Board direction may seem like a small detail when planning exterior siding, but it can dramatically influence how a building looks. Horizontal boards can emphasize width and create long architectural lines, while vertical siding can draw the eye upward and make an exterior appear taller. With a premium natural material such as Ipe, either orientation can become an important part of the overall design.
Ipe is a dense Brazilian hardwood known for its rich brown coloration, exceptional hardness, and natural resistance to insects and decay. These characteristics make it suitable for demanding outdoor applications, including exterior cladding. When incorporated into a properly designed RainScreen system, Ipe can combine architectural character with ventilation and moisture management behind the visible siding.
Horizontal Ipe Creates Long, Clean Lines
Horizontal siding is a natural fit for contemporary homes with wide elevations, low rooflines, and large expanses of glass. Running the boards from side to side visually emphasizes the width of the structure and can reinforce the clean lines of modern architecture.
Horizontal hardwood can also be used selectively. An entryway, outdoor living area, upper story, or architectural projection can be clad in Ipe while the remainder of the building uses stone, stucco, concrete, metal, or another complementary material.
For projects designed around natural hardwood cladding, Ipe Exterior Siding provides the distinctive appearance of Brazilian hardwood in a profile intended for ventilated RainScreen applications.
Vertical Siding Can Emphasize Height
Turning the boards vertically produces a noticeably different architectural effect. Vertical lines naturally draw attention upward, which can emphasize tall walls, narrow sections, modern entrances, and multi-story portions of a building.
Vertical Ipe can also provide contrast when neighboring portions of the exterior use horizontal materials. Combining orientations can help visually separate different volumes of a home without introducing an entirely different cladding material.
Whatever orientation is selected, the supporting RainScreen assembly should be planned so proper drainage and airflow are maintained behind the hardwood.
Natural Variation Adds Depth in Either Direction
Ipe is a natural material, so individual boards will not look identical. Typical colors range from medium brown to deep chocolate, with some boards showing amber, olive, or reddish undertones.
These variations create subtle movement across the finished surface. On horizontal installations, changes in grain and color can reinforce long architectural lines. On vertical installations, they can produce narrow bands of natural variation that emphasize height.
This board-to-board character is part of what distinguishes genuine hardwood from manufactured siding designed for uniformity.
Why the RainScreen Cavity Matters
Board direction affects appearance, but the space behind the siding influences how the complete exterior system functions. RainScreen siding is installed over furring strips, creating an intentional cavity between the hardwood and the underlying wall assembly.
The cavity provides a pathway for incidental moisture to drain while allowing air to circulate behind the siding. Natural wood responds to environmental moisture, so providing greater drying potential behind the boards can help support more balanced conditions.
Furring layout should therefore be considered at the same time as board orientation rather than after the visual design has already been finalized.
Hidden Fasteners Maintain the Pattern
Whether boards run vertically or horizontally, visible rows of screws can interrupt the intended architectural pattern. Brazilian Wood Depot’s Real RainScreen Siding profile is designed for use with proprietary H-Clips that conceal the fastening system behind the board faces.
This keeps the focus on the natural hardwood, consistent spacing, and direction of the boards. Corners, windows, doors, and transitions should also be carefully planned so they complement the selected orientation.
Remember That Ipe’s Color Will Evolve
Fresh Ipe displays rich natural brown tones, but ultraviolet exposure gradually changes its surface. If left unoiled, the hardwood eventually develops a silver-gray patina.
Some homeowners intentionally allow this transformation to occur. Others periodically clean the siding and apply a UV-protective hardwood oil to maintain more of the original brown coloration. Either approach should be considered when developing the long-term exterior design.
Contact Brazilian Wood Depot
Brazilian Wood Depot
6770 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30340
Phone: 770-242-0045
Email: Info@BWDepot.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. EST
Brazilian Wood Depot supplies Brazilian hardwood siding, decking, fencing, tongue-and-groove products, deck tiles, fasteners, and related accessories, with nationwide jobsite delivery available from its Atlanta location.