Ipe Decking
In Nature, Surrounded by Nature, at One with Nature
In Nature, Surrounded by Nature, at One with Nature
SPECIES FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE: Ipe
FIND INFORMATION ON THIS AND ADDITIONAL SPECIES AT WWW.IWPAWOOD.ORG
Following completion of their primary residence in 2018, Helen M. and her family turned their attention to the expansive outdoor area surrounding the home in the outskirts of Chapel Hill, NC. The family opted for an integrated plan that included an infinity pool overlooking a valley on the property, a large deck suitable for outdoor entertaining, and a pool house.
“We wanted a large entertaining space and pool that made the backyard more usable and complemented the stunning views,” said Helen. “And we wanted a deck that connected the house, pool house, and surrounded the entire pool area, which would expand our backyard living area.”
Helen researched various decking material options but didn’t like the look of most of the composite materials. “They tended to look fake,” she said. “Additionally, reviews of many of the composite materials mentioned issues such as mold, flaking surfaces, very hot on bare feet, and slippery around pools. Since this was a large pool deck, we decided composites were out of the picture.”
AdvantageLumber.com, headquartered in Sarasota, FL, was able to offer various sustainable hardwood decking options. Advantage Lumber, LLC operates lumber mills throughout South America, manufacturing more than 70 species of premium grade decking and lumber including Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Massaranduba, Garapa, and more. The company’s end-to-end business model enables it to sell quality decking and lumber products at the lowest possible cost.
Ipe was an obvious choice for the roughly 1,500 square foot pool deck because of its strength, durability, and elegant appearance. “We loved the rich brown look, and after some additional research, we found it’s used in some of the harshest environments on commercial applications and has been shown to last up to 70 years or more in those applications,” Helen said.
The sloped landscape left the pool deck elevated, allowing for plenty of airspace under the deck and allowed for adequate ventilation. This enabled specification of a slightly thinner Ipe 1x6 +Plus® decking (0.83" x 5.50") as compared to typical 5/4 x 6 5/4 x 6 planks (1.00" x 5.50") normally recommended around pools, which saved the homeowners over 30% on the decking boards.
The homeowners opted to face screw, countersink and plug the entire surface of the deck using Ipe face grain plugs, thus helping match the surface of the deck boards as closely as possible and leaving the surface of the deck free from screw holes. “Hidden fasteners are available which avoids this laborious process, but the homeowner wanted it done the traditional way,” said Dan Ivancic, marketing manager for Advantage Lumber. “They felt confident it would be a good one-time investment for the large pool deck.”
“We love the pool, deck, and our entire outdoor living space,” said Helen. “It gives us a place to entertain family and friends and, most importantly, unwind and relax in a resort-quality backyard. The backyard has become one of our favorite places to be.”
“The views from the pool and entire outdoor living area are breathtaking, and I think the Ipe wood decking enhances the sense that we are in nature, surrounded by nature, at one with nature. The pool appears and sounds like it’s flowing down the valley like a waterfall. It is truly idyllic. We often see large hawks soaring down the valley and deer running through. We love to sit out there in the evening listening to the pool flowing over the edge like a waterfall and take in all the sounds of nature that surround it. We are really thrilled with how it all turned out.”
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Frequently asked questions
Why did the homeowners choose Ipe instead of composite decking for their pool deck?+
They felt composite materials looked fake and read reviews citing issues like mold, flaking surfaces, heat on bare feet, and slipperiness around pools. Ipe offered a natural rich brown look, strength, and durability suited to a large pool deck.
How long can Ipe decking last in harsh environments?+
Ipe has been shown to last up to 70 years or more in commercial applications in some of the harshest environments.
What is Ipe 1x6 +Plus decking and why was it used for this project?+
Ipe 1x6 +Plus measures 0.83" x 5.50", slightly thinner than the typical 5/4 x 6 planks (1.00" x 5.50") recommended around pools. Because the elevated, sloped deck allowed adequate ventilation underneath, the thinner profile could be used, saving the homeowners over 30% on decking boards.
How were the Ipe deck boards fastened on the Chapel Hill pool deck?+
The homeowners chose to face screw, countersink, and plug the entire deck surface using Ipe face grain plugs to match the boards and leave the surface free of visible screw holes. Although hidden fasteners were available, they wanted it done the traditional way as a one-time investment.
How many species of decking and lumber does Advantage Lumber produce?+
Advantage Lumber operates lumber mills throughout South America and manufactures more than 70 species of premium grade decking and lumber, including Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Massaranduba, and Garapa.
How large is the Ipe pool deck at the Chapel Hill residence?+
The pool deck is approximately 1,500 square feet and connects the main house and pool house while surrounding the entire pool area.