Ipe Deck Builders in LA: Durable, Fire-Rated Decking

If you’re looking for a deck that will last, look great, and require minimal upkeep, Ipe decking might be the perfect choice. This premium material is extremely durable, naturally resistant to rot, mildew, and insects, making it a low-maintenance solution for long-term outdoor living. Professional Ipe deck builders can help you design and install a deck that not only performs in tough conditions but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.

In addition to these benefits, an Ipe decking can be customized in size and shape to fit your needs, offers the potential for added space with an extended deck, and transforms your backyard into a true extension of your living room. Not convinced just yet? Many homeowners are considering a new Ipe wood deck in 2022 for its unmatched durability, sleek appearance, and impressive Ipe fire rating, which adds an extra layer of safety, especially in fire-prone areas.

Here’s what to know about Ipe Decks Los Angeles, how to decide whether it’s the right kind of decking material for your home, and how to choose the right Ipe deck builder.

What is Ipe Decking?

Our Ipe deck builders also calls Ipe wood “Brazilian walnut wood” (you might find it online as Brazilian Ipe wood). It is an exotic hardwood from a South American country that’s made it’s way to the US to become one of the most popular, durable decking material solutions.

This beautiful hardwood has been used for centuries in the construction of boats, furniture, and cabinets. Ipe’s durability makes it an excellent choice when you want to build something with long-lasting quality that can withstand tough conditions. It’s the main reason why we use it here at LA Decks—we believe in the strength, durability, and safety that Ipe wood decking offers our customers. Thanks to its naturally high Ipe fire rating, it’s also a great option for areas prone to heat or fire risk. This is especially true for decks and patios built near the ocean, where exposure to humidity and sea salt demands a material that truly lasts.

In addition to Ipe wood’s renowned durability, its rich natural beauty makes it a standout choice for outdoor living spaces. Color tones can vary from deep browns to warm reds, depending on the wood’s origin. Skilled Ipe deck builders can help you choose the perfect shade to complement your landscape and furnishings, ensuring your new Ipe deck integrates seamlessly with the rest of your patio design.

Why Choose Ipe Decking

As mentioned above, most people choose to install an Ipe wood deck because of the material’s durability. Ipe wood decks are up to 8x more resistant than California Redwood. Aside from the mere durability of this Ipe wood, other benefits of using it when building patios and decks include the fact that it’s:

• Natural: Ipe wood is a great alternative to composite decking. Why? It’s made of 100% real wood, rather than the plastic-based materials and wood pulp. It also doesn’t create any by-products that can harm the environment.
• Insect-Resistant: Because Ipe is Brazilian, tropical wood, it is naturally insect-resistant. This means that it’s not only great for installation in homes, but that you don’t have to treat the wood with harmful chemicals in order to protect it.
• Fire-Resistant: Yes, Ipe wood is fire resistant! Not only that, but it’s perhaps the most flame-resistant decking material currently on the market. This is great news for residents of Southern California who are becoming more and more aware of just how important it is to protect your home from wildfire damage.
• Cost-Effective: Ipe wood boards actually aren’t as costly as most homeowners seem to think. Ipe wood can last over 40 years without experiencing deep damage that needs to be pressure treated. During the lifespan of an Ipe wood deck, you might have to replace pressure-treated wood about five times. The cost of replacing, repairing, and maintaining a regular wood deck far exceeds the initial cost of installing Ipe decking.

Another prominent thing to note about this type of wood is how slip-resistant it can be. Its grain pattern interlocks tightly together making slip-resistant surfaces possible without sacrificing comfort underfoot. For our clients in West Los Angeles who live along the coastline, this is particularly important. It helps ensure that even with a few drops of sea breeze, their deck won’t be slippery for them or their house guests.

Where to Get Ipe Decking Materials

If you’re looking to buy Ipe wood, you can visit the Ipe website directly. However, due to the nature of working with Ipe decking, it’s best to work with professional deck builders instead of trying to install the hardwood yourself. Why?

Keep in mind that Ipe wood is an exotic hardwood. When you bring it on-site, it can take some time to acclimate to the new temperature and environment. You also have to factor in the use of spacers or stickers in between boards. This is required so that they can breathe and dry naturally as well, among other things. 

In short, installing Ipe hardwood isn’t as straightforward as going to Lowe’s, buying the boards, and nailing them together in your backyard.

How Much Does it Cost to Install an Ipe Wood Deck?

Purchasing Ipe wood boards are less expensive than the total cost of installing an Ipe decking, obviously. And it’s often where people seem to get confused about pricing. Not only that, but the importation of Ipe wood is now heavily regulated by the government. This is really why prices tend to fluctuate quite a bit. Essentially, each board must be traced to its origin and tested for quality. This process leads to higher production costs that deck builders, unfortunately, also have to pass on to their customers.

What else affects the cost of Ipe wood? The size of the boards can also influence the price of this type of wood. And depending on the time of year, the price can fluctuate as well.

Keep this in mind when requesting a quote for an Ipe wood deck. Just because your neighbor had their Ipe deck built for a certain price 18 months ago doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to get the deck at the same price. Nor does it mean that the deck-building company is trying to pull more money out of you! Often, it simply means that the price of the wood itself has gone up. The company, therefore, has to also increase its prices slightly.

How to Choose the Right Ipe Deck Builder

Investing in Ipe decking is a smart choice for any homeowner with the space and budget. Why choose Ipe? This durable, beautiful hardwood offers outstanding water repellence, rot resistance, and high-impact strength against termite infestation—without the need for harsh chemicals found in pressure-treated lumber.

Beyond its natural durability, Ipe also boasts a Class A fire rating, the highest possible for wood materials. This makes it an ideal choice for regions prone to wildfires or for homes with outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or grills. Its natural density and fire resistance mean your deck won’t just look great—it will also offer an added level of safety and longevity for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about our custom project pricing, so we can help you plan your perfect backyard oasis!