Thanks guys, I ended up going with 1x4 mahogany. I don't mind putting a coat of finish on it however often I need to, I just don't want to get into the sand/paint cycle. This time around I'm trying to do things that will just be easier to do maintenance wise.
I dont think I will be in the house long enough to ever see the benefit of using IPE.
when I originally worked on the porch when we moved in 20-25 years ago it was rotten so i had rebuilt it with pressure treated which I could never get to hold paint, that was just a nightmare I finally gave up on, and its been an eye sore for the past 5 as I figured Id just replace it eventually (which is now I guess).
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