We asked the guy we bought our house in Michigan from why he sided over the cedar. He said he was tired of staining every two years. I doubt Ipe is any better.

It all depends on installation. If you don't let Ipe acclimate properly, or install it incorrectly, then you can have warped boards but like Patricia said, it can happen to almost any board. Ipe's maintenance is oiling every time it begins to fade and in siding it can happen every 2-4 years. Depending on your climate and environment.

Advantage Ipe Siding on Los Angeles Area Home · More Info

Thank you to all pros here! I am not sure how it will be installed, yet (to be honest, i am not sure I understand how it will be installed.) But, we understand, even when installed correctly and acclimated, only screws or nails will help keep either ipe or cedar from warping over time. Due to maintenance issues, we're leaning towards cedar. I'll report back once we make our decision!

cedar will have about the same or more maintenance depending on exposure. using any wood products on the exterior of your home will be on a continuous maintenance cycle.

Amy, what did you decide?? I'm in the same boat now and my contractor also says that ipe warps more than cedar!!

We settled on cedar. It's been installed only for few months and still early to know how it does over time. In the meantime, it looks great!