Building Ipe Privacy Screens out of Ipe Deck Tiles

9 years ago

Hoping to get some advice from decking experts and DIY'ers.

I'm looking to build my own Ipe privacy screens for my deck, since every contractor I've asked has said "it will cost a fortune" (translation: they don't want to do it). Rather than mill my own lumber, I was thinking of using Ipe deck tiles.

The details of my desired privacy screen are:
- 44 linear feet long by 5 feet high
- Only needs to look good on one side
- The other side will be attached to a pre-existing pressure-treated frame
- I'd like to go with horizontal slats
- I'd prefer to leave a 1" gap between slats to let some light filter through

Does this seem like a ridiculous idea? Obviously the slats will not be continuous, but I was hoping to arrange them in a brick-like pattern and still look sharp. I can also abut them using joints for a continuous look, but that'll take a lot of time.

Any thoughts? Since this would be a labor of love, my cost would be the material. I've got a SCMS, drill and a router table.

Credit first picture from houzz.com (Forest Fence and Deck Co), and second picture from ipedepot.com.

Comments (5)

PRO
Rockin' Fine Finish
9 years ago
Probably the reason they say it will be expensive is because working with ipe can be labor intensive pre drilling, saw blades go dull quick and the ipe it self is pricey screw up can cost you big but if you say it's a labor of love then go for it do you have a chop saw and a table saw incase you have to rip any boards
a3sarkar thanked Rockin' Fine Finish
PRO
eDeck.com
9 years ago
Yeah you could look at using tiles though it is probably going to be heavier than it needs to be because the tiles are designed with sub structure and to be walked on. I would look at Ipe wood per sqr foot compared to tiles to see if you are really saving money. Here is calculator to do that http://edeck.com/all-references/calculators/. I would think building a fence using 1x4's would be cheaper. You could also look at cumaru as a less expensive hardwood option.
a3sarkar thanked eDeck.com
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PRO
AdvantageLumber.com
9 years ago
Hello a3sarkar,

The Deck Tiles are great. However, in a fence application they would be a bit too heavy. Each 20x20 tile actually weights 11 lbs. However, it's not out of the realm of possibility as long as you use the correct fasteners that are rated for the weight.

Using 1x6 Ipe or 1x4 will work well as well if you have any questions give us a call! We'll be more than happy to put a quote together or help you brainstorm ideas.
a3sarkar thanked AdvantageLumber.com
PRO
Paul Newman Landscapes
9 years ago
Hardwood screens do look good & Ipe is a great choice. We have built many panels, screens, fences & trellis from hardwood and various styles can be achieved . See images attached
a3sarkar thanked Paul Newman Landscapes
PRO
Eco Arbor Designs
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
we have developed an aluminum channel to allow you to drop in your Ipe boards of any width (or whatever hardwood) directly into the channels creating a privacy fence. The boards can be spaced as little or as much as you would like, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is typical. The powder coated aluminum channels are then bolted to your posts, parapet walls, , or set in the ground directly. give us a call for more info. 888 335 8453. ecoarbordesigns.com