Ipe Hardwood Decking ? Best for All Surfaces

Posted by ABS Wood on October 10th, 2017

Ipe originated in Central and South America. It is considered one of the hardest and longest lasting wood decking materials. Its natural raw looks provide a classic appeal to any outdoor area. It has a dense cellular structure that provides additional protection from insects, rot, molds and decay. It does not need any treatment from chemicals and toxins like many other types of wood. In fact, if treated properly through oil and other solvents, it can last for a century. 

Since it is a dense wood, ipe can withstand rough usage without even splintering. You do not even need to seal it for protection. You can apply a sealant to sustain its natural red and brown color, but it is not necessarily needed. Since it is a grained wood, it offers incredible slip resistance. 

A well-designed ipe wood deck can be the hardiest and strongest structure that your outdoor has. You can add to its strength with oils and sealants. Apart from good looks and durability, ipe wood decking has some other benefits too: 

• Ipe has incredible insects and mold resistance. This makes the wood ideal for outdoors and places where pests are on the higher side. The fact that they are mold resistant makes them good for places with humidity also. 

• It remains cool in extreme temperatures, as it does not retain heat. This is the primary reason ipe wood decking is popular in places with hot weather. They are also useful for areas that need decking but are fully or somewhat open to the elements. 

• It repels wood rot and decay. This is another reason why the wood is best for both home and business premises, and both homeowners and business owners and managers prefer ipe wood decking for their premises. 

• It survives extreme use and rough conditions and is useful for heavy traffic areas and regular places for walking. The wood can be used in public places that see heavy footfall but for which the architects or contractors need a hardy wood that will last. 

• It is scratch resistant. This makes the wood extremely useful in places where chairs or tables may be kept. An additional coat of paint or stain makes the wood perfect for restaurants, cafes, hotels or even the home decking. 

• It is non-slippery because of its granular structure. The quality makes this wood perfect for places that may become slippery due to heavy traffic or areas near a water body such as a swimming pool or a sauna room. 

Ipe wood decking needs a Brazilian wood treatment after installation or else it will start to turn yellow. This treatment is required every six months. Ipe wood can be stained easily with drinks and petroleum products. In fact, a good coat of stain is helpful to protect it despite the wood’s near invulnerability. 

About the Author: 

This article is written by Bruce Master. He gained an interest in woodworking at an early age. Bruce Master started working with contractors in the 1970s as a salesman at Ace Hardware in Miami. Over the years, he discovered and fell in love with Brazilian woods. He has built decks, docks and specialty items using many of the Brazilian woods. Today, Bruce loves his job as Operations Manager for ABS Wood, a Brazilian wood retailer.