Ipe hardwood, which is valued for its strength and rich natural tones, is the gold standard for outdoor rail systems. Ipe railing installation, however, calls for careful planning and precise attention to detail. You wouldn’t want to invest all the time and resources into premium Ipe wood only to end up with a wobbly or uneven result. Here is a short guide you can follow as a starting point:
Understand the maximum weight requirements.
Outdoor railings (whether stairs or deck perimeters) must meet structural safety codes. The IBC and IRC specify that a handrail or guard should resist a 200-pound point load, applied within 2 inches of the top surface. Ipe easily meets these strength requirements, but your fasteners and connections must be just as durable.
Measure the handrail height correctly.
For handrails, most building codes require a height of 34” to 38” above the stair nosing or walking surface. If you’re installing a guardrail on a deck, the minimum height might be 36” or 42” (depending on local code). Measure carefully from both ends and use a chalk line to keep things level.
Account for the material
Installing Ipe railing isn’t the easiest project to take on. The wood is hard, heavy, and not as simple to work with as other materials.
Because Ipe is extremely dense, you’ll need to pre-drill holes and use stainless steel screws or hidden fastener systems. Consider using spacer blocks and breathable design techniques to prevent moisture issues in outdoor environments.
Entrust your Ipe railing installation to professionals.
Someone who works with Ipe all the time knows the right tools to use and how to avoid common mistakes. They’ll also make sure your railing is safe, up to code, and built to last.
For homeowners and builders looking for the best materials, ABS Wood supplies premium Ipe hardwood that’s built to last. Visit www.abswood.com today to explore their selection and learn more about their services.
About the Author:
Bruce Master serves as the general manager at Advanced Building Supplies, a company specializing in a comprehensive range of Brazilian Hardwood products, which include Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru, and Tigerwood. Exotic Woods is a natural outgrowth for Bruce as he comes from a long line of woodworkers. Both his grandfather and father were highly regarded craftsmen and cabinet makers. In addition to his managerial role at ABS, Bruce is actively involved in designing, planning, and installing decks. Prior to his tenure at ABS, Bruce gained valuable experience as a generalist at a prominent Ace Hardware store in Miami, Florida, where he catered to an exclusive clientele of contractors primarily working on Miami Beach.
