How Much Does Ipe Decking Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Ipe decking materials cost an average of $10 to $25 per square foot installed, with most paying $14. You might spend around $5,000 for a small 10x10 deck or up to $32,000 for a spacious 20x20 deck. Several factors, like location, deck size, wood quality, and local labor rates, impact your total cost. Hiring a professional installer ensures your deck is safe and secure and offers lasting enjoyment.

Ipe Decking Cost Factors

There's more to your Ipe decking project than just the cost of the wood. Several factors can affect your total cost, from the deck's size and foundation to features like stairs and railings. Let's break down what goes into budgeting for your Ipe deck.

Foundation

Your deck foundation alone will range between $5 and $15 per square foot of surface area. Foundation installation involves pouring concrete but can also include a wooden substructure if the deck sits above ground. In general, building a floating deck costs more than the average deck.

Deck Stairs

Building deck stairs costs $15 to $25 per square foot, including labor and materials. The cost of stains depends on the design complexity, height, and number of stairs. Remember that stairs are essential for raised or multi-level decks, so they’re a necessary expense for most projects. If you're unsure how to calculate materials for stairs and railings, a local deck contractor can help you plan your order.

Deck Railings

Installing or replacing deck railings costs $925 on average, including labor and materials. Railings enhance the look of your deck and add safety for kids and pets. If you're aiming for a modern touch, upgrading to glass or cable, railings can cost $150 to $250 per linear foot for cable and $200 to $450 per linear foot for glass.

Brand

The brand of Ipe you choose impacts your overall cost. Three popular brands include Ipe Woods, Iron Woods, and Fiberon Ipe. Lower-end options start at $5 per square foot, while high-end brands can reach up to $35 per square foot.

Size of Project

The size of your deck significantly impacts your total costs. Materials range from $10 to $25 per square foot, while total installed costs run between $50 and $80 per square foot. When shopping for Ipe wood, you'll find that most stores charge for finished boards by the linear foot, which is often more cost-effective and requires less prep work.

You might see some lumber quoted by the board foot, one square foot and one inch thick. Most decking boards are not exactly one inch thick, making this measure irrelevant. Decking boards are 5/4, or two inches thick, four, six, or 12 inches wide, and anywhere between four and 12 feet long. Some Ipe decking manufacturers may charge extra per linear foot for boards exceeding a predetermined length, like 12 feet.

While measurements for the wood can be hard to determine, most carpenters near you will charge a straightforward installation cost per square foot.

Labor

Installing an Ipe deck costs $50 to $80 per square foot, including materials like hinges, nails, and screws. Labor costs are higher for Ipe decking because of its dense nature, which requires special equipment and expertise.

Professionals who install Ipe decks include carpenters and deck builders, who charge between $30 and $60 per hour. These decking professionals have specialized experience working with dense woods like Ipe, handling tasks like planning the deck layout, cutting and fitting boards, and ensuring structural integrity. Handypeople might assist with more straightforward tasks at $20 to $50 per hour. Remember that labor costs vary based on region and local market rates.

Permits

If you need a permit for your deck, your expenses will increase, depending on where you live and the size of your planned deck. Permit costs can range from $100 to $500 or more. Always check with your local building department for specific requirements. If you hire a carpenter, handyperson, or experienced deck builder, they’ll likely coordinate the permits for you, which can save you time and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Ipe Decking Cost Comparison

If you’re curious how Ipe decking costs compare to other types of wood, use the table below for a side-by-side comparison of deck costs by material. 

Ipe vs. Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable decking material, costing just $2 to $5 per linear foot. Installation costs are lower, and many homeowners can even tackle a basic pressure-treated deck as a DIY project. While this makes pressure-treated wood much cheaper than Ipe, keep in mind that these decks last only 10 to 15 years—far less than Ipe's potential lifespan of up to 75 years.

Ipe vs. Cedar Cost

Cedar decks cost $3 to $7 per linear foot, which aligns with the cost of Ipe decking. Like Ipe decks, cedar decks can fetch high labor costs, anywhere from $20 to $40 per square foot. Cedar decks last between 15 and 20 years.

Ipe vs. Redwood Cost

Redwood decks cost $5 to $35 per linear foot, making them similar in price to Ipe decks but often with lower labor costs. Redwood is a high-quality wood known for its durability and rich red color. However, it does have a shorter lifespan than Ipe.

Ipe vs. Composite

Composite decking costs between $12 and $22 per linear foot. Their initial price makes composite decking more expensive than Ipe to install, but they require less maintenance over their 40-year lifespan.

Ipe vs. Mahogany Cost

Mahogany decks cost $8 to $11 per linear foot for materials alone. With labor costs reaching as high as $35 per square foot, mahogany decks can be just as expensive as (or even more costly than) Ipe decks. While higher in price, they have a shorter lifespan than Ipe, lasting up to 30 years.

DIY vs. Hiring an Ipe Decking Pro

While you could save up to 60% by installing your Ipe deck yourself, hiring a local decking contractor is often best. Ipe wood's density gives it exceptional strength but also makes it challenging to work with—you'll need special tools to drill holes, which can be time-consuming. When you hire a professional deck builder, they’ll install your deck safely and efficiently so you can start enjoying your new deck in no time.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.