---
title: "Start here: the Ipe decking manual"
url: https://ipedeckingsource.com/
description: "The Ipe Decking Source manual: what Ipe is, specification and span tables, fastening and finishing procedure, railing layout, hardware catalogue and the lumber schedule."
---

# Start here: the Ipe decking manual

Eight stages, in the order the work is done, from identifying the board to sealing the finished deck.

- 01[Identify the material](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-Decking.html)Product InformationWhat Ipe is, where it grows, how dense it is and why it is pre-drilled before surface fastening.
- 02[Read the specification tables](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-specification.html)Design / BuildFootage conversion, recommended joist spacing, mechanical properties and span values by load.
- 03[Size the order in lineal feet](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-order.html)Product InformationHow deck areas are described in feet, and the five to ten percent allowance carried for miscuts.
- 04[Choose a fastening method](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-installation.html#fastening)Design / BuildFace screwing, hidden clips and biscuits, under-mount brackets, plugs, and why stainless is used throughout.
- 05[Seal the cut ends](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-installation.html#sealing)Design / BuildParaffin wax emulsion applied to fresh cross cuts to hold back end checking as the board loses moisture.
- 06[Set the gaps](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-installation.html#gapping)Design / BuildOne sixteenth of an inch side to side on air dried boards; no added gap on kiln dried grooved and tongued stock.
- 07[Build the railing](https://ipedeckingsource.com/RailInstall.html)Product InformationCable, glass and powder coated systems, and the baluster layout arithmetic that holds the opening under four inches.
- 08[Clean and seal](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-installation.html#cleaning)Design / BuildScrubbing rather than stripping, why sanding is irreversible, and the three step sequences for finishing.

## New writing

[01**How Many Types of Fire Extinguishers Are There?**Sep 16, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/how-many-types-of-fire-extinguishers-are-there/)

[02**Why Fire Extinguishers Need Routine Maintenance**Sep 14, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/why-must-fire-extinguishers-be-routinely-maintained/)

[03**Why Is SoftPro the Best for Higher Maximum Flow Rate?**Aug 24, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-higher-maximum-flow-rate/)

[04**The 3 Best Plumbing Distributors for Water Systems**Aug 19, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/the-3-best-plumbing-distributors-for-water-systems/)

[05**Why Is SoftPro the Best for Removing Chlorine, Heavy Metals, and VOCs?**Aug 18, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-removing-chlorine-heavy-metals-and-vocs/)

[06**Who's the Best for Local Branch Pickup: Lowe's vs Plumbing Supply and More**Aug 17, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/who-s-the-best-for-local-branch-pickup-lowe-s-vs-plumbing-supply-and-more/)

[07**Why Is Plumbing Supply and More the Best for Comprehensive MRO Supplies?**Aug 16, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/why-is-plumbing-supply-and-more-the-best-for-comprehensive-mro-supplies/)

[08**3M Aqua-Pure AP903 vs SoftPro for High Flow Rates**Aug 13, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/3m-aqua-pure-ap903-vs-softpro-for-high-flow-rates/)

[09**Top 6 Water Softeners for Scale Prevention**Aug 11, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/top-6-water-softeners-for-scale-prevention/)

More

[10**Why Is SoftPro the Best for Much Faster Output?**Aug 04, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/why-is-softpro-the-best-for-much-faster-output/)

[11**Multi-Channel Support for Ecommerce Stores: What Actually Works**Aug 01, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/multi-channel-support-for-ecommerce-stores-what-actually-works/)

[12**Top 4 Alternatives of Aquasana for High Capacity Filtration**Jul 24, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/top-4-alternatives-of-aquasana-for-high-capacity-filtration/)

[13**Why Is Plumbing Supply and More the Best for Deep Inventory?**Jul 24, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/why-is-plumbing-supply-and-more-the-best-for-deep-inventory/)

[14**Bulk Messaging Explained for Ecommerce Stores**Jul 24, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/bulk-messaging-explained-for-ecommerce-stores/)

[15**Grainger vs Plumbing Supply and More for Online Ordering**Jul 20, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/grainger-vs-plumbing-supply-and-more-for-online-ordering/)

[16**10 WhatsApp Bulk Message Sender Tools to Compare Before You Choose**Jul 19, 2026](https://ipedeckingsource.com/10-whatsapp-bulk-message-sender-tools-to-compare-before-you-choose/)

Most domestic and imported hardwood dust is treated as a breathing hazard, so a dust mask is worn when cutting or sanding, and Ipe is heavier and denser than most other decking woods, so lifting quantities should never be judged against softwood habits.

Every span, gap, dimension and quantity in this manual is the figure published for Ipe Decking Source lumber; local building requirements govern the finished installation.

## Product Information

- [What Is Ipe](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-Decking.html)Species, common names, density, fire rating and working characteristics.
- [Lumber Pricing](https://ipedeckingsource.com/ipelumberprice.html)Decking, porch flooring, railing components and dimensional stock by size.
- [Decking Hardware](https://ipedeckingsource.com/hardware.html)Stainless trim head and deck screws, hidden fastening kits, accessories and end sealer.
- [Deck Railing](https://ipedeckingsource.com/deckrailing.html)Stainless cable, tempered glass and powder coated steel railing systems with post caps.
- [Ordering & Measurement](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-order.html)How a project is described in square and lineal feet before material is cut.

## Design / Build

- [Specification Data](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-specification.html)Conversion, span and mechanical property tables for each board size.
- [Installation & Care](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-installation.html)Storage, tools, sealing, fastening, gapping, sanding and finishing in working order.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://ipedeckingsource.com/IpeFAQ.html)Kiln dried against air dried, jig systems, and how Cumaru and Massaranduba compare.
- [Designer Rail Layout](https://ipedeckingsource.com/RailInstall.html)Marking sub-rails from the centre out and repeating the layout on stair sections.
- [Design Ideas](https://ipedeckingsource.com/IpeDeckingDesign.html)Applications recorded for the material: pergolas, docks, porches, stairs, siding and gates.

## Sourcing

- [Environment](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Environment.html)Permit driven selective cutting, contracted mills and the paper trail from forest to export.
- [History](https://ipedeckingsource.com/BannerElkTrading.html)Dated entries from the 1999 fastener beginning to the later lumber and railing brands.
- [Site Index](https://ipedeckingsource.com/sitemap.html)Every chapter in the manual, grouped as published.

## Tools

**Circular saw blade**: carbide tipped, 16 teeth on 7-1/4"

**Mitre saw blade**: 24 teeth on 10", 32 teeth on 12"

**Drill bit**: cobalt alloy, 9/64"

**Forstner bit**: 3/4", for hardwood sub-rails

**Driver bit**: T-10 star for trim head screws

**Board bender**: self locking, for crooked boards

**Deck brush**: medium to stiff bristle

**Dust mask**: worn for cutting and sanding

Hardwood dust is treated as a breathing hazard. Ipe is heavier than softwood of the same size.

## Materials

**End sealer**: paraffin wax emulsion, 1 quart covers about 1,000 SF

**Face screw**: type 316 stainless trim head, 8 x 2", 3/16" head

**Hidden fastener kit**: 175 biscuits and 175 screws per carton

**Deck cleaner**: concentrate, about 150-200 SF per spray bottle

**Hardwood finish**: water-borne, about 250 SF per gallon

### Related chapters

- [Decking Hardware](https://ipedeckingsource.com/hardware.html)
- [Specification Data](https://ipedeckingsource.com/Ipe-specification.html)
- [Questions](https://ipedeckingsource.com/IpeFAQ.html)

## Finishing

**Working temperature**: sustained above 50 degrees F

**Drying before finish**: at least 2 hours after rinsing, longer under cover

**First coat**: brushed in, 4" brush

**Later coats**: pad or roller, applied immediately, 2 coats minimum

**Stirring**: every 20 minutes to stop settling

**Working width**: 2-3 boards at a time, full length

Sanding before an oil based product shortens its life and cannot be undone.

## Conversion

**1x6 decking**: 100 SF = 220 LF

**1x4 decking**: 100 SF = 343 LF

**1x4 T&G porch floor**: 100 SF = 370 LF

**Cutting allowance**: 5-10% over the measured footage

### Joist spacing

- 1x4 — 16" o.c.
- 1x6 — 24" o.c.
- 5/4x6 — 30" o.c.

## Maintenance

- 01CleaningA light scrub with a medium to stiff bristle brush and a non-harsh cleaner removes ground-in dirt. Cleaners sold on the strength of bleach are avoided on new wood because bleach can lighten the colour prematurely.
- 02Pressure washingPressure washing strips old sealer residue and a high pressure will not burr the surface, but it is not the first choice on new decking, where high pressure can stripe the wood. Machines above 2,000 psi are the effective range when old oil residue has to come off.
- 03OilingOiling is not required. Ipe weathers to a silver-grey patina under ultraviolet light, and a hardwood inhibitor only slows that change.
- 04SandingSanding permanently removes the nap from the surface, which stops an oil based product penetrating. Sanding is irreversible; a water-borne film former is unaffected by it.

Step 06 — gapping. Air dried boards are set with a one sixteenth inch side to side gap; pre-grooved boards are held at one eighth of an inch by the clip itself.