Since the average American homeowner spends between $18.371-$76,017 on home renovations, it’s important that you get the most bang for your buck. This means using only the highest-quality materials and installing them carefully and meticulously. It also means investing in wood that is durable while looking amazing. When it comes to wood, Ipe wood is the most durable and attractive that money can buy. This makes it perfect for home exterior renovation efforts.

Read on to learn all about Ipe wood and its many benefits as a material for siding, fencing, and beyond!

What Is Ipe Wood?

Ipe wood, also known as Lapacho or Brazilian walnut, is a wood that’s found in South America. The trees that it comes from grow best in tropical climates, which make the Tropical Americas the perfect place to find it. The heartwood is a reddish brown, but it can also have olive or yellow hues in many situations.

Ipe wood also is very textured, which makes it attractive for exterior home applications. The medium grain has lines that come in various textures. Whether you want them to be patterned or interlocked or to come in clean, straight lines, there’s a cut of Ipe wood just waiting for you to find it.

Why Is It Ideal for Exterior Renovation?

Ipe wood is the ideal wood for exterior renovations for reasons other than aesthetics as well. It’s a very durable wood and is resistant to water damage and rot caused by insects. It also won’t be damaged by humidity or excessive heat. This makes it the perfect option for weathering the elements.

Additionally, Ipe wood is incredibly low maintenance. It doesn’t require any chemical treatments and doesn’t need to be replaced often. In fact, since it is the one of the densest and hardest woods on the globe, it can last for decades without needing replacement. Because it is resistant to flame and water alike, there’s also nothing that can stop it from functioning properly as siding or decking.

Our Ipe wood is also sustainably sourced, so you don’t need to worry about negative environmental impacts, either! The forests that it comes from in the Tropical Americas are sustainably managed and there is space for renewable usage.

Where Can It Be Used?

Ipe is a versatile variety of wood. Because of its durability, it can be used for a multitude of applications that many wood types cannot.

One of the main places that you will find Ipe wood outside a home is as siding. Wooden siding made from Ipe is notoriously low-maintenance and only needs to be polished once each year to retain its brown hue. However, if you don’t polish it, it will just fade to a desirable and unique yellow or gray. This is the more common approach.

Many people also use Ipe for deck or patio flooring. It’s the best decking wood on the market because it’s hard enough to handle foot traffic and even heavy object falling onto it like branches. Additionally, it doesn’t allow for mold growth, so the wood will last a long time even in more humid climates.

Another great application of Ipe wood is as fencing. If your home has Ipe siding, having a fence to match is essential to creating a cohesive exterior design scheme. Your house will look majestic and high-class when you use this heavy and majestic wood for multiple design applications.

Also, because the boards we sell for all applications are milled especially for each project, every order is customized. Working with us to create an Ipe exterior ensures that your home will be individualistic and one-of-a-kind!

Varieties of Ipe Wood

While Ipe wood doesn’t come in different colors or designs, we offer a variety of cuts so that you can choose the best option for your home. We offer planks in a variety of sizes so that you can choose the best fit for your siding, decking, patio flooring, and any other applications that you would like to use them for.

We also offer Ipe wood with multiple types of edging. Eased-edge Ipe, the standard variety, has smooth and rounded corners. This is especially important if the planks are being used on a deck or patio floor. After all, you don’t want to continuously poke your feet on sharp wood corners!

However, for easier assembly, you can select and purchase pregrooved Ipe. These cuts have grooves already installed so you don’t need to use any power tools or other machinery to apply them to their intended location. All you need to do is use the hidden fasteners to hold them together.

If you’re having professional installation done, eased-edge Ipe is generally the better choice. However, those doing DIY installation will likely prever pregrooved since Ipe wood is incredibly hard and notoriously difficult to saw through.

Start Your Renovations Today

While there are many materials that you can use when renovating your home, Ipe wood is the perfect choice on many levels. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s durable, long-lasting, and makes for one-of-a-kind exterior design that you’re sure to love.

Now that you know why Ipe wood is perfect for your 2020 exterior renovation, it’s time to get started! Contact us for more information on the Ipe siding, fencing, decking, and more. Our experts are happy to help you find the perfect cuts of wood for your home project, so we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Did you recently purchase a new home? What do you know about replacing the wood siding on the house?

Wood is an excellent, durable option to cover your home. It can last over 30 years and looks beautiful. But how do you know when to replace it?

If the siding is poor quality, it will need to be replaced before any damage occurs. Time and weather can wear away siding.

At any sign of an issue, it is best to replace your siding before any lasting damage costs you a fortune. There are many popular options to choose from.

Here is how you can tell if it’s time to replace your wood siding:

1. Broken or Cracked Wood Siding

Occasionally you will find a cracked piece of siding; this is no reason to replace the siding on the entire home. But, to prevent further damage, it is best to repair a siding board as soon as you see a crack.

If there is wood siding on your home that is cracked or broken, this could be a sign that you need to contact a contractor. There may be signs of damage or rot under the broken boards, which could damage your house.

2. Faded Wood Color

If your siding color is looking very worn out from the weather or the sun, this may be time to renovate! Good wood siding should last about 30 years if well taken care of. 

If you are re-staining or re-painting your home every few years, it is definitely a sign that your wood siding needs updating. Either your siding boards have reached the end of their lifespan, or there is an underlying issue.

3. Warped or Loose Siding

If your siding is loose, it is susceptible to the forces of nature. Moisture can work its way into your structure and damage the wood siding. When you come across a loose board, make sure the wood does not feel damp.

Weather and wear cause a wood board to become warped. Check of the wood material feels soft; if so, that is a sign of rot.

Replacing a board is easy, but if the siding on your home is warped or loose in many places, you need to call a professional. 

4. Bubbling on Wood

When water gets trapped in your siding, the wood will start to bubble. Bubbling is a sign that your wood siding is not sealed properly. The board needs replacement at the first sign of bubbling to prevent more serious problems.

Bubbling shows that there may be trapped water in your home. To prevent more damage to the structure, inside and out, have the siding replaced.

5. Signs of Mold or Mildew 

Mold on wood siding is very common. More than likely, you only need to clean your wood siding.

Mold and mildew appear when the wood siding is sealed incorrectly, or the wood is not keeping water out. Check the wood boards for cracks as mold can build up there.

There may be a more serious issue when you spot mold, mildew, or fungus around the siding seams. Mold and mildew around the seams and on large areas signal that moisture has damaged the siding.

6. Dry Rot

Dry rot is a fungus caused by moisture build-up in the wood. Like mold or mildew, dry rot is a sign that you need your siding repaired. 

Dry rot is difficult to spot because it can only affect the under layers of the wood siding. Here are some questions that will help you determine if your siding has dry rot:

1. Is there shrunken wood?

2. Is there any darkening or cracks in the structure?

3. Are there any cotton-like substances on the wood?

4. Is there a strange odor coming from the wood?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, contact a contractor to check your siding.

7. Peeling Paint Inside

When moisture is behind the paint, it tends to peel. If your walls need constant touch-ups from peeling and bubbling, this can be a sign that water is the problem.

Water damage inside the house can mean that the siding is causing this issue. If the siding is loose, rotted, or old, it does not protect your house from moisture.

When moisture works its way into the house’s structure; it can lead to paint peeling. It may be time to update your wood siding.

8. High Power Bills

Drafty windows or doors likely cause high energy bills each month. Although not common, it is possible that bad siding is to blame for your costly energy bill. 

Bad quality boards and improper wood installation could be at fault. Failure to seal the siding properly or using the wrong paints can also cause heat to escape your home. Leaving you with high power bills at the end of the month. 

If you notice a higher power bill and face any of the above issues, call your contractor!

We Can Help

Unfortunately, wood siding does not last forever. If you face any of the issues mentioned above, it might be time to look for a contractor for your siding needs. It is always best to repair it immediately, as you want to avoid any structural damage to your home.

Time to replace?

Wood siding is a beautiful, long-lasting option for your home. There are many options to consider. IPE Woods offer various color, durability, and prices to help you choose what’s best for you.

Check out Hardwood News to learn more about siding and hardwood! 

Whether you’re enjoying the view or entertaining friends, having a functional outdoor living space adds comfort and style to your home. If creating a new living space is on your to-do list, you may be wondering whether a deck or patio is right for you.

While many people use the terms deck and patio interchangeably, you may be disappointed if you ask a contractor to build one, and he creates the other. Designing an outdoor space that’s a good fit for your home can be tricky when you don’t know your options. If you’re ready to add an outdoor entertaining space to your home, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about designing the outdoor oasis of your dreams!

What’s the Difference Between a Deck and Patio?

While it may seem like semantics, a deck and a patio have some key differences that can help you decide which option is right for your home. First, let’s look at the way patios and decks are similar before we note their differences.

Unlike a three-season room or screened-in porch, a deck or patio offers an outdoor entertaining space without full walls. Either a deck or patio is appropriate around a pool. You can cover either with a pergola or awning for shade.

Decks and patios are great spaces for entertaining and dining. Both can house a grill or outdoor kitchen to minimize trips into the house.

While a deck is typically attached to the house, a patio can be detached or attached. Consider the flow between your house and the outdoor area before making a decision. Decks are elevated and extend from the house to enjoy a view, while patios are ground level and are generally intended as an entertaining space.

Another primary difference between decks and patios is what they’re crafted from. A deck is almost always made from wood or wood composite. A patio is more versatile, and materials can be concrete, pavers, gravel, tile, and more.

Generally speaking, if you see an outdoor space made from wood, that’s a deck. Otherwise, it’s likely considered a patio.

Decks and patios can have very different zoning and building requirements, so deciding which type of space you want is vital before you call a contractor.

Pros and Cons of Decks

Decks can offer a beautiful view of your property, making them a preferred outdoor space and a solid investment for houses in scenic areas. Multi-level decks or wraparound decks can add style and curb appeal to the front of your house, while a back deck provides a private oasis and plenty of space for entertaining.

If your backyard isn’t level or your home is built on a hill, a deck can provide a cost-effective outdoor space that connects to the house. One of the benefits of decks is for parties where guests may move between the house and the deck frequently. A deck can provide optimal flow for large groups and become a continuation of indoor living space.

Since a deck is often made of wood, decks may require year-round maintenance to look their best. That may mean cleaning, restaining, shoveling snow, and resealing each year to keep your deck looking warm and inviting.

Using durable wood products like Ipe can ensure your deck stays beautiful even after years of use.

A back deck often has railings along the sides and stairs down to the back yard. If stairs are something you are looking to avoid, a deck may not be an appropriate choice for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Patios

Patios are a great way to enjoy landscaping and create a lovely, low-maintenance outdoor space for your home. There are many ways to personalize the style and design of your patio space, so you can customize your space to fit your exact needs. A patio can be a great place to enjoy a fire pit, create an entertaining space separate from your house, or naturally expand your living space into your backyard.

If you like spending time in your backyard or front yard, a patio is a great way to connect activities happening in the yard to a covered entertaining space. While a deck can keep activities in the yard separate from the house, a patio can offer a more cohesive outdoor space since they are on the same level as your lawn. Patios can also provide a great lounge space around an inground pool.

Since a patio is on the ground level, they are not an ideal way to make the most of a view. Plus, while you may enjoy a customized patio, patios do not typically offer the same resale value as a deck does. They are often made from materials like stone, brick, or concrete, which can make walking or lounging in that space less comfortable than a deck.

Should I Get a Deck or Patio?

Before you choose between a deck or patio, make sure you have an idea of how you will use the space. That will help you decide what type of outdoor living area best suits your home and lifestyle.

If you love your land and have a view from your home, a deck can help you make the most of that view and increase your property’s value. A well-designed deck can offer an attractive addition to your house that increases curb appeal and brings warmth to your space. While a deck may require more maintenance, the wood look offers a classic design.

For a custom look, a patio can offer the flexibility to create a space designed precisely for your entertaining needs. While a patio may be less comfortable, they can be placed anywhere and offer a relaxing area connected to your yard. Patios are also a great way to dress up a pool and add space for lounging.

If a deck is right for you, we recommend beautiful Ipe wood to create a gorgeous space that’s built to last. Get started on building your outdoor space with Ipe decking today!

America has always been obsessed with wooden fences.

From the pine fences that defended our land in colonial times to the rise of decorative picket fences, we’ve always loved staking out our property with the right fence.

Once upon a time, the choice of fencing materials would have been simple, as lumber options were limited to the trees in your immediate area.

Today, however, there are so many types of wood on the market that it can be hard to decide the best wood for your fence. Balancing appearance with your local climate, and your budget with wood quality, can be a challenge.

Let’s take a look at choosing the right wood, and the types of wood you’ll want to consider.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Wood for Your Fence

Though you’ll find a range of wood types at your local home improvement store, some are more popular than others for fencing. The variety you choose, however, depends on several factors.

Is the wood insect-resistant?

When you’re building an outdoor fence, insect infestation is always a concern. If wood isn’t pressure-treated or naturally resistant to bugs, nuisances like termites could be eating away at your fence by the time you finish it.

What’s your budget?

Even for projects where you don’t need the most beautiful or durable option, it’s crucial to consider the quality of the wood. The best wood for fences requires fewer repairs in the long run, and you won’t need to replace it as quickly as an inferior option.

Wood comes in the common range of standard, better, or quality wood—think of this as “good, better, and best”—but these sometimes have imperfections and knots that affect the final appearance of your fence. Instead, you can opt for the more expensive options: construction, select, premium, or clear grade. The last two are the most expensive, but they also tend to last longer and present a higher quality final product.

What will the fence be exposed to?

Consider the weather where you live. Is it a rainy area, where the wood will often be exposed to moisture? Is the climate dry and sunny, meaning the fence may be bleached by the sun? The goal here is to choose the best wood for your climate, and to protect it against the elements most likely to affect it.

Popular Types of Wood for Fencing

Pressure-treated wood

As the least expensive type of wood, this popular option comes from pine or fir. It’s treated to defend against rot and insect infestation, but the chemicals used in the treatment are toxic to humans and animals. While the risk of health issues is mild, you should still be careful when working with it.

Pine

A popular choice for a lower budget, pine is a soft wood, making it easy to work with. It resists shrinkage and warping from moisture, making it a good pick for wetter climates. Pine’s lifespan ranges from 5-12 years.

Cedar

This popular choice isn’t maintenance-intensive, as its acids and oils make it naturally resistant to insects. It carries a pleasing scent and often has a beautiful tint of red in its grain. Cedar typically lasts for 15-30 years.

Cypress

Tan to red in color, cypress is a durable wood that works well in wetter climates, though it can warp if it’s improperly dried. Like cedar, it’s naturally resistant to insects and carries a pleasing scent.

Redwood

Also naturally resistant to insects, this option is a little pricier than the wood types above. However, redwood is both durable and beautiful, and high-quality lumber comes with a stunning deep red color. A sturdy redwood fence will last around 25-30 years.

IPE

It should come as no surprise we consider it the best all-around wood, period.

This very dense hardwood has a tight grain, making it naturally resistant to rot, insects, scratches, and splinters. IPE fares well in all climates, and its outdoor lifespan is unmatched at 75+ years. With a natural and luxurious appearance that comes with tints of amber and red, it’s a great option for beautiful, durable, and long-lasting fences.

Preserving Your Wood Fence

Once you’ve chosen a wood fence type that you feel good about, there are a few things you should do to preserve its beautiful color and extend its lifespan for as long as possible.

First, make sure that the fence posts are correctly installed. The goal here is to limit wood-to-soil exposure, as the last thing you want is for your new wooden fence to fail due to moisture or rot.

Second, if you’re choosing any wood of lower quality than IPE (which doesn’t require any treatment), it’s crucial to weatherproof the fence. This protects your finished fence from extreme temperatures and precipitation. The best weatherproofing solutions will also have UV protection, which will help prevent the sun from bleaching the natural color of the wood so quickly.

Weatherproofing should be reapplied on an annual basis for woods that need it, so make sure to put the task on your maintenance checklist.

Building the Right Fence

In the end, the best wood for fence building is the one that matches the aesthetic you’ve envisioned for the project and one you feel comfortable building with. Find lumber of the right quality, and you won’t have to worry about fixing or rebuilding your fence for years to come.

If you have questions about the right lumber for your project, or if you’re set on fencing with IPE, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help you find the right material for your needs!

If you’re trying to sell your home, installing hardware flooring can improve your home’s resale value by 70 to 80%.

Deciding between carpet vs hardwood can be very difficult, especially considering if you’re trying to sell your house or just give it a new look.

There are pros and cons to both, but we’ll break it all down to help you come to a decision!

Pricing

Maybe you are buying a house with the flooring you’ll need to tear up. Or maybe you’re trying to figure out how much it will be to redo your own flooring.

Regardless, the pricing may be one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to deciding between hardwood or carpet.

The price is vastly different between the two, so if you’re trying to save money, you may just want to go with the carpet.

Hardwood is one of the most expensive types of flooring because it is a natural product. You can’t engineer it to make more of it unless you cut down more trees.

On average, hardwood could cost around $10 per square foot, but some of the nicer versions might cost even more.

On the flip side, carpet could cost an average of $4 per square foot.

Installation

Hiring a professional to install your flooring is going to be the easiest way to upgrade your flooring.

However, if you want to do it on your own, the carpet is definitely going to be easier to install than a hardwood floor.

To install carpet, you’ll have to staple a pad underneath the carpet and nail it down. Next, you’ll just need to roll the carpet over and attach it to the underlying pad.

It does take a little bit of work, but when you compare it with the process of installing hardwood, it is a lot easier and faster.

To install hardwood, you’ll have to lay out each individual board and then make sure it all lines up with the wall and the other boards.

It’s very easy to mess up this process, and most people end up leaving it to the professionals.

Aesthetics

Another thing you should consider is how the carpet or hardwood will look in your home.

The latest trend is to go with the look of hardwood, and carpet is now viewed as outdated to some people.

Carpet can be more comfortable and versatile in terms of texture and color, but hardwood also comes in all kinds of designs and colors.

Hardwood flooring can also go with just about any kind of interior design you want to incorporate in your space.

Carpet offers more of a soft, subtle look to a room. On the other hand, hardwood offers a bolder statement, so it really just comes down to personal preference.

Durability

If you’re going to be spending a lot of money on upgrading your flooring, you’ll probably want to know which one is going to last you the longest too.

Hardwood is more expensive, yes, but you’ll get more use out of it as it can last over fifty years. However, this does depend on what quality type of wood you get.

While carpet is cheaper, it will only last for about ten years, which means that you’ll be paying more money to replace it in the long run.

Comfort

Comfort is another factor that you’ll have to consider before deciding.

While the appearance of the flooring is important, you also want something that’s going to be comfortable for you.

Carpet can be nice and soft, but depending on how much you pay for quality, it could be rough and uncomfortable to walk on. In general, though, carpet is very easy on your feet and soft, which is why many people have it in bedrooms.

While hardwood can be harder on your feet and isn’t very comfortable to lay on, you could always get a rug for a room if you really wanted more comfort.

Environmentally Friendly

While hardwood might not seem environmentally friendly because of all the trees it needs, carpet actually is worse for the environment.

To make carpets, they have to use petroleum which is not good for the environment. Once it starts to break down, it can release harmful chemicals. If you do opt for carpet on your floors, you should get wool that is environmentally sustainable.

While hardwood floors use trees, they are biodegradable when you do get rid of them. Also, when they harvest the trees to make the hardwood floors, the Forest Stewardship Council is in charge of overseeing just how many trees can be cut down.

When you do buy hardwood flooring, make sure that there is an FSC® certification on it to ensure that it was harvested in an environmentally friendly way.

Noise

Lastly, noise is also something that you should consider.

The hardwood can make your home feel noisier since there won’t be anything to absorb the noise in your house. If this is something that you’re worried about, having rugs placed strategically on your hardwood floor can help reduce the echo effect.

However, the carpet will help to absorb that noise and reduce the echo that you’ll feel in your home.

Learn More About Carpet vs Hardwood

These are only a few things to consider when trying to decide between carpet vs hardwood, but at the end of the day, the decision comes down to what you want your house to look like.

Regardless of which one you choose, you should find a professional company to lay down your flooring and make sure that it is done properly and efficiently.

If you’re looking for a company to hire for this job, make sure that you check us out!

If you want to give your home a makeover, then the siding is a great place to start. The right siding can give your house that “wow” factor, and make it the envy of all your neighbors.

Visuals aside, your siding also serves a functional purpose, which is to protect and insulate your home and its occupants from harsh weather like rain and snow.

When you’re in the market for sidings, there are a lot of choices. There are so many types of wood siding options that picking the right one may be a bit overwhelming. The difference is not only in the type of wood but also in its grade and overall design.

If you’re looking for the best wood siding for homes, then read on to learn about the many types of wood siding out there.

Wood Siding by Type of Wood

The type of wood you pick for your siding determines its look, durability, and insulation capability. Here are a few wood siding options to consider:

Fir

Fir sidings are among the more cost-effective siding options. Fir is a softwood that’s relatively easy to obtain. It’s ideal for large houses because you can get fir in long lengths.

It’s also generally easy to install and leaves a lovely finish. Since it’s a softwood, you can cut it into various designs. So if you want it in planks, shiplap, or tongue and groove, you can easily get it that way with fir.

Ipe

Ipe sidings are among the lesser-known siding options, but they’re arguably the best type of wood siding. That’s because when you compare it to other wood options, ipe has a clear edge over the others.

First off, ipe is a virtually maintenance-free hardwood, requiring only one oil treatment annually to retain its color. It’s popular in some parts because of its ability to retain structural integrity even under the harshest weather conditions, among other benefits. That means you won’t need to replace your ipe siding for a good long time once you install it.

If you don’t maintain it, the siding turns a grey color, which is what most owners want. If you want it to get its original color back, you just oil it, and it’s back to brown.

Cedar

Folks love cedar for its lovely color. You can also reveal the grain through the stain to make the siding even more appealing.

It’s also relatively low-maintenance when you compare it to other wood species. That’s because cedar is resistant to rot and insect damage, unlike most other wood types.

If your taste is more of the red type of cedar, then prepare yourself to pay top-dollar for “heartwood” cedar.

Cypress

Cypress is an extremely durable hardwood that’s very popular across the country. In fact, it’s so durable that some folks can salvage it from demolished homes to reuse it, and it still lasts.

It’s also lightweight, which makes it easy to install. Plus, just like cedar, it’s resistant to rot and repels insects, hence it requires little maintenance. The downside to cypress is that it’s very expensive, and most people aren’t willing to spend that kind of cash on their sidings.

Siding Types by Wood Grade

Most people select wood sidings based on their appearance. As such, there are no building codes to stipulate wood grades. Some agencies, like the WWPA, create their own grading systems that many suppliers choose to adopt.

With that in mind, here are the most common wood grades.

• Number 1: This is a clean, high-quality wood with little to no knots or defects. It gives a very high level of finish.
• Number 2: This is also good quality wood, just not as good as Number 1. It has more knots and minor defects here and there.
• Grade A to Grade D: These grades denote wood that has a considerable number of knotholes, slight warping, a few splits and checks here and there.

Siding Options by Style

When it comes to style, all your options boil down to two main types of sidings which are horizontal and vertical. Horizontal sidings are lovely to look at but are also harder to maintain than vertical ones. After you pick your sidings orientation, horizontal or vertical, you next have to pick a style.

When it comes to wood siding styles, you can choose from:

Boards

Boards are cut-outs from wood that you arrange either vertically or horizontally. They come in different lengths, widths, and thicknesses.

Color and Finish

The color and finish style has been all the rage for the past half-decade or so. After you install the siding, you finish it with a fresh paint coat of your preferred color. This style has immense visual appeal and also lengthens the lifespan of the siding.

Shingles

The stylish person can always settle for shingles because it gives the house a more classic, rustic look. It works well, especially with ipe and cedar sidings. You can order shingles in a variety of shapes to suit your style.

Choose Your Types of Wood Siding Wisely

With so many types of wood siding, you have plenty to choose from. While it’s only natural to base your decisions off of aesthetics, you should also consider durability and maintenance.

Also, remember to buy your sidings from a reputable supplier to get your money’s worth.

For beautiful, durable, and robust ipe sidings, contact us today, and we’ll help you out.