Ipe Proper Ventilation

drrllc

I have a deck /porch project that ultimately sits about 28-30" off grade. However, a majority of the outer perimeter of the deck is being closed off with a stone apron to make for a step-out deck + correct some grading issues in the existing yard. There is however a 72" long (x 20"H) section at each side of the deck that is left open (lattice or similar) to aid with cross-ventilation. It's a fairly moist area to begin with not a ton of direct sunlight due to trees. I'm hesitant to use composite decking as I've seen them really discolor and be prone to stains, mold, etc. and not quite live up to the maintenance-free label. The newer PVC decking would be a better option, but they still look a bit too much like plastic. Ipe seems like it would really solve a lot of these challenges, but the only drawback that I've seen on it is that it needs "proper" ventilation. If you regularly install Ipe or have any experiences with it in this type of limited ventilation environment, I would appreciate some advice on whether you have concerns on its use in this project. See attached drawing.

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Gary Harless
Managing Owner
Deep Run Renovations
www.deeprunrenovations.com

jclem

Ipe is great, but it's only maintenance-free if they want a weathered gray deck. If they want a dark, pretty wood look (like when it's new) then they (or you) are going to have to wash and treat it every year.
The composites are improving their looks. TT has a line(I forget the name)that looks like exotics and is pretty stain and scratch resistant. There is also a new product called Truemarc which is PVC and looks awesome. It doesn't look like vinyl siding like Azek does. There are 6 or 7 different "colors" of exotics. I might be using this on my up coming deck. Just some food for thought.
As far as the ventilation for ipe, from your specs, I don't forsee you having any problems. You have plenty of clearance above the ground and with the 2 70x20 openings on either end, you shouldn't have any problems. Moving air does just about as good a job as direct sunlight for drying things, and in some ways it's better.

deckman22

Yeah, that's doable. Glue the joist, don't use clips.

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Deckman
www.alscustomdecks.com