For most projects, 1×6 Ipe is the trusted, go-to profile — used in more than 90% of residential hardwood decks. While 5/4×6 is available, it’s typically reserved for commercial builds, heavy-traffic applications, or framing with joists spaced 24″ on-center or wider. After decades of supplying both options, we’ve seen that 1×6 delivers better performance, easier installation, and lower overall waste for nearly every homeowner and contractor. If you’re still comparing profiles, start with the fundamentals on our Ipe Decking page or use our tools to match the right board size to your project.

Down below, I’ll explain why 1×6 is almost always the smarter choice, and the specific situations where 5/4×6 may be a meaningful upgrade. But first, here are the most immediate, real-world reasons we recommend 1×6 Ipe for everyday deck construction.