IPE RAILING SPECIFICATIONS

Understanding Ipe Decking and Ipe Railing: What Every Homeowner Should Know

At ABS Wood, we pride ourselves on offering premium Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa that deliver lasting beauty and exceptional performance. But choosing the right decking and ipe railing isn’t just about picking what looks good—it’s also about understanding the technical details and anticipating common issues. Here’s a simplified, no-fluff guide to help you understand the key terms, common challenges, and essential information when working with Ipe hardwoods.

Ipe Decking: Dimensions and Specifications

When it comes to Ipe decking: dimensions and specifications, things can get confusing. For starters, when people say “board feet,” they often really mean linear feet, which is how most orders are placed in the decking world. Linear feet measure length, while board feet calculate volume. Nominal sizes like 1×6 are commonly used for marketing, but the actual (or rough) size can differ once the wood is processed. For example, a ¾” x 5 ½” board might start as a rough 1” x 6”. This matters for planning, especially when matching cuts or calculating coverage. If you see S4S E4E, it means the boards are surfaced on all four sides with eased edges—ready to use, safer to handle, and less likely to splinter. Grooved boards are machined on both sides to fit clips like the Ipe Clip Extreme, which helps achieve a clean, screw-free surface. Rough sawn lumber, on the other hand, is unprocessed wood with a coarse finish and saw marks. While it’s common in bulk construction like Apitong truck decking, it’s not typically used for high-end residential decks. Measurement-wise:

Cubic meters are for bulk timber orders (great for B2B).
Board feet are still standard in the lumber industry.
Linear feet is what you’ll likely be using for your deck order.

Common Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

Let’s face it—even the best materials can present a few challenges. Some of the most common Ipe wood problems include:

Late ordering: Always plan at least 2–3 weeks ahead to allow for delivery and milling.
Shipping damage: Inspect your shipment on arrival and take pictures. Superficial damage can usually be sanded out.
Underordering: Always order 5–10% extra to account for miscuts or mistakes.
Stacking marks: Light marks caused by shipping spacers fade with sunlight.
Garapa discolouration: Metal contact with wood can leave black marks—use stainless steel tools and fasteners to avoid this.
Buckling decks: Wood expands! Leave space between boards, especially with tongue and groove applications.
Finishing: Want that deep brown colour? Use a UV sealer. Prefer a greyed-out look? Let nature do the work.

All About Ipe Railing If your deck is more than 30 inches off the ground or has stairs with five or more steps, you’ll need a code-compliant ipe railing system. These are not just safety features—they’re also design statements. Key code specs:

Railing height: 36″–42″
Baluster spacing: 3.5″–4″
Bottom spacing: 2″–4″
No footholds (important for child safety)
Strength rating: Must withstand 300-lb lateral force
Pool railings and HOA rules may differ—always double-check local codes

Types of Ipe Railing

Traditional Wooden Railings: Solid ipe railing components (like ABS’s 2×6 and 2×4 rails) offer a warm, timeless look. Paired with 2×2 balusters, they’re a favourite for rustic or classic deck designs.
Metal and Ipe Combos: Modern and stylish, these railings blend Ipe with aluminium or stainless steel. The 2×6 ipe railing with metal balusters is a popular combo that balances elegance and durability.
Cable Railings: If you’re after sleek minimalism and unobstructed views, cable railings with Ipe 4×4 posts are the way to go. ABS Wood carries Deckwise Cable Railing Systems, perfect for a high-end look.

Each style of ipe railing offers unique benefits. Whether you prefer traditional charm or contemporary minimalism, you’ll find a solution that complements your deck and meets safety standards. Each style of ipe railing offers unique benefits. Whether you prefer traditional charm or contemporary minimalism, you’ll find a solution that complements your deck and meets safety standards. Here’s what ABS Wood offers:

Various handrail systems that can be mixed and matched to suit your desired style or look.
All-wood options for a classic, natural finish.
Wood handrails atop Fortress Railing products for a modern, durable combination.

Personalised support — just call and speak to any of our customer service representatives for more information.