Luxury Ipe & Exotic Hardwood Decks | Metairie Deck and Outdoor
If you’re picturing a true “forever deck” with rich color, tight grain, and almost zero movement, Ipe and other exotic hardwoods are hard to beat. At Metairie Deck & Outdoor, we design and build hardwood decks that stand up to Louisiana’s heat, humidity, and storms—without sacrificing the high-end look you want around your pool, outdoor kitchen, or covered patio.
We handle everything from design and engineering to permits, sourcing premium lumber, and long-term maintenance plans, so you get the luxury finish without the headache.
Book your free estimate today!
Why Choose Ipe & Exotic Hardwoods?
Built for Louisiana Weather
Exotic hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa are:
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Exceptionally dense and hard – far harder than cedar or pressure-treated pine, which means less denting, gouging, and everyday wear.
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Naturally rot- and insect-resistant – ideal for our hot, damp, termite-friendly climate in Metairie and the Greater New Orleans area.
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Dimensional stable – less cupping, twisting, and warping when properly installed over a ventilated frame.
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Fire- and impact-resistant – dense hardwoods can offer better fire resistance than many softwoods, which is a plus around grills and fire features.
If you host a lot, have a pool, or want an outdoor space that feels more like a luxury resort than a basic deck, exotics are a smart upgrade.
Species We Recommend
We work with several premium hardwoods and can bring real samples to your design visit:
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Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) – Deep brown with subtle striping, extremely dense, and one of the longest-lasting decking materials available. Great for high-traffic and waterfront applications.
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Cumaru – Often slightly more cost-effective than Ipe, with warm reddish-brown tones and excellent durability and hardness.
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Garapa – A lighter golden hardwood that weathers beautifully and pairs well with darker rails or modern black accents.
We’ll compare color, grain, and price during your consultation so you can choose the best fit for your home, budget, and style.
Details That Matter in an Exotic Deck
Exotic hardwoods will only perform to their potential if the structure and detailing are done right. That’s where our experience in the Metairie and New Orleans area really matters.
Ventilated Framing & Moisture Management
We design your deck from the frame up with hardwood in mind:
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Proper airflow under the deck to keep boards dry from below.
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Moisture barriers and flashing at the house connection to protect siding and framing.
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Correct joist spacing and spans for hardwoods, based on engineering and species span charts.
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Ground-contact adjustments (elevated beams, concrete footings, post bases) to prevent rot in our wet, low-lying yards.
This is how you get a hardwood deck that looks great not just in year one, but in year fifteen and beyond.
Clean, Modern Deck Surfaces
We prioritize clean lines and comfortable surfaces:
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Hidden fasteners wherever possible for a smooth, barefoot-friendly surface.
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Stainless steel screws and hardware to resist corrosion in our humid, salty air.
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Pre-oiled boards (when appropriate) so both faces are protected before installation.
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Picture-frame borders and fascia for a finished, custom look—no raw cut ends showing.
We can also integrate:
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Cable or aluminum railings for modern sightlines.
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LED step and post lighting for safety and ambiance.
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Under-deck drainage systems to create dry space for storage or a patio below.
Our Design & Build Process
Homeowners often worry about permits, HOAs, and construction mess. We make the process as smooth as possible:
On-Site Consultation & Measurements
We walk your backyard in Metairie or the surrounding area, listen to how you actually use the space, and discuss layout, species, and budget.
3D Design & Material Selection
We create a design you can visualize, then review samples of Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, and railing options so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Engineering, Permits & HOA Approvals
We design to local building codes and wind load requirements, then handle the paperwork so you’re not stuck in the permit office.
Professional Build & Site Protection
Our crew protects landscaping and access paths as much as possible, keeps the site tidy, and builds to spec—no shortcuts behind the scenes.
Final Walk-Through & Care Instructions
We walk the deck with you, talk through maintenance options (DIY or our maintenance plan), and answer any remaining questions.
Care Plan for Ipe & Exotic Hardwood Decks
One of the biggest questions we get is: “How much work is this to keep up?”
You basically have two paths, both of which are completely acceptable:
Maintain the Rich, Just-Oiled Look
If you want to keep that deep brown or golden tone:
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Clean: Light wash once or twice a year to remove pollen, mildew, and grime.
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Oil: Apply a high-quality UV oil 1–2× per year (frequency depends on sun exposure and your expectations for color).
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Spot touch-ups: High-traffic areas like steps and grill zones may need attention a little sooner.
We can include this in a maintenance plan so you don’t have to worry about timing, products, or labor.
Allow Natural Silvering
If you don’t mind (or prefer) the weathered gray look:
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You still clean the deck periodically to remove dirt and mildew.
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You skip the oiling, which lets the board surface naturally silver out.
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The wood underneath remains strong and durable; the change is mainly cosmetic.
We’ll discuss both options during your design visit, including pros, cons, and cost so you can choose what fits your lifestyle.
Ipe & Exotic Hardwood Deck FAQs
Is Ipe hard to maintain?
Not if you go in with the right expectations. If you want to keep the rich brown color, plan on cleaning and oiling about once a year (sometimes twice on full-sun decks). If you’re okay with a silver patina, maintenance is mostly just periodic cleaning—similar effort to other decking materials.
How long does an Ipe deck last in Louisiana?
When properly designed and installed, Ipe decking can last decades. The exact lifespan depends on ventilation, exposure, and maintenance, but a well-built Ipe deck in our climate far outperforms typical softwood decks and can rival or exceed many composites in longevity.
Does Ipe get hot in the sun?
All dark decking gets warm in direct Louisiana sun, and Ipe is no exception. However, its density holds up well and doesn’t soften like some plastics can. We’ll talk about shade structures, orientation, and color options (including lighter species like Garapa) if heat is a big concern for your space.
Is it code-compliant?
Yes. We engineer your deck according to span charts, hardware requirements, and local building codes. We also pull permits where required and make sure the structure meets load, railing height, and stair requirements for your parish or city.
Are exotic hardwoods eco-friendly?
We work with suppliers who focus on responsibly sourced hardwoods from managed forests. If sustainability is a priority for you, we can discuss sourcing, certifications, and alternatives to help you feel good about your choice.
What about termites and rot?
Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa all offer natural resistance to insects and decay, which is a major advantage in our termite-heavy, humid Gulf Coast environment. Combined with proper framing, ventilation, and moisture management, they’re an excellent choice here in Metairie and Greater New Orleans.
Can you resurface my existing deck with Ipe?
What are typical lead times?
Lead times vary by season and permitting, but most Ipe and exotic hardwood deck projects begin 2–4 weeks after permitting is complete, once materials are in and your project is scheduled. During your consult, we’ll give you an up-to-date timeline based on our current workload.
What areas do you serve?
We build Ipe and exotic hardwood decks in Metairie, New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard Parish, and surrounding areas. If you’re nearby and not sure if you’re in our service area, just ask—we’ll let you know quickly.
Ready to See Ipe Up Close?
We’ll bring real samples of Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa to your home, walk your backyard, and talk through layout, budget, and maintenance options. You’ll get clear, written pricing and a design tailored to your home and how you actually live outside.
Metairie Deck & Outdoor builds luxury hardwood decks that look like they belong with your house—not just attached to it.
Schedule your free, no-pressure design visit today.