Are you looking for the best decking material on the market today? Then you should consider Ipe wood. It is an exotic wood from South America that is also known as Brazilian Walnut. Its properties make it the perfect material for your deck.
Ipe wood comes from the Tabebuia Tree that is native to the subtropics of Central America and South America. Part of the reason for its toughness is the tropical environment where it grows. It has oils and natural hardness which results to a naturally treated wood that can last for a long time no matter where it is installed.
Don’t settle for synthetic decking materials when you can have authentic wooden deck that’s more durable and weatherproof. Below are some of the advantages of using Ipe wood for your deck.
Durability
Ipe decking is durable because the material is one of the densest wood species on the planet. Not only that, it is sustainable and eco-friendly. The surface of the wood is naturally resistant to mildew, insect damage, and fire, even without any treatment. Its fire rating is Class A, which is the same class as steel and concrete. It contracts and expands less compared to other materials. Because of these properties, building a deck using Ipe wood will give you a surface that looks good and lasts for more than 50 years.
Looks Good
Another Ipe advantage over other materials is that it looks beautiful with its uniform and smooth texture. Its grains are wavy and straight with very fine texture. It doesn’t need sealing, and maintenance work is as easy as cleaning stain and mopping. It is recommended to apply oil to the wood to increase its ability to repel UV rays and water. Oil will also allow the wood to keep its reddish-brown color.
Wide Range of Sizes
When it comes to wholesale decking, you will find Ipe wood in different sizes. They can be used for decking boards, treads, posts, hand rails, skirting, and joists. They also come as heavy timber that’s ideal for boardwalks and other structural applications. Ipe decking is typically air dried, but they are also available in kiln dried. You can also get Ipe wood pre-grooved and with tongue-and-groove.
Downside of Ipe Wood
Because of its density, it is a very hard and heavy wood. You will need special tools during the installation process. You also need to do some pre-drilling before screwing it down. Regular oiling is required if you want to maintain its natural color. It is also a bit expensive due to its popularity and high demand. But that’s the price you have to pay in order to get the best decking material on the market today.
However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Ipe wood is the most popular decking solution because of its durability, beauty, and availability. It comes in dark brown to olive brown. There are even some Ipe wood that are almost black in color. It also has different grain variations, which is why designers love using it.