How to Build a Deck Using Ipe

Draw up deck plans, with the help of an architect or engineer if required by your permits department, so the joist spacing underneath the deck boards is appropriate to the size of the deck boards. Nova USA Wood Products, based in Portland, Oregon, recommends joists on 16-inch centers for ipe deck boards nominally measuring 1-by-4 or 1-by-6. Thicker 5/4-inch decking -- actually 1 inch thick, while 1-by-4 or 1-by-6 decking is really 3/4 inch thick -- can be installed on 24-inch joist centers. Install angled ipe decking on 12-inch centers.

Finish all four sides of the deck boards before installation or just after to prevent cupping. Brush on a water-seal product if you want the ipe to weather over time to a natural silver color or apply a penetrating oil to keep the reddish-brown original look. Allow the deck boards to acclimate at the site for a day, stored out of direct sun and weather.

Cut boards to fit with a chop saw equipped with a carbide-tipped blade. Rip boards if needed to fit the far edge of the deck frame with a table saw equipped with a well-maintained fence and a carbide-tipped blade. If you cut a new end for a deck board, seal the end with a clear, water-resistant wax to prevent the entry of moisture.

Fasten each deck board in place with two stainless steel screws through the face of the board at each joist. Drill pilot holes for the screws with a high-quality countersink drill bit with a stop to create consistent depths for the screw heads. Nova USA Wood Products notes that while you can also use hidden fasteners, these are less reliable and lead to more deck board movement. Space boards using a nail or a deck-gapping tool following the ipe suppliers' recommendations, which may call for between 1/8 and 1/4 inch between boards depending on the width of the deck board and whether it was kiln dried or air dried.