How Much Does Ipe Decking Cost in 2024?
Normal range: $2,500 - $12,000
The average cost of ipe wood decking ranges from $2,500 to $12,000, with an average of $4,700. Ipe is tricky to install, so labor makes up most of the cost.
Editor’s note:
Three genera in the ipe family (Handroanthus, Roseodendron, and Tabebuia) have officially been submitted for the CITES Appendices of endangered species. Their inclusion goes into effect in November 2024, after which trade of ipe will be more strictly regulated and prices will likely increase.
Ipe decking costs $4,700 on average and ranges from $2,500 to $12,000 for most people. Materials cost $5 to $20 per square foot and labor costs $20 to $45 per square foot. Many factors come into play when determining ipe decking costs for your project. Let’s review how they’ll impact your bottom line.
- Average
- $4,700
- Low end
- $500
- high end
- $29,250
Ipe Decking Cost Factors
There's more to installing ipe decking than laying the boards. See where your money will go for an ipe decking project:
Square Footage
Ipe decking is wonderfully warm, as it holds some of the sun’s heat, and is also soft on your bare feet. People love it for its low upkeep, long lifespan, durability, and beauty. That being said, ipe wood prices are higher than many other types of decking, with a cost range of $25 to $65 per square foot, installed. That's mostly due to the labor costs of $20 to $45 per square foot. This decking material is incredibly hard, time-consuming to work with, and needs special equipment to install. Ipe decking costs $5 to $20 per square foot for materials only.
| Dimensions | Square Feet | Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 | 100 | $500–$2,000 |
| 12x12 | 144 | $720–$2,880 |
| 14x14 | 196 | $980–$3,920 |
| 14x16 | 224 | $1,120–$4,480 |
| 12x20 | 240 | $1,200–$4,800 |
| 16x16 | 256 | $1,280–$5,120 |
| 14x20 | 280 | $1,400–$5,600 |
| 16x18 | 288 | $1,440–$5,760 |
| 15x20 | 300 | $1,500–$6,000 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $2,000–$8,000 |
*Materials only
Shape
If you’re on a tight budget, opt for a simple rectangular platform ipe deck. It’s possible to build these for around $25 per square foot. However, a raised, multi-level, or wraparound deck can hit $65 per square foot or more, especially if you want to cover it.
Foundation Installation
Your deck will need a foundation of some kind, unless one already exists. Expect to pay $4 to $9 per square foot of surface area. The price of the foundation depends on whether it only involves pouring concrete or if it also needs a wooden substructure.
Board Installation
The cost to install the decking boards is $20 to $35 per square foot, including labor and materials. Because of the strength and density of the wood, heavy-duty titanium drill bits and powerful drills are necessary to drill into ipe.
Labor
The total labor cost for installing an ipe deck, including laying the foundation and fitting the boards, is $20 to $45 per square foot. Since ipe decking requires a more in-depth, complex installation than other projects like building a floating deck, you’ll need to hire a professional deck builder for this task.
While you may pay less in labor for a pressure-treated pine deck or other, softer wood, ipe requires less maintenance and has a considerably longer lifespan. Therefore, it adds more value to your home and likely saves you money in the long run.
Additional Ipe Decking Building Costs to Consider
Aside from the decking, some extra features are necessary to complete the space, but they’re not usually part of the average ipe decking cost figures.
Railings
Installing or replacing exterior railings costs $925 on average, including labor and materials. Railings don’t only add to the aesthetic of your new deck; they also make them safer for kids and pets. You can also upgrade to glass or cable railings, costing $150 to $250 per linear foot for cable and $200 to $450 per linear foot for glass.
Deck Stairs
Building deck stairs costs $15 to $25 per square foot, including labor and materials. Your project cost depends on the design complexity, height, and number of stairs. Keep in mind that stairs are an essential component for raised, multi-level decks, so it’s a non-starter expense for most decks.
Staining or Painting
Budget $1 to $2.50 per square foot to coat your ipe deck with a protectant. This dark hardwood doesn’t need standard staining or sealing because of its density, meaning stains don’t change the color the way they will on lighter wood. However, coating with a UV protectant stops the wood from fading in the sun.
Electricity
You might want to run power to your new ipe deck to hang atmospheric fairy lights or install outdoor speakers. The cost to install an outdoor electrical outlet averages around $225.
Furniture
What’s a functional deck without some comfortable deck furniture? You can spend anywhere from $100 for a basic table and a couple of chairs or hammocks to over $5,000 for a high-end set to entertain a large group of family and friends.
Fire Pit
Typically, fire pit costs range from $200 to $3,000. However, you’ll have to think carefully before you install one on your ipe deck because of the fire risks. You can also cut costs by purchasing an above-ground fire pit instead of an in-ground model.
Select one that isn’t too heavy for the deck and fits with local building and fire safety codes. Appropriate protective barriers and other safety precautions also need to be in place. Often gas fire pits are a safer option than wood-burning pits.
Cost to Install Ipe Decking Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Even though you could save yourself up to $45 per square foot in labor costs by installing ipe decking yourself, it's better to hire a local deck builder. A deck builder will install your deck safely and efficiently while you relax and start planning the barbecues you’ll be having in your new outdoor space.
Even if you’ve worked on a deck project before, you need to think twice before attempting this installation as a DIY project. Installing ipe decking isn't as easy as working with other woods. Ipe is hard, dense, and heavy, requiring specialty drill bits and saw blades. Plus, you may have to excavate and level the area where you’ll put the deck, and then potentially pour a concrete foundation.
How to Save on Ipe Decking Costs
Ipe isn’t the most budget-friendly material, so don’t expect to cut your projects in half with one magical tip. However, there are a few ways to save if you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck.
Choose a classic shape, like a square or rectangle, for your deck. A simple deck shape means lower labor costs.
Get more than one quote from contractors, and don’t just choose the cheapest quote. Some contractors may offer deals on materials, better warranties, or savings on different parts of the project. Look at pro quotes as a whole rather than just focusing on the price.
Order your ipe decking in bulk in the fall or winter when prices are lower. You’ll cut costs due to seasonality and may even save by buying bulk.
Katy Willis contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ipe is a hardwood from Central and South America, also known as Brazilian Walnut and pau lope. It's one of the hardest woods, measuring 3,600 on the Janka hardness scale. In comparison, red oak only measures 1,290.
Its beauty, longevity, and resistance to fungus, insects, and rot make it highly sought after. But its popularity has also led to widespread deforestation and illegal harvesting, so if you must use ipe, make sure your timber is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance for sustainability. You could also consider a fast-growing, sustainable alternative that isn't endangered, such as black locust, or another type of wood or composite deck material.
Yes, ipe has a long lifespan. It can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance as its own oils help to preserve it.
Yes, ipe is a popular high-end choice for pool decking. It repels water and is naturally slip-resistant. It's not susceptible to mold, mildew, or rot either, so it lasts longer and is cleaner and more hygienic than other popular decking materials.
No, you don't need to stain ipe decking, although you can if you want to change the color. You will, however, need to apply a UV coating if you don't want the natural color to fade. Speak to a deck staining specialist near you to discuss the best options if you want to stain your decking.