soffits, and other exterior lumber applications.

Title

What is Ipe wood?

Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) is a trade name commonly used for several related Handroanthus species, historically grouped under Tabebuia. It is best known as a dense tropical hardwood with a fine-to-medium texture and a colour range that can vary from reddish brown to olive brown and darker brown tones.

Dense tropical hardwood

Commonly sold as Brazilian walnut

Very durable heartwood with excellent insect resistance

Naturally weathers to a silver-gray tone outdoors if left unfinished

Shop all IPE profiles

Watch this before buying IPE material

Why choose Ipe for exterior projects?

Ipe is popular for exterior projects because it combines a premium real-wood appearance with exceptional density and durability.

The Wood Database lists Ipe at 3,490 lbf on the Janka scale and describes it as very durable with excellent insect resistance, which helps explain why it remains a top choice for demanding decking and exterior lumber applications.

IPE wood deck patio on the lake in Ontario

Where Ipe works best

Ipe works best when the page clearly separates applications instead of mixing everything into one product story. On the new site, group the offer into Decking, Screens & Soffits, Steps, Fascia & Railings, and Exterior Lumber & Custom Profiles. That structure matches the actual assortment on the current page and makes shopping much easier for users.

Decking

Use this section for standard deck boards, profile options, lead times, and live pricing. Keep the message focused on walking surfaces, real-wood look, and project-grade outdoor performance.

Screens & Soffits

Use this section for privacy screens, soffits, exterior ceilings, and siding-style design accents where the look of dense real wood matters as much as durability.

Steps, Fascia, Railings & Exterior Lumber

Use this section for stair treads, fascia boards, railing components, pergola members, and other custom exterior details. This keeps higher-value accessory pieces from getting buried inside the decking section.

IPE wood decking with glass railing and steps overlooks a lake, blending into the natural landscape and outdoor spaces.

Maintenance and natural weathering

Ipe is relatively low-maintenance if you are comfortable with its natural weathered look. If left unfinished outdoors, it gradually transitions from its richer brown tones to a silver-gray patina.

If you want to help preserve the deeper brown appearance, use a penetrating oil or finish designed for tropical hardwoods rather than a film-forming coating.

The image showing the same building - Natural Greying of Lunawood Thermowood

Installation note

Ipe’s density is one of its biggest advantages in service and one of its biggest challenges during installation. Authoritative wood references describe it as difficult to work, with high cutting resistance and a pronounced blunting effect on tools, so it is worth setting proper expectations for installers and DIY customers.

Sourcing note

For Ipe, sourcing should be discussed carefully and factually. U.S. Fish & Wildlife states that the CITES Appendix II listing for trumpet trees traded as ipê entered into force on November 25, 2024, and FSC explains that chain-of-custody certification is the mechanism used to verify certified material through the supply chain. For a commercial page, the safest wording is to invite customers to ask for current origin, certification, and project-specific documentation where relevant.

Ipe Profiles, Sizes & Lead Times

Use the table below to compare stocked Ipe profiles, applications, pricing, and lead times at a glance. Keeping this table is a strong decision because it adds practical, original value that generic category pages usually do not provide.

Profile Name

Application

Available Lengths

Current Price
(subject to change)

5/4×6 GR

Decking

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$15.95 – $16.95 / lnft

5/4×6 SE

Decking/Fascia

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$15.95 / lnft

1×4

Screens

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$7.50 / lnft

1×6

Skirting

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$10.45 – $11.45 / lnft

1×8

Steps

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$17.50 / lnft

1×10

Fascia

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$19.50 / lnft

2×2

Railings

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$6.75 / lnft

2×4

Railings

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$16.00 / lnft

2×6

Pergola

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$22.00 / lnft

2×8

Pergola

6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′

$29.50 / lnft

All available thicknesses: 1″, 5/4″, 2″
All available widths: 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″
All available lengths: 6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′
Other: 4″x4″ posts, IPE Tile, IPE siding, IPE T&G (2 week lead time)

See samples in person / Get expert help

See samples in person, compare profile options with our team, and request current availability before you order. Keep the Ontario showroom and pickup message visible so customers understand they can speak with your team, check stock, and pick up samples locally.

Vaughan Decking Store

Google Maps

(416) 623 7158

71 Buttermill Avenue,
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 3X2, Canada

showroom

warehouse

same-day pick up

Peterborough Decking Store

Google Maps

(705) 750 7770

1973 Lansdowne St W,
Peterborough, ON
K9J 6X4, Canada

showroom

storage yard

same-day pick up

London Decking Store

Google Maps

(226) 998 2057

28 Micro Ct Unit 4,
London, Ontario
N6E 2T5, Canada

showroom

warehouse

same-day pick up

Barrie Decking Store

Google Maps

(705) 770 09 45

47 Truman Road,
Barrie, Ontario
L4N 8Y7, Canada

showroom

storage yard

same-day pick up

Get a quote

Ipe Hardwood FAQ

What is Ipe wood?

Ipe is a trade name commonly used for several related Handroanthus species, formerly grouped under Tabebuia. It is widely sold as a dense tropical hardwood for decking and other exterior applications.

Why is Ipe popular for decking?

Ipe is popular for decking because it combines a premium real-wood look with exceptional density, strong durability, and excellent insect resistance. It is one of the hardest commercially used decking woods commonly discussed in the market.

Does Ipe turn gray over time?

Yes. If left unfinished outdoors, Ipe gradually weathers to a silver-gray patina. That colour change is expected and is mainly aesthetic rather than a sign of immediate material failure.

Does Ipe need oil or stain?

Not necessarily. If you like the weathered gray look, it can be left unfinished. If you want to help preserve the richer brown tone, use a penetrating oil or finish designed for tropical hardwoods.

What should I ask about Ipe sourcing?

Ask for current origin information and any relevant certification or chain-of-custody documentation for the material being sold. That is especially useful now that ipê-traded genera are covered by CITES Appendix II controls

Ipe Hardwood Resources

Here are some useful resources on Ipe Hardwood

Ipe | The Wood Database (Hardwood)

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Ipe Wood in Canada:
Decking, Screens, Steps & Exterior Lumber