Well maybe if it came from Krypton, along with Superman, and he had a flare for horticulture . . . but that’s just a little too crazy.  So the answer is, not really.

However, when it comes to fire resistance, not all woods are created equal.  Especially when it comes to wood you’re using for decking, siding and fencing.  Now, we all know that when it comes to hardcore wildfires, no matter how fire resistant wood is, when a firestorm is bearing down on your place, all bets are off.  But in normal circumstances, naturally fire resistant wood is a smart and sound investment.  

The King of Fire-resistant Wood

When it comes to fire-resistant wood, the king is Ipe wood; of course, as we’ve said before, they call it ironwood for a reason.

If you have been through a fire and are in the process of rebuilding, there are many solid reasons to consider using Ipe wood as siding, decking, and fencing.  

Just like everything else on the planet these days, there are tests to see just how well wood stands up to a fire.  And when it comes to Ipe, nothing touches it.  Essentially how they do it is they install and 20’x25’ sample as the ceiling of a test chamber, and then see how fast the fire spreads.  Of all the woods, Ipe came out on top.  It has been given up an A rating for fire resistance.  That means it’s the best.

Ipe lumber is so naturally dense that it resists fungus, rot, and termites.  It even sinks in water.

Accidents Happen

Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable, as we have unfortunately seen these past months with all the wildfires around the country.  Fortunately, most of us will never have to worry about losing our homes to one.

However, accidents happen, and that’s when using Ipe lumber for your decking and siding, and fencing really comes in handy.  

Imagine you’re hosting a barbeque on your deck with friends and neighbors there.  You’ve got the barbeque going, and next thing you know, someone’s knocked over a grill filled with white-hot briquettes.  Or maybe it’s a tiki torch that was knocked over. It can be any one of a half-dozen unexpected things.  

If your deck is made of pine, or redwood, or oak–FOOM!–everything goes up in a flash.  You barely have time to look for the fire extinguisher before things get out of control.

If you’ve used Ipe wood for your deck, you’re able to get things under control before the point of no return. The dense ironwood takes so long to ignite, that life can be a little calmer when an accident happens.  

Fences Make Good Neighbors

When it comes to neighbors, sometimes a fence can help keep the peace.  Unfortunately, sometimes fires have been known to jump and ignite the house next door.  

Using Ipe fencing can help keep the neighbors happy.

A fence made of Ipe lumber can slow the spread of a fire to the point of helping to keep it contained.  

An Ounce of Prevention . . .

For all these reasons, Ipe Woods USA suggests you keep Ipe wood in mind when planning to add a deck, build a fence, or put on siding. The high fire resistance of Ipe wood helps prevent the flames from gaining a toehold and doing more damage. No organic product is fireproof, but Ipe is a close second.

When it comes to hardwoods, one of the preferred materials for decks is Ipe. Contractors, builders, and homeowners love its durability and hardness. Ipe decking will last for a long time. A tropical hardwood is native to South America; there are various sustainable sources of the wood.

Appearance and Color

The heartwood of Ipe has a color that ranges from reddish brown to blackish brown to yellowish olive brown. It is normal to see the wood having black and brown stripes. The Ipe wood has fine to medium texture. It features straight to their regular pattern of the grain.

Ipe is often mistaken for the Cumaru, which is another dense wood from South America. The difference is that the former is darker and don’t have the cinnamon/vanilla scent of Cumaru.

Moisture Content

Air-dried Ipe decking has around 12-15 percent moisture content, which is perfect for decking purposes. If you are using it for indoor spaces exposed to air conditioning and artificial heat, then look for kiln-dried wood.

Planks can air dry fast and can show some checking if dried quickly under the sun. It can lead to warping, especially in large timber pieces, such as 2×12. In some cases, screws are pulled out of the stringers. It is advisable to use 2 pieces of 2×6 instead of a single 2×12 plank.

Durability

Ipe is a very durable wood for decking. It is resistant to insects, fire, and rot. You don’t need to worry about the wood touching the ground even if you didn’t apply any preservatives to it. It can last for 15 years in the ground without any attacks from termites.

It has received the highest possible durable rating from the US Forests Products Laboratory. Ipe decking can last for at least 20 to 25 years. Your deck can easily last for three to even four decades with minimal maintenance work. If you apply deck oil or finish to all sides of the plank, your deck can last for a hundred years.

Workability

The downside of using Ipe wood is that it is difficult to work because of it of its density and hardness. It also has a high cutting resistance while sawing. Ipe can make cutting edges blunt that tradesmen require constant sharpening of their tools when cutting Ipe wood.

It is easy to plane the wood, but the grain can tear out on areas that are interlocked. It is also difficult to glue the wood properly, and it is advisable to prepare the surface first before applying the glue. The straight-grained wood also interferes with its finishing and polishing process.

Strength of Ipe Wood

Ipe is three times stronger than Cedarwood. It exceeds all the code requirements for decking and other exterior constructions. Your deck can easily handle snow, rain, and other harsh elements of nature.

These characteristics make Ipe the ideal material for outdoor decks. The best thing about the wood is that there are sustainable sources for it. Ipe is a beautiful dark brown wood that will last for years to come.

For more information check out our Ipe Facts page.

And again another synthetic deck fail. Plycem Recalls Allura Decking Due to Fall and Injury Hazards. The United States CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION reports that defective decking needs to be completely recalled. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission says that “Consumers should immediately stop using decks with the recalled decking materials and contact Plycem to schedule a free repair. Plycem is contacting all known purchasers directly.”  Stating that “…reports of the recalled decking cracking, resulting in one report of a leg injury to an adult male whose leg went through the cracked decking.

For more information visit the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission.

 

Uneducated contractors are perhaps the biggest reason Ipe is not used more. If you have a contractor, architect or carpenter that does not recommend Ipe for use on your deck you should run and not walk away. Having someone that calls themselves an expert and they do not recommend the best material either shows gross incompetence or lack of knowledge.

To address a few of the comments I have heard over the years from “professional builders”.

“I do not recommend Ipe because it is too expensive.”.

First of all, Ipe is not that much more expensive than many other kinds of wood. In fact, it is cheaper than some. When a “professional” thinks that recommending the best material for a job is not a good idea, I would think twice about using them. What other materials is he substituting because he thinks they are “too expensive”. The truth is that as a building professional unless you are specifically told by a customer that they want a cheap deck, you should always give at least the option of the best material in a quote.

“Ipe is too hard to work with.”

Ipe is denser than other woods. So cutting it will take longer if you do not have the right blades. Remember that it’s that denseness that also makes it last so long and maintain its integrity. That is what you want! Make sure you are using the right blades and cutting will not take long. But you will have to predrill the holes. One time we figured out that using a drill & drive kit for an Ipe deck added 45 minutes on an 800/sf deck. I would argue with anyone, that this 45 min of labor is worth having a deck that can last over 75 years.

“I am not familiar with Ipe, what is that?”

Having worked in the industry for many years, I am still shocked when contractors do not know what Ipe is or do not recommend Ipe first to their customers. Thinking that Ipe is the best material for decks is not just of opinion but a fact. The wood is simply denser, longer lasting and better suited to protect against bugs, mold and other outdoor problems. If a contractor does not know what Ipe is, you have to wonder what else they don’t know. It would be like saying you are a mechanic and don’t know what a Ferrari is. I would be very cautious of anyone that does not know what Ipe is.

“I use Synthetics (Trex, Fiberon, Azek) for all my decks.”

These brands have done a great job of marketing to contractors. They are also easier to work with. The truth is though that these materials are easier to work with because they are not dense or load bearing and they are made in a factory. They have been known to harbor mold in many cases and fade easily. Also, do not be fooled, they do in fact require annual maintenance. Not to mention they look good from some angles, but it’s basically a plastic deck and it looks like it. If one board gets damaged, when you replace it what do you think the new board looks like up against the faded ones? While synthetics have come a long way and many lawsuits later. They are still a cheap alternative to Ipe. Even based on how long manufacturers say their boards last, Ipe will last over 2 times longer. I do not have to sit and badmouth synthetic boards though. I only tell people looking into them, to go find a deck made from them 10 years ago near you. You will never want one after that, but Ipe can last over 75 years and it is natural and can always be reconditioned. Unlike synthetics, whose appearance only worsens with time.

They don’t call Ipe wood “ironwood” for nothing.  You can break screws on it, dull saw blades, and Ipe lumber laughs in the face of rain and snow.  Rot and molds hold no fear for this beautiful Brazilian hardwood.  Using it on your deck, your fence, siding, whatever, will make your neighbors jealous.  The true handymen in the neighborhood will ask to come over just so they can touch it and caress it.

It can be done

As wonderful as Ipe wood decking is, you can mess it up, if you don’t care for it properly.  Just think of it as an expensive car.  It’s made to take stand up to practically anything and everything.  But if you don’t tune it up, care for it regularly, things can go wrong.

So we have a list of suggestions that can help you keep it the envy of your neighbors for decades to come.  You know they say that properly cared for, Ipe lumber can last anywhere from 25 to 75 years.   With the right attention, you can will it to your children.

Keep it clean

• The first is the easiest and most sensible: keep your decking clean.  It’s really as simple as keeping the leaves and refuse off your deck.  Sweep it off once a week or so.  When the dog or the kids get mud all over the deck, hose it down.  Make sure that you get anything that has fallen between the cracks out as well.
• Don’t let anything that can leave rust on the deck sit there, such as metal chairs, or propane tanks. Wooden chairs are best.

Sealed nice and tight

• When installing the deck make sure that all the all your deck wood is sealed on all four sides, including the ends. Though Ipe wood is highly resistant to mold and fungus because of its dense make up, if the ends aren’t sealed, that can be the easiest place for it to enter.
• Next, make sure the wood has time to dry after you’ve sealed it. If not, it’s going to look a fright after it’s installed.
• Don’t use film forming coatings. They may be great for boats that have teak wood and such, but not so much for your deck.

A light touch is all it needs

• You most certainly need to use penetrating oils to help the wood keep that dark color. But when applying the oils, a light touch is what you need.  Ipe wood throws the excess oil right back at you.  If you leave the extra oil, it will become tacky and can become a breeding ground for molds and/or fungus.  Apply the oil with a brush and use a cloth to wipe up the extra oil.
• Don’t use a sprayer to apply the oil/stain. It goes on best when you use a brush, and remember to wipe up after yourself, as it were.

Keep a weather eye out

• Finally, pay attention to the weather forecast for when you plan to clean and restain. You need to allow for drying time.  If it starts raining while the finish it still drying you’re going to see all the little rain drops captured in the spots they’ll leave on the deck.  Make sure it’s going to nice a sunny for a while when you do the job.

 

These simple steps will help you dodge easily avoidable mistakes, and keep your Ipe wood deck looking great till the next generation.

Ipe wood is the most recognized hardwood internationally. It is often referred to as Brazilian walnut. The wood is naturally durable, resistant to decay and rot and insect resistant. It is considered one among the best decking materials since it meets the respective design criteria. It is one of the South American ironwoods. It colors range from olive brown, dark brown, and in well-matured trees, an almost black one. It is preferred for the decking purposes due to the unique, stylish finishes that are achievable with its variation in grain and the consistently enticing colors.

Ipe Decking Characteristics

Ipe wood is highly recommended since it is the best decking material. Due to the natural oils and tight fiber, the wood has an ideal resistance to fungus and insect attacks. This property also makes the wood a preferred choice of building a deck since it can withstand harsh climatic conditions. It provides a suitable transition from the interior to the exterior of the house. The wood has also been classified as the top fire resistant wood by the National Fire Protection Agency. A person who anticipates building a deck should consider using ipe since the chances of loss are minimal in case of a fire outbreak. Ipe wood has heat depressing properties. During sizzling hot summers, the outdoor entertainment that a deck supposed to provide is useless. However, ipe decking has low retention and rapid heat depression. This quality makes the deck useful to the owner throughout the year.

Ipe Wood Costs

Unlike any other competing materials in deck building, ipe is the best building material thus fairly expensive. Wholesale decking can manage the costs by using random lengths which can be used to form stylish patterns of the deck. This minimizes the cost and still gives the house owner the intended stand out ipe deck. However, in cases where one requires specific lengths the prices are a little bit higher compared to random lengths. This is because the wood has to be cut to the customer specifications. Random lengths are therefore cheaper due to their large availability. The maintenance costs of ipe decking are negligible since the wood has a high natural resilience. Therefore, besides the considerable investment, ipe decks achieve both durability and aesthetic.

Ipe Deck Maintenance

Ipe decking maintenance is easy since the hardwood is highly resilient to forces of nature. However, cleaning with water and soap maintains the decks original aesthetic. Use of pressure washers is not recommended since it has sand busting functionalities which may tear the wood fiber destroying the finish. The decks have a durability of up to 40 years and may last longer in areas with suitable climate. Consequently, refinishing the deck building is advisable after a considerable while. This involves polishing the worn out surfaces and applying new finishes. In cases where the maintenance work is done regularly then the surface only need cleaning and using of the same old products for the finish. Due to the woods high density, they maintain the original aesthetic throughout.

Ipe wood is definitely the most preferred material for wood decking. Any person considering buying wood for decking purposes must consider Ipe wood for the best outcome.

In case you are looking for the best decking material, you will be taken aback on the number of synthetic and wood decking offered in the market. All decking materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you highly value the durability of the material, then Ipe wood is your ideal choice. With regards to deck building, Ipe is often the primary choice due to its natural beauty, unparalleled strength and intense durability.

The Advantage of Choosing Ipe Wood When Building a Deck

Here are some of the advantages that you can enjoy if you choose an ipe when installing your deck. According to the experts, this hardwood contains properties that are ideal for the outdoors. A deck created from this material will not experience cracking and scratching. It has the ability to last up to 50 years contingent upon the weather condition.

Durability

The Ipe wood is definitely unbeatable in terms of durability. Wall Street Journal described it as hard as nails since it is known as the densest wood in the world. In fact, it is also referred as iron wood. It is sustainable and eco-friendly. The surface of this hardwood is highly resistant against insect damage, mildew, and fire. The wood will also contract and expand lesser compared to other decking materials. This will make the surface more uniform that will look aesthetically pleasing. When it comes to longevity, ipe has the ability to last for 50 years or more depending on the weather condition.

Low Amount of Maintenance

The dense surface of the ipe requires a very low maintenance. This is definitely great news to those who wants to avoid the hassle of the strenuous labor. You will also not be exposed on strong chemicals. After building a deck, simply seal it using a rose-oil product. Eliminating spores and grimes should be done annually using hydrogen peroxide. An Ipe wood that is left untreated will gradually transform into a silvery gray shade. In case you want to preserve the natural shade of the hardwood, you may want to apply a brown patina.

Cool Surface

This material has the capacity to retain lesser heat compared to the plastic and composite counterparts. This means that your deck will maintain an ideal level of temperature even during the unforgiving heat of the summer season. As we mentioned above, your Ipe wood will not experience cracking, this means that the possibility of removing the annoying splinter is less likely.

Disadvantages of Using Ipe

There are also different disadvantages that you need to consider when choosing ipe as the best decking material. For instance, due to the high density, you should expect that this material will be heavy. This means that the installation of your deck will require expertise and specialized equipment. In order to prevent black oxidation and rusting, make sure to hire the company that you can trust.

We really hope that you acquire valuable information with this article. Other materials may have lower initial expenses, but when we think about the cost that comes with the repair and maintenance, you will still save a significant amount of money when you choose Ipe wood.

Not all professional needs are the same. There are so many decking materials to choose from that you need to make a thorough research. Whether you need a patio for your outdoor pool or you want to make a cozy space next to your sauna, you have to find the best Ipe decking to cover your needs. The greatest Ipe advantage is that it is durable and amazing and it has many different solutions for you.

You will find all of the pros and cons of different decking materials so that you can make the best possible choice. Find the best wholesale decking and visit a professional and experienced company that can help you out.

Budget Friendly Ipe

If you want to build a nice patio, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, then the pressure treated lumber is the ideal solution for you. This is one of the top choices in the market and one of the best sellers in all the United States. When building a deck, you have to at least consider using pressure treated lumber.

The only downsize of this Ipe wood is not very durable, and it might get a little crack or split. However, if you manage to get the maintenance that your patio needs, then you will be able to enjoy it for many years.

Natural Ipe

If you are a true nature lover and you want to stay environmentally friendly, then you should definitely need to go with redwood Ipe. They get picked a lot for their natural color and their natural beauty. If you want to create a deck building that is all natural, then you should definitely consider redwood Ipe.

However, you should also know that this type of Ipe requires a lot of maintenance and careful examination from an expert regularly. If you want to install such an Ipe, you have to be prepared for a lot of maintenance.

Exotic Option

In case you don’t want to spare any costs, you have to go with some exotic decking materials. Massaranduba, red tauari, tigerwood and Philippine mahogany are the perfect materials for someone who wants an exotic touch. You will find out that these materials are exotic, impressive and extremely hard. This Ipe decking is ideal for any natural resistance, such as water and insects.

On the downside, if you are planning on building a deck on your own you should also learn that they are hard to cut and drill. They are also very heavy especially to a person who hasn’t done it before. This is why you will definitely need an experienced professional to help you out.

Check out these decking materials and pick out the one most suited to your needs and preferences. No matter what your sense of taste is or your estimated budget, but there is no doubt that you will find the Ipe best suited to your needs.

Building a deck seems like it is a simple job, but it should be taken with the seriousness it deserves to avoid regrets in the future and even losses. Therefore, there are important things you must do before putting up a deck. It is important that you always have a plan before embarking on the project. Here are some questions you must ask yourself.

What Is The Purpose Of The Deck?

A deck can serve different purposes. The purpose will help define the size and even the material to be used. Some people will build a deck to serve either as a dining place, for privacy, and even for entertaining their guest. The different purpose will determine the decking material to be used. For example, if you are putting up a deck to serve as a private bar, you don’t need to put it up on a big space a small space can be sufficient. However, if you intend to use it for entertaining your friends, then you have to consider putting it up on large space.

Temporal or Permanent

If you are putting up a deck to use for one event, you might go for cheaper decking material and save on cost. However, building a deck that will stay longer, you need durable decking material. This is because some material will not last for long. Ipe decking is known to last longer than other types of decking material. A permanent deck also should be put up in a place where you will not need to use in future. Therefore if you are putting up a permanent deck, you have to consider the place very well because you might not be able to use it again.

Location of the Deck

Some people will put up a deck next to the house while others may prefer putting it up further within the garden. The location is important because the decking material is responsive to weather and therefore if you are putting up a deck on open space, you have to apply a finish that will last long to extend the longevity of your deck. Secondly, if you are putting up a deck further from the house, you may need to access it during the rainy season, therefore, it is good you consider putting up a roof to protect you from the rain.

Budget

Everything we do is largely dependent on the budget we have set up aside. Therefore, the deck you are putting up will also depend on the budget you have set for it. The most important thing is that you have to decide on the budget before putting up a deck. The budget will inform the size of the deck you can build, the type of decking material to use and also the decorations you can put up on the deck. Ipe decking is expensive than using other decking materials.

When putting up a deck you have to consider the cost of maintaining the deck, sometimes you might just need to apply vanish and regular replacement of wood.