Ipe wood decking is a premium hardwood investment — and like any premium product, the price reflects the quality, durability, and longevity you are getting. Understanding Ipe decking prices helps you budget accurately, compare apples to apples across suppliers, and recognize the true long-term value of choosing real hardwood over composite alternatives.
Ipe Decking Cost Per Linear Foot (2026)
Ipe decking is sold by the linear foot and priced by profile (dimensions). The most common residential profiles and their typical price ranges at direct-import wholesale pricing:
| Profile | Nominal Size | Typical Price Per Linear Foot | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1×4 Ipe | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ | $3.50–$5.50 | Decking, siding, fencing |
| 1×6 Ipe | 3/4″ x 5-1/2″ | $5.00–$7.50 | Most popular residential profile |
| 5/4×4 Ipe | 1″ x 3-1/2″ | $4.50–$6.50 | Decking, deck rail caps |
| 5/4×6 Ipe | 1″ x 5-1/2″ | $6.50–$9.50 | Standard residential decking |
| 2×4 Ipe | 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ | $6.00–$9.00 | Heavy-duty decking, benches |
| 2×6 Ipe | 1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ | $8.50–$13.00 | Docks, boardwalks, commercial decks |
| 2×8 Ipe | 1-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ | $11.00–$16.00 | Wide-plank dock decking |
Prices vary based on grade, length, quantity, and current import market conditions. See our current Ipe price sheet for the most up-to-date wholesale pricing.
Ipe Decking Cost Per Square Foot
For project budgeting, most homeowners and contractors think in square feet. Converting from linear foot pricing depends on the board width you choose:
- 1×6 Ipe decking covers approximately 0.458 sq ft per linear foot — budget $10.50–$16.50 per square foot for materials at wholesale pricing.
- 5/4×6 Ipe decking covers approximately 0.458 sq ft per linear foot — budget $14.00–$21.00 per square foot.
- 2×6 Ipe decking covers approximately 0.458 sq ft per linear foot — budget $18.50–$28.00 per square foot.
For a 400 square foot deck using 1×6 Ipe, expect to budget approximately $4,200–$6,600 for materials alone at direct wholesale pricing. Installation adds $15–$30 per square foot depending on your region and project complexity.
Factors That Affect Ipe Decking Prices
Profile and Thickness
Thicker and wider boards cost more per linear foot. A 2×6 Ipe board contains roughly twice the wood volume of a 1×6 board at the same length, so expect the price to reflect that. For most residential decks, 1×6 or 5/4×6 profiles offer the best balance of performance and value.
Random Lengths vs. Specific Cut Lengths
Random length boards (typically 8–20 feet, mixed) are generally less expensive than boards cut to specific uniform lengths. If your project can accommodate random lengths — which most decks can — you will pay less per linear foot and generate less waste. Specific length orders command a slight premium due to the sorting and milling labor involved.
Order Volume
Freight economics favor larger orders. At Buy Ipe Direct, we ship freight (LTL truck) directly to your jobsite, and the per-board freight cost drops significantly as order volume increases. A 1,000 linear foot order will have meaningfully lower total delivered cost per foot than a 200 linear foot order. Contact us for volume pricing on orders over 1,000 board feet.
Grade
Ipe is available in select grade (clear, few defects, tight grain) and standard/mixed grade (some natural variation, pin knots, slight color variation). Select grade commands a premium but is often preferred for high-visibility installations. Both grades are structurally equivalent — the difference is purely aesthetic.
Ipe vs. Alternatives: Cost Comparison
| Material | Material Cost / Sq Ft | Lifespan | 30-Year Total Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe Wood | $10–$21 | 75+ years | Install once |
| Garapa Wood | $7–$14 | 25–40 years | Install once or twice |
| Composite (Trex/TimberTech) | $8–$18 | 15–25 years | Replace 1–2x + labor |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $2–$5 | 10–15 years | Replace 2–3x + labor |
| Cedar | $4–$8 | 15–20 years | Replace 1–2x + labor |
*30-year total cost includes material replacement and reinstallation labor. Does not account for disposal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ipe Decking Prices
How much does a 400 sq ft Ipe deck cost?
For a 400 square foot deck using 5/4×6 Ipe, expect to pay $5,600–$8,400 for materials at direct wholesale pricing, plus $6,000–$12,000 for professional installation. Total installed cost typically runs $11,600–$20,400 for a mid-size residential deck.
Why is Ipe wood so expensive?
Ipe is a slow-growing tropical hardwood that takes 40–100 years to reach harvestable size. It must be imported from Brazil and other South American countries. The cost reflects the exceptional density, hardness, and durability of the wood — and its 75-year lifespan means you pay the premium once.
Is Ipe cheaper than Trex?
Ipe material cost is generally higher than mid-range composite products like Trex Select but competitive with premium composite lines like Trex Transcend or TimberTech AZEK. When you factor in Ipe’s longer lifespan and elimination of replacement costs, the 30-year total cost of ownership often favors Ipe.
Does Buy Ipe Direct offer volume pricing?
Yes. We offer wholesale direct pricing to contractors and homeowners alike. For orders over 1,000 linear feet, contact us directly for a custom freight quote and volume pricing. We can also provide job-site delivery anywhere in the continental US.
Ready to get exact pricing for your project? View our current Ipe price sheet for all profiles and species, or contact us for a freight quote to your jobsite. You can also browse all Ipe decking profiles to find the right board for your project.