Explore the cost differences between 1x6 and 5/4x6 Ipe decking, including when to use each, their price per square foot, and how thickness impacts your budget.

Cost of 1x6 vs 5/4x6 Ipe Decking — Price Difference Between Deck Board Sizes, When to Use Each, Material Cost per Square Foot, and How Board Thickness Affects Your Budget

When it comes to Ipe decking, understanding the cost differences between 1x6 and 5/4x6 sizes is crucial for both DIY homeowners and contractors alike. This comprehensive guide breaks down the price differences, best use cases, and how the thickness of these boards affects your overall budget.

Quick Summary

1x6 Ipe Eased-Edge starts at $7.50/LF ($16.36/sq ft) — Shop 1x6 Ipe E4E
5/4x6 Ipe Tongue & Groove starts at $10.55/LF ($23.02/sq ft) — Shop 5/4x6 Ipe T&G
Price difference: 5/4x6 costs roughly 30% more per linear foot than 1x6
Best Use Cases: 1x6 for residential decks; 5/4x6 for commercial, docks, and heavy-traffic areas
Both sizes are available in Eased-Edge, Pregrooved, and Tongue & Groove profiles

What It Is / Definitions

1x6 and 5/4x6 Ipe decking refers to the nominal dimensions of the deck boards:

1x6: Nominal thickness of 1 inch (actual thickness 3/4 inch or 19mm) and a width of 6 inches (actual 5.5 inches). See our full Ipe Wood Sizes Guide for nominal vs. actual dimensions.
5/4x6: Nominal thickness of 5/4 inches (actual thickness 1 inch or 25mm) and a width of 6 inches (actual 5.5 inches). Both sizes are available with Eased-Edge (E4E) for face-screwing, Pregrooved for hidden clip systems like the DeckWise Ipe Clip, or Tongue & Groove for tight-seam applications.

Current Ipe Decking Prices (2026)

All prices are per linear foot. Each LF of 6-inch boards covers 0.458 sq ft of deck surface.

| Size | Profile | Price/LF | Price/Sq Ft | Shop Now | |------|---------|----------|-------------|----------| | 1x6 | Eased-Edge (Standard) | $7.50 | $16.36 | Shop 1x6 E4E | | 1x6 | Pregrooved | $8.10 | $17.67 | Shop 1x6 Pregrooved | | 1x6 | Tongue & Groove | $8.25 | $18.00 | Shop 1x6 T&G | | 5/4x6 | Tongue & Groove | $10.55 | $23.02 | Shop 5/4x6 T&G |

Prices updated April 2026. Visit our Pricing page for the latest rates across all species and sizes, or Request a Custom Quote for project-specific pricing.

Best Use Cases

1x6 Ipe Decking — Shop 1x6 Ipe
- Best for residential decks and patios with standard foot traffic
- Ideal for achieving a sleek, modern aesthetic at a lower material cost
- Works beautifully for siding, soffit, and fencing applications
- Suitable for 16-inch joist spacing (on center)
5/4x6 Ipe Decking — Shop 5/4x6 Ipe
- Recommended for commercial decks, dock decking, boardwalks, and heavy-traffic areas
- Superior structural strength for wider joist spacing or heavier loads
- Better suited for pool decks and public installations
- Provides added stability and underfoot feel due to its thicker profile

Clear Pros

1x6 Ipe Decking

Lower cost: $7.50/LF vs $9.80+/LF saves roughly 23-30% on material
Lighter weight: Easier to handle and install, especially for DIY projects
Versatile: Fits residential decking, siding, soffit, fencing, and outdoor flooring
Same Janka hardness: 3,680 lbf regardless of thickness — learn more about Ipe properties

5/4x6 Ipe Decking

Greater rigidity: 33% more wood means less flex underfoot and better span capability
Commercial-grade performance: Preferred for docks, boardwalks, and public spaces
Longer lifespan in extreme conditions: Extra thickness provides more material to weather before replacement
Better screw holding power: More meat for fasteners in face-screw applications

Clear Cons and Limitations

1x6 Ipe Decking

Requires standard 16-inch on-center joist spacing — cannot span wider
Thinner profile means slightly less material to sand down over decades of maintenance
Not recommended for heavy commercial or marine applications

5/4x6 Ipe Decking

30% higher material cost impacts the overall project budget
Heavier boards (Ipe weighs ~68 lbs/cu ft) make handling more physically demanding
Requires more powerful tools for cutting and pre-drilling — see our Installation Guide

Installation Considerations

Joist Spacing: 1x6 requires 16 inches on center maximum. 5/4x6 can span up to 24 inches on center for some applications, but 16 inches is still recommended for residential decks.
Fastening Methods: Both sizes work with face-screwing (E4E) or hidden fastener systems (Pregrooved). Use stainless steel screws or the DeckWise Ipe Clip system for best results.
Pre-drilling is mandatory: Ipe's 3,680 Janka hardness requires pre-drilling for every fastener. See our complete Ipe Decking Installation Guide for step-by-step instructions.
End sealing: Seal all cut ends immediately with DeckWise Ipe Seal ($24.99) to prevent checking.
Acclimation: Allow boards to acclimate on-site before installation — use our Acclimation Calculator.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Over-spanning joists with 1x6: Never exceed 16 inches on center with 1x6 boards. Sagging is permanent and not covered by any warranty.
Skipping pre-drilling: Ipe will split if you drive screws without pilot holes. Always pre-drill with a countersink bit.
Using incorrect fasteners: Use only stainless steel (305 or 316) screws or clips. Galvanized fasteners will corrode and stain the wood. Browse our fastener comparison guide.
Not sealing end grain: Freshly cut Ipe dries rapidly at the ends, causing checks. Apply Ipe Seal or WiseSeal ($19.99) within 24 hours of cutting.

Cost Considerations — Real Numbers

Here is how the two sizes compare for a typical 400 sq ft residential deck:

| Item | 1x6 E4E | 5/4x6 T&G | |------|---------|------------| | Boards (material only) | ~873 LF x $7.50 = $6,548 | ~873 LF x $10.55 = $9,210 | | Cost per sq ft (material) | $16.36 | $23.02 | | Hidden fasteners (if pregrooved) | +$0.60/LF adder | +$0.60/LF adder | | Ipe Oil finish | ~2 gallons x $69.99 = $139.98 | ~2 gallons x $69.99 = $139.98 | | End grain sealer | 1 quart = $24.99 | 1 quart = $24.99 |

Note: Prices do not include shipping, substructure, or labor. Visit our Ipe Deck Cost Per Square Foot Installed guide for full installed cost estimates.

For a more detailed cost breakdown including all species, see our Pricing page.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both 1x6 and 5/4x6 Ipe require the same maintenance routine:

Clean annually with DeckWise Wood & Deck Cleaner ($19.99) + Brightener ($19.99)
Oil every 1-2 years with DeckWise Ipe Oil ($69.99/gal) or Ipe Oil Plus ($79.99/gal) for harsh climates
Inspect annually for loose fasteners and surface checking
See our complete Deck Maintenance Guide and Ipe Deck Oil Guide for detailed instructions

With proper maintenance, both sizes can last 50+ years. The 5/4x6 simply has more material to work with over those decades.

Real-World Recommendations

For the budget-conscious homeowner: 1x6 Ipe E4E at $7.50/LF delivers the same Class A fire rating, 3,680 Janka hardness, and 50-year lifespan as 5/4. It is the smart choice for backyard decks.
For contractors building commercial projects: Specify 5/4x6 Ipe for docks, boardwalks, and public spaces. The extra thickness justifies the premium and reduces callback risk.
For hidden fastener lovers: Choose Pregrooved in either thickness. The $0.60/LF adder gets you clean sight lines with DeckWise Ipe Clips.
Considering alternatives? Compare costs with Cumaru decking or Garapa decking for budget-friendly options with similar performance.

FAQ Section

What is the main difference between 1x6 and 5/4x6 Ipe decking? Thickness. 1x6 has an actual thickness of 3/4 inch (19mm), while 5/4x6 is 1 inch (25mm) thick. Both are 5.5 inches wide. The extra 1/4 inch provides greater rigidity and span capability. See our Ipe Wood Sizes Guide for the full nominal-to-actual chart.

Is 1x6 Ipe decking suitable for all climates? Yes. Ipe is naturally Class A fire-rated, resistant to rot, insects, and extreme weather regardless of thickness. For climate-specific guidance, see our Climate Guides.

How does board thickness affect my budget? 5/4x6 Ipe costs approximately $2.30/LF more than 1x6 ($9.80 vs $7.50 for E4E). On a 400 sq ft deck, that translates to roughly $2,600 more in material. However, the thicker boards may offer better long-term value for high-traffic installations.

Can I mix 1x6 and 5/4x6 Ipe decking? This is not recommended. The 1/4-inch height difference creates an uneven surface that is both a trip hazard and aesthetically unappealing. Choose one thickness for the entire deck surface.

What is the best oil for maintaining Ipe decking? We recommend DeckWise Ipe Oil ($69.99/gal) for most applications. For harsh climates, upgrade to Ipe Oil Plus ($79.99/gal). California residents should use the 100 VOC version ($74.99/gal). See our Ipe Deck Oil Guide for complete product comparisons.

Cost of 1x6 vs 5/4x6 Ipe Decking: Price Differences and Applications