Reviewing an Ipe Decking Order Before Payment

Confirming Ipe Profile and Dimensions

Ipe decking is available in a variety of profiles and dimensions, each suited for different applications within a deck project. Common profiles include standard decking boards, often in 1x4, 1x6, 5/4x4, or 5/4x6 dimensions. These nominal sizes refer to the thickness and width of the board. It is important to verify the actual, milled dimensions against your order, as these can vary slightly by manufacturer. For instance, a nominal 1x6 board might have actual dimensions closer to 3/4 inch by 5.5 inches.

Beyond standard decking, consider if your order includes specialized profiles like fascia boards, stair treads, or railing components. Fascia boards, for example, are typically thinner and wider, designed for vertical applications to finish the deck perimeter. Stair treads require specific thickness for structural integrity. Each profile should be explicitly listed on your order with its corresponding dimensions. Reviewing these details helps ensure that every part of your deck design has the correct material.

Verifying Board Lengths and Quantity

Ipe decking boards are supplied in a range of lengths, typically from 3 to 24 feet. Your project plan should specify the required lengths to minimize waste and optimize the visual layout of your deck. It is common for orders to include a mix of lengths to facilitate efficient cutting and reduce seams. Confirm that the total linear footage for each profile and length matches your project's material takeoff.

Consider a hypothetical project for a 12-foot by 16-foot deck requiring 5/4x6 Ipe decking boards. If you plan for a primary run of 16-foot boards, but also need shorter lengths for cuts or specific sections, ensure these are itemized. For example, if the design calls for 30 boards of 16 feet and 10 boards of 12 feet, verify these exact counts. This level of detail helps prevent shortages or excess material, which can impact both budget and timeline. Accurate quantity verification is crucial, especially given the material's density and weight, which affects handling and storage.

Checking for Specific Grades or Finishes

While Ipe is known for its consistent quality, some suppliers may offer different grades or pre-finishing options. Confirm that your order specifies the desired grade, if applicable. The natural color of Ipe ranges from reddish-brown to olive-brown. If you've opted for a specific pre-treatment, such as a UV-blocking sealer to maintain its initial color, ensure this is clearly noted on your order. If left untreated, Ipe will naturally weather to a silvery-gray patina. Your order should reflect your chosen aesthetic. Any pre-treatment or finish should be confirmed against your expectations for the finished appearance of your deck.

Understanding Logistics: Delivery and Storage

Before payment, confirm the agreed-upon delivery schedule and any associated logistics. Ipe is a dense wood, with an air dry density of approximately 5.75 lbs/bf, meaning bundles can be substantial. Verify the delivery method, access requirements for the delivery vehicle, and whether offloading assistance is needed or provided. Proper site preparation for receiving and storing the material is essential.

Once delivered, Ipe should be stored correctly to protect it from the elements and maintain its condition. This typically involves storing boards flat, off the ground, and under cover to allow for proper acclimation while preventing moisture absorption or warping. Discuss any specific storage recommendations with your supplier and ensure your site can accommodate these requirements upon delivery.

Worked Example: Decking Material Takeoff Review

Consider a homeowner building a rectangular deck measuring 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. They have chosen 5/4x6 Ipe decking boards, which have an actual dimension of 1 inch thick by 5.5 inches wide. They want a clean look with minimal seams, so they requested a majority of 20-foot lengths.

**Calculation:** The deck area is 10 ft * 20 ft = 200 sq ft. Each 5/4x6 board (1"x5.5") covers 5.5 inches / 12 inches/ft = 0.4583 feet of width. For a 10-foot width, they need 10 ft / 0.4583 ft/board = 21.8 boards. Rounding up to 22 boards for full coverage across the width. Since the deck is 20 feet long, they would need 22 boards, each 20 feet long. This totals 22 boards * 20 ft/board = 440 linear feet.

**Order Review:** The homeowner's quote lists: "Ipe Decking, 5/4x6, 22 pieces @ 20 ft long." This matches the calculated requirement for the main decking surface. They also ordered 2 pieces of 1x8 Ipe for fascia on the 20-foot sides and 2 pieces of 1x8 Ipe for the 10-foot sides, each cut from a 12-foot board to allow for clean corner cuts. The total order is 22 pieces of 5/4x6x20' and 4 pieces of 1x8x12'. This detailed review confirms the order aligns with the project's specific needs, accounting for both decking and trim.

Before you order

• Have you confirmed the exact profile and nominal dimensions (e.g., 1x6, 5/4x6) for all Ipe boards?
• Do the actual, milled dimensions of the Ipe boards match your project's specifications?
• Is the quantity of each Ipe board profile and length accurately listed on the order?
• Does the total linear footage of Ipe decking match your material takeoff calculations?
• Are any specialized Ipe components (fascia, stair treads, railing) correctly specified?
• Have you confirmed any specific grades or pre-finishing options for the Ipe?
• Is the delivery schedule and method clear, including any site access requirements?
• Do you have a plan for proper storage of the Ipe decking upon delivery?
• Are all costs, including material, delivery, and any taxes, clearly itemized?
• Have you inquired about the supplier's return policy for any unused or incorrect materials?

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project