Decks by Kiefer
Spotlight on Ipe
"The artistic value you bring to a project is what separates top tier wood craftsmen from ordinary carpenters. We choose to compete based on quality and passion for the creativity of the work. That's our competitive advantage."
— Brendan Casey
Decks by Kiefer is recognized as a premier builder of custom decks, deck and patio combos, multi-level and raised decks, as well as outdoor living/entertainment spaces with amenities such as kitchens, fireplaces, spas, and entertainment areas. Bob Kiefer draws on his experience as a landscape architect to design decks that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings of the site.
Decks by Kiefer took home two NADRA awards last year. A 500-square-foot Ipe deck in Tewksbury, New Jersey, placed 1st in the Wood Decks $26k - $50k category. The deck was an extension of an existing porch overlooking a scenic wooded tract, and the homeowners wanted to be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the area's natural beauty. Kiefer created a contoured footprint and raised the front of the deck to bar height adding a
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Species: Handroanthus spp.
Origin: Central and South America; also farmed commercially.
Common Applications: Outdoor applications, including decking, doors, windows, boat docks, boardwalks and furniture, as well as fine furniture, flooring, turnings, and decorative veneers.
Characteristics / Appearance: Heartwood is typically olive-brown, with variations in color from a reddish-brown to a dark blackish brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white and easily distinguished. Grain varies from straight to irregular and sometimes interlocked. Ipe is a difficult wood to work with high cutting resistance during sawing and machining. It planes smoothly with tear out in interlocked areas. Ipe can be difficult to glue properly. Surface preparation prior to gluing is recommended. The same qualities making this wood challenging are also what make it so desired — it's extremely hard and dense with high durability and shock resistance.
Janka Hardness Scale: 3,510 lbf
Comments: Ipe is a wood of extremes — extremely dense and durable but as a result is difficult to work. Its incredible hardness and strength make it well suited to exterior decking and siding applications. If left unfinished, graying of the wood will occur, but it can last over 20 years outside without preservatives or additional treatments.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Decks by Kiefer stand out as a deck builder?+
Decks by Kiefer is recognized as a premier builder of custom decks, multi-level and raised decks, and outdoor living spaces with amenities like kitchens, fireplaces, and spas. Founder Bob Kiefer draws on his experience as a landscape architect to design decks that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings of the site.
What NADRA award did Decks by Kiefer win for their Ipe deck project?+
A 500-square-foot Ipe deck in Tewksbury, New Jersey, placed 1st in the Wood Decks $26k - $50k category. The deck was an extension of an existing porch overlooking a scenic wooded tract.
How did Kiefer design the award-winning Tewksbury deck to preserve the view?+
The homeowners wanted to enjoy an unobstructed view of the area's natural beauty, so Kiefer created a contoured footprint and raised the front of the deck to bar height.
Where does Ipe wood come from?+
Ipe (Handroanthus spp.) originates from Central and South America, and is also farmed commercially.
Why is Ipe considered ideal for outdoor decking?+
Ipe is extremely hard and dense with high durability and shock resistance, ranking 3,510 lbf on the Janka Hardness Scale. It can last over 20 years outside without preservatives or additional treatments, though graying will occur if left unfinished.
What challenges come with working with Ipe wood?+
Ipe is difficult to work with, showing high cutting resistance during sawing and machining, and tear out can occur in interlocked grain areas during planing. It can also be difficult to glue properly, so surface preparation prior to gluing is recommended.