When it comes to constructing or enhancing a deck, it is important to choose a high-quality and sustainable material, as it can significantly enhance the value of your property. One excellent choice in this regard is Ipe wood. Known for its durability, this hardwood boasts a warm and rich color along with appealing textures that can bring character to your deck. It’s also known for its long lifespan, exceptional quality, and resistance to rot and termites.
In fact, Ipe (also known as Brazilian Black Walnut or Ironwood) is among the hardest woods. Imagine a baseball bat but make it three times harder. This is why Ipe decking is popular for any application that requires robust hardwood.
Durability
Ipe wood is perfect for exterior applications because it can withstand the elements without special treatments. How? Because of its density, which makes it three times harder than oak. Plus, this denseness gives Ipe an A1 fire rating, similar to concrete. That said, given its density, consider pre-drilling the wood before installation.
Are you worried about bugs and wood rot? These will be the least of your concerns with Ipe decking. The hardness prevents bugs from biting it, even without insect-deterrent chemicals.
Create a luxurious and eye-catching deck
Ipe is naturally brown, but that does not mean it is boring to look at! If you look closely, Ipe wood has small color variations that make it more attractive and unique. Additionally, some boards even appear almost black, and a few with hints of red or green. Regardless of the color, you will also notice a very fine texture and an attractive graining pattern that can improve your deck’s aesthetics and overall feel.
No preservation required!
Ipe decking is worth it when you consider the minimal maintenance involved. It won’t need wood preservatives, pesticides, and varnishing to keep it in good shape. But if you want to preserve its brown color, consider applying a UV blocker to prevent it from turning silver-gray.
Try Ipe decking!
ABS Wood supplies high-quality Ipe wood decking materials in different sizes and custom configurations. Visit their website to explore the options or call 404-549-4840 for an estimate.
About the Author:
Bruce Master is general manager at Advanced Building Supplies. Advanced Building Supplies aka ABSWood specializes in a full line of Brazilian Hardwood products including Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru and Tigerwood. Exotic woods is a natural outgrowth for Bruce as he comes from a long line of woodworkers. His Grandfather and Father were both respected wood craftsman and cabinet makers. In addition to managing ABS, Bruce designs, plans, and installs his own decks. Before selling Brazilian Hardwoods, Bruce worked as a generalist at a huge Ace Hardware in Miami Florida that catered to an almost exclusive clientele of contractors working on Miami Beach.
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