Tools & Accessories

Before you get started on installing your ipe deck, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need. Here are our suggestions:

Saw Blades

Ipe is one of the densest, hardest woods out there, which is great for deck stability and longevity, but can make cutting a chore. Carbide tipped saw blades will stay sharper longer. Fewer teeth will reduce cutting friction and heat.

End Sealer

Ipe tends to check at the ends after cutting. To prevent this, it is imperative that you seal freshly cut ends as soon as possible. A paraffin wax based sealer is best. Oil based UV inhibitors are not effective. We strongly recommend Advantage Trim & Lumber Co. End Sealer.

Drill Bits

Just like with cutting, Ipe’s natural strength can make drilling difficult. Use a cobalt alloy drill bit for best results.

Other options are high speed steel drill bits, but they tend to fatigue, dull, and break rather quickly, or titanium nitride coated drill bits. As the titanium nitride coating wears off, however, performance worsens.

Screws

Stainless Steel. Ipe has a high level of tannic acid which reacts with zinc-coated fasteners such as galvanized screws. This reaction creates an unsightly dark stain. Most other types of non-stainless steel fasteners have a coating that will chip or separate when driven into dense ipe wood, exposing the bare carbon steel underneath and causing a stain.

Stainless steel screws will also resist rust, so they will last longer. When you’re building a deck with a wood that can last as long as ipe, it’s a good idea to use screws, such as Torx Drive Stainless Steel Deck Screws, that can keep up.

Plugs

The quickest, easiest way to install ipe decking is to face screw the boards. However, this may not look very nice. In order to keep the screw heads from showing on your ipe deck, try using plugs made from ipe wood. The only problem is that it can be difficult to match the exact color of your deck.

Hidden Fasteners

The best way to keep your deck surface clear is to use a hidden deck fastener system. You’ll have to either cut a slot in the side of the deck boards yourself, or purchase pregrooved ipe boards. We recommend using the Ipe Clip® system.

Other Fastening Methods

Under-mounted bracket systems are not recommended, because any movement in the wood can cause failure.

Because of its density, it is nearly impossible to hand nail ipe. Using a nail gun will cause splitting.

Do not glue ipe boards to the joists and secure them with finish nails. It will fail.

Board Straighteners

You’re bound to come across bent boards while installing your ipe deck. Board straighteners are ideal for tackling this problem. The best ones will lock in place, so you only need one person to straighten and fasten a board. Our favorite is the Hardwood Wrench™.