say bud, how long you been building decks? i own a small construction company here in south mississippi, magnolia deck and fence, and i've heard ipe is a pain to work with, never used it rhough. i am curious about shrinkage. wood we been getting here since the storm has been so green i have to let it dry 2 or 3 weeks before i can use it. and of course when i frame i have to give that 3 weeks too. so it dont buckle my decking. so i been pushing my customers towards trex. it is great to work with, except 16" centers, routes and cuts like pine. no splinters, cracking, shrinking, warping, NO bugs, and a 25 year warranty to boot! trex.com if you wanna see some cool stuff