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.
Why Choose 2x12 Ipe Wood for Your Skirting Fascia?
Ipe lumber is valued for its exceptional durability, natural beauty, and resistance to the elements in demanding outdoor applications. Properly installed 2x12 Ipe skirting fascia delivers a service life of 75+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the Ipe 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 2x12 eased-edge (E4E) profile features gently rounded edges on all four sides, reducing the risk of splinters and creating a comfortable walking surface. This is the most versatile profile — suitable for face-screw installation with countersunk stainless steel fasteners. 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.
2x12 Ipe Skirting Fascia — Installation & Coverage Specs
- Recommended joist spacing: 24" on center for 2x12 boards (1.5" actual thickness)
- Fastener placement: Face-screw with two stainless steel screws per joist, approximately 1" from each edge of the 11.25" face
- Board weight: A 12-foot 2x12 Ipe board weighs approximately 97 lbs (8.09 lbs/LF)
- Coverage: Each 12-foot 2x12 board covers 11.3 sq ft of skirting fascia surface (11.25" face width)
- Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Ipe — the 3,680 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing