How Much Does Ipe Decking Cost?

Average Ipe Decking Costs

Ipe Wood Price

Ipe wood decking costs between $4 and $12 per linear foot, depending on the size of the boards and special finishes. This makes ipe decking prices more expensive than other lumber types like pressure-treated wood, which sells for $2 to $5 per linear foot. Overall, ipe decking prices are consistent with decking prices for high-quality wood materials and composite decking.

Ipe per Square Foot vs. Ipe Deck Board Prices

On average, an ipe board ranges between $4 and $12 per linear foot, or $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot. Most stores charge for finished boards by the linear foot and untreated lumber by the square foot. Linear foot tends to be more cost-effective and requires less preparation work.

You might see some lumber quoted by the board foot, which is 1 square foot that is 1 inch thick. Most decking boards are not exactly 1 inch thick, making this measure irrelevant. Decking boards are either 1,5/4, or 2 inches thick; 4, 6, or 12 inches wide, and anywhere between 4 feet 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 get confusing, most carpenters near you will charge a straightforward installation cost per square foot, if not an hourly rate.

Brazilian Hardwood Ipe Decking Cost Breakdown

The $4 to $12 per linear foot cost range represents the actual boards that make up the deck, but there are other material and labor costs to consider when estimating your total ipe wood decking cost:

*The cost of a permit is not always a factor.

Cost to Install Ipe Decking Foundation

Your foundation alone will likely range between $4 and $9 per square foot of surface area. This most likely 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.

Installing Ipe Decking Boards Per Square Foot

Your ipe deck installation cost will range between $20 and $35 per square foot for the planks and footing. The cost includes both labor and materials such as hinges, nails, and screws. The labor cost of ipe plank installation is higher than most other lumber because this material is so dense, requiring special equipment to drill holes.

Deck Stairs

Building deck stairs costs between $25 and $50 per stair. When you order your ipe decking materials, you’ll also need to add stair materials to your cart. If you’re unsure how to calculate materials like stairs and railings, a local deck contractor can assist you with the order.

Deck Railings

Plan on spending between $15 and $50 per linear foot in wood deck railing installation costs; ipe specifically tends to be on the higher end of that cost range. Assuming $50 per linear foot, you’ll spend $500 per 10-foot section of deck. 

Permits

If you need a permit for your deck, expect to spend between $225 and $500, depending on where you live and the size of your planned deck. If you hire a carpenter, handyperson, or experienced deck builder, they’ll likely coordinate the permits for you.

Ipe Decking Cost Comparison

How much does ipe decking cost compared to other types of wood? Use our table for a side-by-side comparison of deck costs by material:

*Labor costs not included.

Ipe vs. Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable wood decking material at $2 to $5 per linear foot. Installation costs tend to be lower, and more experienced homeowners may be able to DIY a basic lumber deck. That makes pressure-treated wood decks much more affordable than ipe decks, but you should only expect 10 to 15 years out of them.

Ipe vs. Pine

Pine decks cost a little more than regular pressure-treated lumber decks, but they’re still more affordable than ipe decks at just $3 to $7 per linear foot. Pine decks last up to 20 years.

Ipe vs. Cedar Cost

Cedar decks cost $4 to $9 per linear foot, which puts them in line 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 $10 per linear foot. This makes them similar in price to ipe decks, but redwood decks don’t generally last as long. Labor prices for redwood deck installation are often lower than ipe deck installation costs. Redwood is a high-quality wood known for its durability and rich red color.

Ipe vs. Trex and Composite

Composite decking costs between $7 and $12 per linear foot. This could make composite decking more expensive than ipe to install, but composite decks generally require less maintenance over their 40-year lifespan. Trex decking costs $6 to $10 per linear foot; this recycled decking is a little more affordable than other composite decks.

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 expensive than) ipe decks. Expect a mahogany deck to last up to 30 years.

Ipe Decking Costs by Brand

The brand of ipe you choose can impact your overall cost. Three popular brands include Ipe Woods, Iron Woods, and Fiberon Ipe.

Ipe Woods Decking Prices

Ipe Woods, one of the largest producers of this type of lumber, cost between $4 and $6.50 per linear foot for decking boards. For an average upcharge of about 25%above that range, the brand also offers grooved planks and deck tiles for easier installation.

Iron Woods Decking Cost

Boards from Iron Woods range between $6 and $8 per linear foot. As its name suggests, this brand focuses on high-density lumber. Ipe is the most popular but not the only type of ironwood offered by Iron Woods, which has products ranging between $4 and $12 per linear foot.

Fiberon Ipe Decking Prices

Fiberon offers composite decking boards that look like Ipe. These boards fall within the average rate for composite decking at $7 to $10 per square foot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Hardwood Decking Installer

Choosing to DIY your deck is a common decision for many homeowners with moderate experience, but you should be cautious about ipe decking. The density of the material provides it with superior strength and durability but also makes working with it difficult. For example, you need special tools to drill a hole through this material.

When deciding whether to DIY your deck or hire a decking pro, consider the following factors:

• Taking on the job yourself decreases costs by up to 60%.

• DIY construction projects take significantly longer to complete.

• The quality of work depends on your experience working with this lumber.

• Limited tool availability may make DIY construction difficult.

If you do choose to hire a contractor, prepare yourself with specific questions to ask a deck builder. Only experts in the specific material you use, with plenty of experience with ipe wood specifically, are right for the job.