Table of Contents
Ipe comes from the Tabebuia Tree, which is native to the American tropics and subtropics from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina. The wood is sourced from a very large geographic area. Part of the reason for woods toughness is the Tropical Environment that it exists in.
What is Ipe deck material?
Ipe decking is a high density hardwood decking material. The high density of Ipe decking is one reason why Ipe decking lasts so long and is so durable. Ipe decking is naturally resistant to termites and rot and decay. Ipe decking is so dense it has received a Class A fire rating.
Is Ipe wood real wood?
Ipe, also called Brazilian Walnut or Lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, Ipe bears some unique characteristics. It’s a particularly durable wood that weathers fantastically and looks beautiful.
How long will Ipe decking last?
Ipe is more durable than other woods. Within ipe wood are natural oils that preserve it; combined with the wood’s exceptional density, you can expect an ipe deck or fence to last up to 50 years without replacement.
Is Ipe better than composite?
Ipe offers natural beauty, durability, longevity, reusability, and sustainability. Additionally, Ipe wood is biodegradable, more fire-resistant, stronger, harder, and costs less than premium brand name composite materials.
Is Ipe decking worth the cost?
Among hardwoods, ipe is considered the most prestigious and valued wood. It stands out for its strength, durability, and density. These properties make it rot resistant, mildew resistant, scratch resistant, and the density is the reason it has a class-A fire rating.
Is Ipe a mahogany?
Ipe decking and “mahogany” decking are both very beautiful natural wood decking species. The decking material commonly sold in the US market as “mahogany” is actually the “Shorea” wood species, sometimes also called Luan mahogany or Philippine mahogany.
Is Ipe good for decks?
Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is the finest quality wood decking material available. Ipe is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, is 8 times harder than California Redwood, and is guaranteed for 20 years without preservatives!.
Is Ipe the same as teak?
When compared to teak, Ipe has nearly four times the hardness and is so dense that it actually sinks in water. Concrete and steel have a class 1 fire rating—and so does Ipe. It has many other names, but the one that stands out is ironwood. And quality furniture made from Ipe has the same fine look as teak.
Does Ipe decking get hot?
Ipe Lumber Does Not Get Hot Under Feet + Is Durable Environmentally friendly and sustainable, the surface of this rough wood is naturally resistant to the elements, mold, mildew, and insect damage. It also expands and contracts less than other materials. These advantages will make it last at least 50 years.
Can you power wash an Ipe deck?
You can leave your new Ipé decking with its original natural colour. If you decide to bring back the natural finish colour, you simply need to pressure wash your deck. We recommend the Saicos Wood Brightener (follow product instructions), followed by a light sanding to smooth the surface – and it’s done!.
How often should I oil my Ipe deck?
In order to obtain an keep a great looking deck, we recommend annual maintenance. For even better results you can apply maintenance twice: once in the spring and once just before fall. This will ensure a faster project and easier preparation, since you don’t let the wood go too grey.
Does Ipe decking need to be sealed?
Do I have to seal Ipe wood? No, but you really should. During the initial exposure of your Ipe decking or hardwood siding on site, weather, especially UV rays, take a toll on outdoor woods. Putting a coat of UV inhibitive sealer on exterior hardwoods is a great idea.
Is Ipe or Trex better?
In both cases, Trex and ipe decking materials are more insect-resistant than many natural and composite woods. Trex is sold as insect-resistant and ipe is noted for being insect-resistant. Because Trex boards are a combo of wood and plastic, they are less than appealing to the bugs that chomp on wood.
Does Ipe wood crack?
Ipe Decking dries and contracts, leaving tiny cracks in the face or at the ends of the boards. These tiny cracks are known as checks. Face checking is a very normal and is very difficult to see. It does not affect the durability, longevity or water-resistant benefits.
Does Ipe decking splinter?
Because of the sand-like nature of Silica, Ipe dulls saw blades and drill bits. Contractors have to constantly replace expensive hardware, even when using carbide tips. Also, Ipe splinters cause immediate infection. A small splinter in your finger will almost immediately fester up.
Is Ipe the hardest wood?
Ipe or Brazilian walnut is top-notch if you want the hardest and most durable flooring on the market. It boasts a Janka rating of 3,680, making it extremely hard to dent.
Does Ipe turn gray?
Like all natural wood species, Ipe hardwood will in fact turn gray over time if left to weather naturally. Over time, the surface of the Ipe hardwood decking does oxidize to a silver gray patina. This does not hurt the Ipe wood at all and in no way affects the structural integrity of Ipe.
