How much does Ipe siding cost per square foot installed?

Ipe siding costs $20–$45 per square foot fully installed in 2026. Material (shiplap, rainscreen, or T&G profile) runs $10–$18/SF. Labor for vertical cladding installation adds $8–$20/SF depending on your region and building height.

What Ipe siding profile is best?

Shiplap is the most popular Ipe siding profile — it provides a clean overlapping joint that sheds water naturally. Rainscreen profiles create a ventilated air gap behind the cladding for superior moisture management. Tongue & groove offers a tight, seamless look for protected areas.

Is Ipe good for exterior siding?

Ipe is one of the best exterior siding materials available. Its Class A fire rating, extreme density, and natural resistance to rot and insects make it ideal for exterior cladding. It withstands wind-driven rain, UV, and temperature extremes without warping.

How does Ipe siding compare to cedar siding?

Ipe siding is 10× harder than cedar (3,684 vs 350 Janka), can last 3–5× longer, and has a Class A fire rating vs. cedar's Class C. Cedar siding costs less upfront ($6–$12/SF installed) but needs replacement in 15–20 years vs. Ipe's up to 75+ year lifespan.

Does Ipe siding need a rain screen system?

A rain screen gap is recommended for all exterior wood cladding, including Ipe. It allows moisture to drain and air to circulate behind the siding, preventing moisture buildup. Ipe rainscreen profiles have built-in channels for this purpose.

How much does it cost to side a house with Ipe?

Siding a typical 1,500–2,000 SF exterior with Ipe costs $30,000–$90,000 installed, depending on profile, building height, and region. A single accent wall (200–400 SF) costs $4,000–$18,000 — a popular way to add Ipe's beauty at a lower budget.

Installed Cost Guide

How Much Does Ipe Siding Cost Installed?

2026 guide to Ipe wood siding costs — shiplap, rainscreen, and T&G profiles priced per square foot with regional labor rates and real project examples.

$20–$45

per sq ft installed

$10–$18

material only / SF

75+

year Ipe lifespan

Ipe Siding Cost Installed — Quick Answer

The total cost is $20 to $45 per square foot fully installed in 2026, depending on your location, project complexity, and contractor experience. Material alone runs $10–$18/SF. Labor rates vary significantly by region — from $35/hr in lower-cost areas to $150/hr in major metro markets like San Francisco and New York City.

Compare Material Costs by Species

Live material pricing from our catalog. Select a species to see how it affects total installed cost for your siding.

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Siding Cost Breakdown

Here's where your money goes when building your siding. Each component contributes to the total installed price per square foot.

Ipe Siding Material

40–50%

$10–$18/SF

Shiplap, rainscreen, or T&G profiles. 1x6 shiplap is the most cost-effective option.

Furring Strips & Moisture Barrier

8–12%

$2–$4/SF

Rain screen furring, house wrap, and flashing. Critical for proper moisture management.

Stainless Fasteners

3–5%

$1–$2/SF

Stainless steel finish nails or screws. Hidden fastening systems available for some profiles.

Installation Labor

35–45%

$8–$20/SF

Vertical cladding installation. Higher stories require scaffolding, adding $2–$5/SF.

Siding Installation Labor Costs by Region

Contractor rates for hardwood siding installation vary significantly by region. Here's what to expect across the U.S.

High Cost

San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Seattle, LA, DC

Contractor rate

$75–$150/hr

Total installed/SF

$26–$45

Above Average

Denver, Austin, Portland, Miami, Chicago, San Diego

Contractor rate

$55–$100/hr

Total installed/SF

$23–$38

Average

Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Raleigh, Charlotte

Contractor rate

$45–$80/hr

Total installed/SF

$21–$35

Below Average

Houston, Tampa, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City

Contractor rate

$35–$65/hr

Total installed/SF

$20–$32

Note: Rates above reflect general contractor pricing for experienced hardwood installers. Ipe requires specialized skills — pre-drilling, carbide tooling, and heavier handling — so rates are typically 15–25% higher than softwood or composite installation. Always get 3+ quotes from contractors with tropical hardwood experience.

Real-World Siding Cost Examples

Here's what real projects typically cost based on size and location. Use these as a ballpark for your budget.

Accent Wall

200 SF · Single story

$4,000–$9,000

fully installed

Feature wall on front elevation or entry. Popular modern design element with horizontal Ipe shiplap.

Garage/ADU Siding

500 SF · Single story

$10,000–$22,500

fully installed

Full exterior cladding on a detached garage or accessory dwelling unit.

Full Home Exterior

2,000 SF · Two story

$44,000–$90,000

fully installed

Complete home siding with Ipe rainscreen. Includes scaffolding for upper story. High-cost metro.

Commercial Storefront

400 SF · Street level

$10,000–$18,000

fully installed

Modern retail facade with horizontal Ipe cladding. Average-cost metro area.

Why Choose This Species for Your Siding?

Class A fire rating — meets strict fire codes for exterior cladding

Up to 75+ year lifespan eliminates the cycle of siding replacement

No painting or staining required — oil for warmth or let it silver naturally

Extreme wind and impact resistance — withstands hurricane-force conditions

Natural insect and rot resistance without chemical treatment

Dramatically increases home curb appeal and resale value

Available in shiplap, rainscreen, and T&G profiles for design flexibility

Sustainably sourced options available

While premium hardwood costs more upfront than cedar, pressure-treated pine, or composite, the decades-long lifespan means you'll likely never replace it. Over 50 years, the lifecycle cost is often lower than materials that need replacement every 10–20 years.

Ipe Siding: Profile Options and Cost Factors

Ipe exterior siding has become one of the fastest-growing segments in modern residential architecture. The rich brown tones, dramatic grain patterns, and decades-long durability make it a favorite among architects and design-build firms.

Profile Comparison

Shiplap is the most popular and cost-effective profile. The overlapping joint naturally sheds water and creates a clean horizontal line. Rainscreen profiles include a built-in air channel behind the board for superior ventilation — recommended for all climates but especially important in humid regions. Tongue & groove provides a tight, seamless appearance best suited for covered soffits and protected walls.

Building Height Matters

Single-story siding is straightforward — a skilled crew can install 200–300 SF per day. Second-story work requires scaffolding, which adds $2–$5/SF to the labor cost and slows progress by 30–40%. Three-story or commercial buildings may require boom lifts, further increasing costs.

For Ipe siding profiles and material pricing, see our hardwood siding page or browse shiplap profiles directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing Disclaimer

All costs on this page are estimates based on national averages and are provided for general budgeting purposes only. They are not quotes and do not constitute an offer or guarantee of pricing. Actual costs vary significantly based on your geographic location, project complexity, site conditions, material selections, contractor experience, and current market rates.

Contractor rates span a wide range. You may find less experienced installers who charge below the ranges shown — but Ipe is an extremely dense hardwood that requires specialized skills, carbide tooling, and pre-drilling. Hiring someone without tropical hardwood experience can result in costly mistakes, material waste, and a finished product that doesn't perform to its potential. Conversely, a world-class craftsman with decades of hardwood experience may charge above the ranges shown, and the quality of their work is often worth the premium.

Labor rates are influenced by local cost of living, seasonal demand, contractor availability, union vs. non-union markets, and the complexity of your specific project (elevation, stairs, curves, railing, access constraints, etc.). Regional ranges shown are illustrative and may not reflect current conditions in your area.

We strongly recommend getting at least three written quotes from contractors with verified tropical hardwood installation experience. Ipe Woods USA provides material only — we do not perform installation and are not responsible for labor pricing or contractor selection. Always verify contractor licensing, insurance, and references before hiring.