i built a 22'x22' deck with an ipe surface, and it certainly prefers
stainless screws (otherwise it will stain).  however, you MUST predrill
every hole.  even paraffined screws would spin off their heads if the hole
wasn't predrilled.

if you're going to use any wood on iron that has been wrought (i hope you
wouldn't hide actual wrought iron), be sure to hit the contact surface of
the metal with a good coat of oil-based metal paint, after appropriately
treating the metal to an etchant.  water WILL get through to the mating
surface, and you want to do what you can to keep it from rusting.

best,
bill
felton, ca

On Thu, Aug 4, 2022 at 2:52 PM Bill Ghio via groups.io  wrote: