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1x3 Ipe Tongue & Groove Siding board profile diagram
Siding

1x3 Ipe Tongue & Groove Siding

This 1x3 Ipe Tongue & Groove siding board offers unmatched exterior cladding longevity, backed by Ipe's 3,680 Janka hardness and a natural lifespan of up to 75+ years. The interlocking tongue and groove profile creates tight, seamless joints for exterior cladding and accent walls, with no visible fasteners on the finished surface. In stock and ships nationwide — order Ipe siding online or call 1-844-674-4455 for expert guidance.

1 x 3(0.75"×2.5" actual)[19.0mm × 63.5mm]
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Ships Nationwide
SKU: IPE-1X3-TG-SB-L1

Configure Your Order

Select profile, grade, and length below to see live pricing

Ideal for Durable and Elegant Siding & Cladding Applications

T&G

Select and Better is our standard grade

Length Guide

Available lengths: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22′

Estimated Shipping Weight
Weight per linear foot:0.91 lbs/LF
1' board:0.9 lbs

1x3 Ipe Tongue & Groove Siding — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about t&g ipe siding

About 1x3 Ipe Tongue & Groove Siding

Ipe lumber stands out as an exceptional choice for exterior siding and cladding due to its remarkable dimensional stability and inherent weather resistance. The tongue-groove profile further enhances the material's aesthetic appeal by providing smooth, clean lines and minimizing shadow lines, allowing for versatile installation orientations. This profile not only ensures a visually pleasing finish but also helps prevent moisture infiltration, making it suitable for various climates and architectural styles.

  • Superior dimensional stability reduces warping and cupping.
  • Weather-resistant properties ensure longevity in outdoor applications.
  • Tongue-groove profile enhances aesthetics and simplifies installation.

Key Benefits

Exceptional Durability

Ipe wood possesses a high natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture, ensuring that your siding remains intact and visually appealing for many years.

Beautiful Grain and Color Variation

Ipe features a rich brown hue with variations ranging from yellow to olive tones, creating a stunning aesthetic that ages gracefully.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Due to its durability, Ipe requires less maintenance compared to other woods, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term usage.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

3680

Density

69 lbs/ft³

Durability Rating

Class A (highest resistance to decay)

Dimensional Stability

Excellent dimensional stability, suitable for varying climatic conditions.

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper spacing to accommodate wood expansion and contraction.
  • Utilize pre-drilled holes for fastening to avoid splitting.
  • Consider ventilation needs to prevent moisture buildup.

Recommended Tools:

Drill with wood drill bits
Screwdriver
Circular saw

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly clean with soapy water and a soft brush to maintain appearance. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.

Finishing

Apply a penetrating oil finish annually to maintain color and prevent graying.

Weathering

Ipe wood will weather to a silver-gray patina over time if left untreated, which some homeowners find desirable.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 1x3 Ipe board weighs approximately 0.91 lbs per linear foot. Ipe has a density of about 69 lbs/ft³, making it one of the densest commercially available hardwoods. Always factor weight into your structural and shipping calculations.

Yes — Ipe is rated Durability Class 1 (Very Durable) and is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and fungal attack without chemical treatment. It is Class A fire-rated and performs exceptionally well in full exterior exposure including siding applications. While ground contact is possible, we recommend elevating Ipe boards at least 6" above grade for maximum lifespan.

Ipe outperforms composite in hardness (3,680 vs ~200 Janka), lifespan (up to 75+ years vs 25-30 years), and heat resistance. Unlike composites, Ipe won't melt, warp in extreme heat, or fade significantly. While initial cost is similar ($8-15/LF installed), Ipe costs less over its much longer lifetime. Composites do offer lower upfront maintenance.

Ipe requires minimal maintenance. Without treatment, it naturally weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina over 6-12 months. To maintain the original warm brown color, apply a UV-inhibiting penetrating oil (like Ipe Oil or Penofin) once or twice annually. Cleaning involves periodic washing with a mild soap solution. No sanding, staining, or sealing is required for structural durability.

Ipe is DIY-friendly with proper preparation. Key requirements: (1) Always pre-drill all screw holes — Ipe is too hard for direct screwing. (2) Use only 305 or 316 stainless steel fasteners — standard hardware will corrode and stain. (3) Face-screw with stainless steel trim-head screws. (4) Allow boards to acclimate on-site for 5-7 days before installation. A compound miter saw with a carbide-tipped blade is recommended.

A nominal 1x3 Ipe board has actual finished dimensions of 0.75" × 2.5" (19.0 x 63.5 mm). The "1x3" is the nominal (rough-cut) size — after kiln drying and precision surfacing, all hardwood lumber finishes slightly smaller. This is standard across the lumber industry, similar to how a nominal 2×4 softwood measures 1.5" × 3.5". Always use the actual dimensions (0.75" × 2.5") when calculating material quantities and coverage for your project.

We responsibly, legally, and ethically source all our Ipe. We work only with suppliers who follow responsible forestry practices with full chain-of-custody transparency. Note: We are not FSC certified. Ipe trees grow naturally in diverse tropical forests and regenerate well under managed harvest. The extremely long lifespan (up to 75+ years) means fewer replacements compared to softwood or composite alternatives, reducing long-term environmental impact.

Related Guides & Resources

Understanding Tongue and Groove SidingIpe vs Composite DeckingInstalling Ipe Cladding: A Comprehensive Guide

Shipping & Delivery

Nationwide delivery: We ship to all 50 states via LTL freight, flatbed, or terminal pickup

Typical lead time: 5-10 business days for standard orders (custom milling may add 2-3 weeks)

Shipping estimate: Final freight cost calculated at checkout based on your location and order size

Rush service available: Contact us for expedited milling and shipping options

1 x 3 Ipe Tongue & Groove Siding — Complete Buyer's Guide

Ipe, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is a premium tropical hardwood sourced from Central and South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru). With a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf and a density of 69 lbs/ft³, Ipe is classified as Class 1 - Very Durable (Up to 75+ Years) — one of the most durable commercial lumber species available. The heartwood exhibits rich brown to olive-brown, darkening to reddish-brown with age with interlocked to irregular grain, fine to medium texture, creating a striking natural appearance that improves with age.

As exterior cladding, Ipe siding provides a weather-tight barrier with exceptional impact resistance. The dense grain resists dents, hail damage, and woodpecker damage far better than cedar, pine, or fiber cement alternatives. Properly installed Ipe siding delivers a service life of 75+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the wood weather to a distinguished silver-gray patina. Ipe carries a Class A (0-25 flame spread), making it suitable for wildfire-prone regions where code-compliant materials are required.

The 1 x 3 tongue & groove (T&G) profile features interlocking edges that create a seamless, flush surface with no visible gaps. Ideal for porch ceilings, soffit installations, and covered porch floors. All Ipe lumber is available in Select and Better grade with lengths ranging from 4′ to 20′. For detailed step-by-step instructions, consult our Ipe installation guide. Long-term care recommendations are covered in our Ipe maintenance guide.

Janka Hardness

3,680 lbf

Service Life

75+ years

Durability

Very Durable (Up to 75+ Years)

Fire Rating

Class A (0-25 flame spread)

1 x 3 Ipe Siding — Frequently Asked Questions

Ipe siding has an expected service life of 75+ years when properly installed and maintained. This is 3-5x longer than pressure-treated pine and 2-3x longer than cedar. Ipe achieves this exceptional longevity through its natural density (Janka hardness: 3,680 lbf) and Class 1 durability rating, which provide built-in resistance to rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth — all without chemical preservatives.

1 x 3 tongue & groove Ipe boards interlock via a milled tongue on one edge and a corresponding groove on the other. Secure each board by blind-nailing through the tongue at a 45° angle using stainless steel ring-shank nails or by face-screwing with countersunk stainless steel screws. Always pre-drill holes in Ipe to prevent splitting. T&G Ipe should only be used in covered or semi-protected areas.

Ipe siding pricing varies by size, profile, grade, and board length. 1 x 3 Tongue & Groove boards in Select and Better grade typically range from $4-$12 per linear foot before shipping. While the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, Ipe's 75+ years service life makes the lifetime cost per year significantly lower. Use our online configurator above to see exact pricing for your selected options, or request a custom quote for large orders.

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