Horizontal Ipe

Ipe (pronounced 'ee-pay') is often called Brazilian walnut or ironwood, and for good reason. This ultra-dense hardwood is renowned as the world's most durable fencing material, offering unmatched strength, weather resistance, and a stunning deep brown color that ages to a distinguished silver-gray patina.

Best For

•Luxury homes and high-end properties
•Coastal environments with salt exposure
•Homeowners seeking the longest-lasting fence possible (40-50+ years)
•Modern architectural designs requiring premium materials
•Fire-prone areas (Class A fire rating)

Key Features & Benefits

Exceptionally dense - sinks in water
Natural Class A fire rating
Extreme scratch and dent resistance
Rich chocolate brown color when fresh
Minimal expansion/contraction with weather changes
Natural oils resist rot, decay, and termites
Can last 40-50+ years with minimal maintenance
FSC-certified sustainable options available

Pros

Longest lifespan of any wood fence (40-50+ years)
Unmatched durability and strength
Class A fire rating provides safety in wildfire zones
Extremely stable - won't warp or twist
Beautiful, rich color and fine grain
Requires less maintenance than softer woods, but still needs periodic sealing for color retention
Resists mold, mildew, and insects naturally
Holds up excellently in harsh coastal climates

Cons

Highest cost of all wood options (often 2-3x cedar)
Extremely hard - requires pre-drilling for fasteners
Specialized tools needed for cutting
Heavy - requires robust framing
Can splinter if not properly finished
Natural tannins can stain concrete during installation
Limited color options (natural only)

Materials & Specifications

pickets

Ipe hardwood - 1x6 or 1x4, FSC-certified when possible, tight grain select grade

posts

4x4 pressure-treated or steel posts (black or galvanized), must support heavy weight

framing

Pressure-treated 2x6 Douglas Fir rails (stronger framing required), marine-grade stainless steel fasteners

hardware

316 marine-grade stainless steel screws and hidden fasteners (required - ipe will rust standard hardware)

Best For

Key Features & Benefits

Pros

Cons

Materials & Specifications

pickets

posts

framing

hardware

Related Styles

Horizontal Batu

Horizontal Composite

WPC Horizontal Composite

Horizontal 2x2 Redwood