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Installing an ipe wood deck typically costs between $8 and $20 per square foot, but most homeowners will pay around $20 per square foot for the highest quality materials. Ipe is a high-end decking material, so it costs more than many alternatives, but it’s also incredibly strong and durable. Several factors can affect the cost to install an ipe wood deck, including the deck’s shape and size, as well as whether you hire a pro to manage your deck remodel for you.
Learn everything you need to know about the cost of ipe decking so you can plan your budget accordingly and start enjoying your new outdoor space.
Average Ipe Wood Deck Cost
Ipe decking typically ranges from $8 to $20 per square foot, not including labor. Factors that affect those costs include the wood’s grade, in addition to the size, shape and style of your new deck.
How to Calculate Ipe Wood Decking Costs
Estimating the cost of an ipe wood deck is fairly straightforward. Simply measure the length and width of your proposed deck in feet. Then multiply those two numbers together to determine the approximate number of square feet your deck will comprise. Finally, multiply that number by the cost of the deck per square foot.
For instance, if your deck will be 10 feet on one side and 12 feet on the other, it will be approximately 120 square feet since 10 x 12 is 120. And since average ipe wood decking costs are around $14, you’d then multiply 120 x 14 to reach your final cost estimate. However, keep in mind that labor can add $25 to $45 per square foot to that final cost.
Ipe Wood Deck Cost Breakdown
Several factors go into the final cost to build a deck. A major factor is the deck’s size, but the shape and boards also impact costs.
By Deck Shape
Your deck’s shape can affect costs. Generally, standard shapes, like square and rectangular decks, cost less to install since you won’t need to make special cuts and calculations to account for unique curves and angles. Installing a deck with a complex shape can cost as much as $65 per square foot or more, including labor.
By Deck Size
Ipe wood decking is priced by the square or linear foot, so the larger your deck, the more you can expect to pay for installation. The following chart gives a good estimate of how much a wood deck will cost by size without labor. If you’re hiring a professional to install the deck for you, then add another $25 to $45 per square foot.
By Board
If you’re installing the deck yourself, then you can skip labor costs altogether. Instead, all you’ll need to pay for are the cost of the boards themselves. Ipe boards can cost anywhere from $8 to $20 per square foot, but most homeowners will pay around $14 per square foot.
Additional Costs and Considerations Associated With Ipe Wood Decking
In addition to the basics, like your deck’s size and shape, there are several other costs to consider to create an accurate budget for an ipe deck installation.
Foundation Installation
Unless you already have a foundation or you’re building a floating deck, you’ll need to install a new foundation to ensure the deck’s safety and stability. Foundations usually are comprised of a slab of concrete, but they can also be made of wood. Paying a professional to install a deck foundation usually costs between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Labor
Labor is the most significant factor affecting the cost to install an ipe deck, so if you’re hiring someone to do the job, you’ll definitely want to factor labor into your budget. While the deck boards themselves cost between $8 and $20 per square foot, labor adds another $25 to $45 per square foot on top of that.
Railings
Railings make your deck safer to navigate while adding aesthetic appeal. Ipe railing installations can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 per linear foot, depending on the style and intricacy of the railing. Simple railings will cost near the lower end of that spectrum, while ornate railings are at the higher end.
Stairs
Most decks are at least somewhat elevated from the ground, so adding stairs can make them easier to access. Ipe stairs cost between $25 and $50 per stair, so the more stairs you have, the more your deck will cost.
DIY Ipe Decking Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
Given that labor for a new ipe deck usually costs between $25 and $45 per square foot, not including materials, you can save quite a bit of money by installing the deck yourself. Many handy homeowners can tackle a new deck installation. However, it’s important to keep in mind the ipe is a particularly hard and dense wood, so it’s tricky to work with and requires the use of special tools to cut and drill through.
How to Save Money on an Ipe Deck Installation
Ipe is a particularly expensive decking material, but there are still several ways to save money on an ipe deck installation. A few common ways include:
- Installing the deck yourself to save on labor costs
- Getting quotes from multiple professionals to find the best price
- Buying decking materials in bulk
- Choosing a simple shape for your deck rather than something more complex
- Opting for a low-grade ipe
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed two provider and eight cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ipe or trex more expensive?
Not including installation, trex decking typically costs $5 to $12 per square foot, while ipe costs $8 to $20, so ipe is slightly more expensive.
What is the lifespan of an ipe deck?
Ipe has one of the longest lifespans of any decking material. If properly maintained, an ipe deck can last for 50 to 75 years or more.
What is the best alternative to ipe decking?
The best alternative depends on your needs and budget, but both teak and mahogany are hardwoods, like ipe. However, ipe is the hardest and densest of the three. Composite decking is another alternative that’s highly durable and low-maintenance, as well as less expensive than ipe.
How often do you apply ipe oil?
Applying ipe oil can help prolong your deck’s lifespan, maintain its color and resist weather damage. It’s generally recommended to apply ipe oil once per year, but if you live in an extreme climate or your deck sees a lot of foot traffic, you might benefit from applying it more often.
