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Ipe is an exotic wood used for decking, furniture and flooring. Like mahogany, Ipe is generally a deep rich brown with some pieces displaying red and amber hues.
A benefit of Ipe wood for exterior applications is it’s dense grain, along with natural oils and tannins that protect it from insects and weathering as long as it is regularly maintained. You can buy ipe which is either air dried or kiln dried. Air dried Ipe wood is recommended for outdoor use while kiln dried Ipe is best for indoor use.
Recognizing Ipe Wood
There are many different names for ipe including:
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Ipe Decking Needs Maintenance
Ipe decking material has the highest rating for insect and decay resistance among natural wood decking materials, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s low-maintenance. If you want Ipe to retain its rich walnut-brown color and luster, you must apply a Brazilian wood treatment immediately after installation and every time it “starts to turn blonde” (every 6 months to two years which will vary on your climate) or it will weather and turn silvery gray.
Ipe can stain easily from spilled drinks or petroleum-based products unless a good coat of stain has been applied. It’s important to realize that Brazilian hardwood is different than other woods and cannot be treated with the same preservatives or stains. Many stains and finishes are incompatible with Ipe decking due to the high water and oil resistance of the wood, so you should look for compatibility with Brazilian hardwoods on the label and research the brand before you apply it. It’s also a good idea to test your finish on a sample board first.
A helpful review on the GardenWeb forum about ipe decking stated: “I recently cleaned and stained my Ipe deck with EFC-38 followed by Citralic to brighten the wood. I stained it with Wood Tux. I am very pleased with the results so far.” Penofin has also received good reviews for use with Ipe decking. Make sure when you’re choosing your decking material that you not only consider the initial price and look of your decking, but the ongoing maintenance that it requires.
Ipe is seven times stronger than cedar and is slip-resistant. The Brazilian wood look is a feature that many people really like, and that’s a major reason why they choose exotic wood decking material over softwoods or pressure-treated lumber.
Environmentally Friendly Ipe Logging
Ipe is harvested in Brazil where loggers take care to only harvest a few logs per acre each year, allowing the forest to regenerate in 10 to15 years. They take great pride in their policy of legal and ethical logging. For those of us who are sustainable-minded, Ipe is a trusted brand. Find out more about the laws and regulations that control Brazilian rainforests by reading What Makes Our Hardwood Eco Friendly, by Advantage Lumber.
Do you have a deck made of an exotic wood like ipe? Tell us about your experience.
The post Ipe Exotic Wood as a Decking Material appeared first on Home Tips for Women.
