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Working with Ipe - Question
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Posted by amg_roadster (My Page) on Fri, Jan 22, 10 at 10:16
| I am about to start a deck/covered porch project. Nothing major compared to what I have seen posted on here. We are talking about ~610sqf, multilevel deck.
I have built decks in the past and have experienced help to give me a hand. The project is pretty straight forward and I am in the process of determining if my budget can support using Ipe or another South American Hardwood.
The one caveat I have with the building of the deck is that none of us have worked with Ipe previously and I have read posts on hear stressing the importance of having worked with Ipe previously.
I am wondering what is the big deal? Yes it is a harder wood and I need to use carbide blades, pre-drill holes, use SS screws, treat the ends, etc. Beyond that why the need for previous experience? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Working with Ipe - Question
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| Folks that are not experienced working with ipe will do things like screw the ipe down like it was a cedar deck. With ipe you'll want to screw close to the edge of the board, 1/2" - 3/4" max. You may not know to glue it along with the screws, you may put in solid skirting not allowing for cross ventilation. Little things like that can cause problems with the ipe cupping especially if 1x material. Make sure you have good drainage under the deck, you don't want water sitting under an ipe deck that's low to the ground. |
RE: Working with Ipe - Question
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| John agrees with the DeckMan. There are also a few tools that will make the project go a lot smoother. J. |
RE: Working with Ipe - Question
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| You are right I was not aware of the placement of the screws. Drainage is no an issue nor will cross venitlation be a problem. Well, one of the decks has solid walls on 2 sides the other 2 sections will be open on three sides. Any issues with using underdecking on ipe? It will certainly limit the amount of ventilation. |
RE: Working with Ipe - Question
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| I am not understanding using underdecking on ipe. J. |
RE: Working with Ipe - Question
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| Thinking about using underdecking on one of the decks to keep the stairs and walkway underneath that deck dry. This is not an idea particular to Ipe but to this particular porch as it is above a walk out basement. |
RE: Working with Ipe - Question
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| Your puting a roof under the decking, that I understand. Depending on how thats done it could limit cross ventalation that ipe needs. J. |
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