Ipe's cheap, with good reason

This Asian wood is incredibly durable, but tough to work. June 20, 2000

Question
We are considering buying a container of ipe for decking. The price of 1 x 4 is reasonable, so we are looking at 7,000 board feet (BF). I can't find any info on this species, even in the imported wood purchasing guide. All I know is that it is very hard and usually air dried. Anyone have any input?

Forum Responses
I have seen ipe used on decks. It's very hard and heavy. I believe "Woods of the World" has a very good description of ipe. The species I have used have given off a yellow powder which was toxic.

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Indeed, watch the yellow powder for dermatitis. Ipe is hard to work, but is very decay resistant.
Gene Wengert, forum moderator

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The comments below were added after this Forum discussion was archived as a Knowledge Base article (add your comment).

Comment from contributor A:
Ipe dust can be irritating, so use a good mask and long sleeved shirt to work.