Installing the Best Ipe Wood Decking For Your Home

Posted by ABS Wood on October 12th, 2017

A beautiful deck can add to the personality of your home. There are many kinds of decks: platform decks, raised decks, two-story decks, multi-level decks and so on that you can choose from for your house. Whether you build one on the ground or make one on the terrace, decks are a great place to chill out in the sun and give your yard a sense of style and class. You can install barbecues, set up tables for dining or just have a set of couches for lounging. 

Ipe wood is known for its strength and durability. It is a tropical wood that has beautiful dark reddish brown color. It is also pest and weather-resistant making it the top choice for outdoor furniture, decking, fencing, etc. It is non-slippery and can be used close to pools and outdoor decking for rainy areas. 

Ipe wood retains less heat as compared to other types of wood making it stand strong and remain cool even in scorching summers. It also requires low maintenance annually and can function well for decades with minimal care. 

Here are a few different types of Ipe Wood decking that you can build in your home: 

• Platform decks: Also known as free-standing decks, platform decks are the easiest to install as no changes have to be made to the house. These decks are usually not directly attached to the house, so there is no need for installing ledger boards or attaching it to the house frame. It also cuts back on the hassle of checking the ledger board periodically for its health and safety. This is the most cost-effective deck you can install in your house. 

• Raised decks: These decks are suitable for houses with above-grade first floors. They need to be attached to the house and also have strong foundation piers giving ample support to the structure. They must also have railings around the boundary for safety. For aesthetically-pleasing raised decks, conceal the foundation posts using foundation plantings or skirting. 

• Two-story decks: The double- or two-story decks provide outdoor access to the upper levels of a house. These need a sturdy staircase, structural / foundation posts and bracing to be safe for regular use. The staircase and the deck area need to have railing for safety purposes especially on the raised decks. 

• Multi-level decks: The multi-level decks work best for people who like to have different settings for their various needs. They can use the platform deck for entertaining and lounging around, second level deck for sitting in the shade and the rooftop deck for sun bathing. These decks look amazing on sloped lots.

Ipe wood can be a little challenging to work with because of its strength, density, and weight. It is also difficult to paint on because of its high oil and tannin content. However, it is beautiful on its own and needs the least amount of maintenance over the years. It will be a great value for money in the long run. There are many appealing deck and patio designs. However, you ought to make your decision based on your budget, practical use of the deck for you and the maintenance it would require. 

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.