When you want to build a deck, one of your main concerns is usually related to the material that you are going to use. After all, you want to make sure that your deck is not only beautiful as it is durable as well.

In what comes to the materials used when building a deck, they have been changing throughout the years. In the olds days, the materials that were used more frequently were cedar, redwood, and pressure treated wood. In the last couple of years, a new trend emerged and home owners started using composites. However, this was never a unanimous position since while some home owners love it, others just can’t stand it. And then you have ipe decking.

In order to make a well-thought decision, you need to know a bit more about each one of these materials.

#1: Redwood And Cedar:

Both redwood and cedar were usually preferred because of their strong performance records. They used to have a life span of more than 30 years and were extremely resistant to bugs. However, with the huge demand and the fact that these woods started to become scarce, the prices increased a lot. So, home owners needed to look for better options.

#2: Pressure Treated Wood:

There are many advantages when you choose pressure treated wood. One of the main ones is the price that is quite affordable. Plus, the fact that it’s very easy to work with led to many home owners to choose this material for their decks. However, there’s a great catch – the maintenance. When you decide to use pressure treated wood in your deck, you’ll need to strip, sand, and stain every single year so that your deck continues to look amazing. As if this wasn’t bad enough, there were some recent studies that showed that this kind of wood can release chemicals when wet.

#3: Composites:

When composites appeared, they seemed like the “holy-grail”. They hadn’t any disadvantages and had the best qualities of wood. As you can imagine, this turned out to be false. What happened was that after a lot of home owners used it to build their decks, they started noticing unstable boards as well as mold formation. While most companies tried to handle the complaints as they could, the truth is that the problems are still very evident up until today.

The truth is that composites are not really wood; they are more a kind of plastic product that isn’t as strong as wood, as well as it needs special installations processes and techniques to make sure that you get a safe deck.

#4: Ipe:

One of the latest trends for building decks is the use of ipe. When you are looking for a 100% natural dark brown hardwood that requires almost any maintenance, then ipe might be a great option to consider. One of the main advantages of this wood is the fact that it has a lifespan of more than 75 years due to its naturally occurring preservative oils as well as to its high density.

In terms of the maintenance that it requires, you just need to do a casual sweeping and rinsing with some warm water. In order to preserve the color, you can do some coating with Ipe Oil and your deck will as good as new.

As you can see, you have a lot of options from the more expensive to the most affordable ones. The truth is that when you build a deck, you want to make sure that it lasts in good conditions. Considering the pros and cons of these 4 materials, there’s no question that the best one you can choose is ipe.

The reality is that every lumber is unique as well as trees are all different as well. So, one of the things that you can expect when you are building a deck is that each board will have different characteristics.

As soon as you have your beautiful deck installed, you want to make sure that it remains this way for many years.

One of the things that many people tend to think is that Brazilian hardwoods aren’t as durable as most woods that are traditionally used to build decks. However, this is not true. The reality is that every wood needs some kind of maintenance to ensure that it continues beautiful and to make it last. This is just like when you have the best car in the world. You still need to change its motor oil from time to time.

According to our experience, there are two main types of deck owners: the ones who simply let their boards weather naturally, and the ones who want to make sure that they keep the same look and feel as if they just finished installing their deck.

There’s no right or wrong position here. It’s just a matter of figuring out where you fit in to take care of the maintenance of your deck according to your personal preferences.

No matter which group you belong to, one of the things that is highly suggested that you do after installing your deck is to apply a coat of Ipe Oil or just a similar UV protect finish. When you do this, you are helping the wood that you use to seal all its natural oils that will help it maintain their physical properties. From here, the rest of the maintenance is up to you, depending on whether you want to maintain the initial color or simply let the weather change it naturally. Please note that as we already mentioned above, each board is different. So, each board may have a different reaction to the amount of moisture, temperature, sunlight, or any other climate changes.

Cleaning Your Hardwood Deck The Right Way

When you decided to use Brazilian hardwood for building your deck, you knew that it required some maintenance. So, it’s time to get it done.

 Cleaning your hardwood deck should be done at least twice a year (a stronger cleaning). The first thing you need to do s to remove all the dirt and loose leafs off your deck using a broom. Don’t forget to check between the deck boards because there might be some old foliage or trash accumulated there. If it is, remove it as well.

 After sweeping, using a mild dish soap and water is advised. You can use a brush to do it. In case you notice there are any harder stains, you can try to use a specific cleaner formulated for wood.

 You should also consider pressure washing your deck. Even though it takes time, the result with be completely worth it. You need to ensure that you use a fan tip as well as the right settings to protect the wood. For example, in case of an Ipe decking, you can use a 1000 PSI setting. Since it’s always best to be safe than sorry, test it on an area that is not visible first.

 While you’re doing your regular maintenance, it’s always a good idea to check some key areas of your deck. Just walk around and see f you notice any corroded or loose fasteners. In case you spot them, make sure to replace or tight them up immediately. As you probably know, fasteners are extremely important since they are making the connections that are able to stand your deck.

More info here.

When you have a deck, you need to carefully inspect the deck boards from time to time. The truth is that it isn’t enough to look at the surface where you and your guests walk. You also need to make sure that everything is just in the right place. After all, your deck is subjected to all kinds of weather conditions, which make it vulnerable.

Even though deck boards won’t cause a deck to fall, the truth is that when we have a couple of deck boards that aren’t in the right conditions and are near with each other, they can create some weak places or tripping hazards where someone can fall. And you want to make sure that you prevent it.

One of the main problems that decks tend to have is usually related to the installation process. Unlike what you may think, simply following the manufacturer’s instructions can actually prevent most of these problems.

There are three main issues that you need to watch for and inspect on your deck boards to keep them nice:

#1: Warping:

Warping is any deformation that you can see on your deck boards. This can include twisting, cupping, or others. Most of the times, the main cause that leads to warping is the fact that during the installation of the deck, there is a restriction of the airflow.

One of the best things about warping is that they can be easily spotted. However, the only thing that you can do when you have a warping board is to replace it by another one.

#2: Protruding Fasteners:

Protruding fasteners are one of the main causes of injuries such as falls and cuts. Fasteners include bolts, screws, and nails. There shouldn’t be any kind of problem, however, since your deck is exposed to all kinds of climate and climate changes, the boards will be constantly expanding and contracting. So, they can get loose over time.

 So, make sure that you take a walk through your entire deck and see how your fastener looks like, If you notice that some screws or nails have popped up, you need to hammer and drill them back into their place. However, make sure they are still in good conditions. In case you notice that they are slipping out, then use a new fastener in a different place on the board.

 #3: Rot:

 One of the main things that lead to rot is the fact that there isn’t a good moisture drainage. This means that if the deck boards don’t have a minimum gap between them as well as a slight pitch from the house, you may end up with rot problems. However, you may even have the right deck installation and still have rot. In this case, the problem may come from the debris that is getting accumulated in your deck.

 When you do not take the time to clean the dirt and the leaves from your deck, including between the boards, it can lead to water retention which is just the perfect situation for rot to occur.

The best way to do a rot inspection is to use a narrow object like a screw driver. Just grab it and use it to poke around each one of the deck boards to see if you feel any soft spots. There are areas on your deck that you need to pay more attention to like the railings or the ledger boards because they can easily trap moisture and debris. And the reason is that these are the areas where the boards meet other parts of your deck.

 Even though inspecting your deck may seem a bit overwhelming and tedious, your safety and your family’s comes first.

Some builders have heard about Ipe but are afraid to dive into using it because the wood is very dense. The common misconception is that it is hard to work with, because of this density. However if you are using the right blades and bits Ipe can be very easy to use on your next project. Of all the hardwoods used for decking, Ipe is regarded by most as the longest lasting and nicest wood available in the United States.

Ipe requires pre-drilling because of the density, other than that its use if very similar. When people say that Ipe is an “Iron Wood” or “Tough as Nails” it is not an exaggeration. Ipe has the same fire classification as steel and concrete. It has a differential shrinkage of 1.4% making it the best of all the hardwoods. The same characteristics that make it so dense are the ones that will keep bugs, fire and mold out also.

To be clear if you are a contractor and you are not recommending Ipe to your clients you are doing them a disservice. As someone that is consulting customers on what wood to use Ipe should always be at the top of your list. Ipe is really hands down the best wood for all outdoor applications. It lasts longer than any of the other woods, requires less treatment and is naturally insect and fire resistant.

If you feel are not recommending Ipe because it is “expensive”, just realize that given the option often times customers will want the superior product. Ipe also is not much more expensive than many of the alternatives but it also lasts 2-5 times longer. This brings the cost of ownership down over the course of its life. More important than that is that the cost of maintenance is much lower than any of the alternative hardwoods. Ipe is the best recommendation you can be making for your clients outdoor needs.

Understanding the Longevity of Ipe Wood: A Comprehensive Analysis

The durability of Ipe wood is a subject of interest for many outdoor enthusiasts, as it boasts a remarkable outdoor lifespan of up to 75 years. However, delving into the intricacies of this topic requires us to consider various factors such as its applications, board sizes, milling profiles, and installation quality. Historically, pressure-treated wood, redwood, and cedar held the reputation for being top choices for outdoor construction. Yet, Ipe wood has emerged as a frontrunner in the realm of outdoor materials due to its exceptional attributes.

The Pros and Cons of Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood has garnered popularity due to its affordability and ease of use. However, the low cost comes with certain inherent drawbacks. Notably, maintenance becomes a concern with pressure-treated wood. Unlike Ipe, it demands regular stripping, sanding, and staining to maintain its appearance. Recent research has even linked chemical leakage from wet pressure-treated wood, raising health and environmental concerns. As a result, pressure-treated wood may not be the optimal choice for family-oriented outdoor spaces.

The Appeal of Cedar and Redwood

Cedar and redwood are celebrated for their solid performance history in outdoor applications. Nevertheless, the availability of bug-resistant wood with a lifespan exceeding 30 years remains scarce. Presently, these wood types often come with higher price tags compared to Ipe or high-quality composite alternatives.

The Complexities of Composites

Composite materials entered the decking scene with promises of combining the best attributes of wood without its downsides. However, this idealization faced challenges as issues like mold growth and unstable boards became prevalent. Despite efforts to address these concerns, certain problems still persist. Composites, essentially plastic products, lack the innate solidity of wood. Furthermore, specialized installation techniques are imperative to ensure the safety of composite decks.

Ipe Wood: Unrivaled Durability

In the realm of decking options, Ipe Wood shines as a superior choice. Boasting remarkable longevity and nearly maintenance-free characteristics, this 100% natural wood exhibits unparalleled strength. Its captivating dark brown hue, accented by hints of olive green and red, remains vibrant over its 75-year lifespan due to its high density and inherent natural preservatives. Maintenance requirements are refreshingly simple: periodic sweeping, warm water rinsing, and the application of Ipe Oil to preserve its color. However, those seeking a silver patina can allow the wood to weather naturally without the use of Ipe oil.

To further deepen your understanding of Ipe wood and address common inquiries, our Ipe Facts page offers valuable insights and information. Explore the nuances of Ipe wood’s longevity and make informed decisions for your outdoor projects.

Ipe Vs Other Hard Woods

Decks, no matter how you design it, still boil down to one big thing, outdoor living space. Since it is one of the most used spaces, it only reasons that when buying decking, your first consideration should be the choice of decking materials.

Nowadays, there a wide variety of decking material choices. From cheap looking synthetics to beautiful exotic natural woods.  Comfort is very important thats why the edges are often rounded to avoid splintering and make it more comfortable to walk on.

We have decided to make a comparison between the available decking materials and see how they fare against each other. We believe it will go a long way in helping you make the right decisions for your decking.

There are many different options for hardwood when installing a quality deck. A superior hardwood deck needs to be able to maintain high environmental standards and have natural characteristics that will set it above all other hardwoods.

The most common choice of decking is the wood decking. Wood materials are often strong and natural. They are also easy to install and they feel cool under the feet. However, some types of wood are prone to rot and require annual cleaning. Most wood decking requires treatments annually. Now enters why Ipe is so much better than the other competitors.

Ipe Wood

Ipe wood is the finest quality of hardwood available. Its natural properties make it the toughest and longest lasting decking material. Ipe decking is well-known for its exceptional characteristics and properties. It is an exotic hardwood that is extremely dense and tight grained, which gives it its strength.

The natural oils in the wood give it the highest rating for resistance against insects, especially termites. It is also naturally resistant to rot and decay, like mold and fungus. It holds up under extreme traffic and heavy use, and resists scratches and slivers. Ipe features a class A fire rating, which is the same rating as concrete and steel.

It has a naturally rich color of brown, with some pieces displaying red and amber hues. Nothing keeps its integrity or lasts as long as Ipe decking. It has been known to last up to 75+ years without preservatives. Not only will your Ipe deck easily stand up to harsh climates, but it will also do so with minimal maintenance. Because of these factors, the majority of people across the world consistently use Ipe wood in many of their decking projects. These qualities make Ipe the ideal choice for decking.

Tropical Hardwoods

These are woods like the cumaru, cambara, red balau, Golden ironwood, ipe, etc. Among these tropical hardwoods, the Ipe is the best.

The Ipe is highly fire resistant and can last over 75 years and beyond, all things being equal. The Ipe is resistant to splintering and scratching and does not require treatment as it turns into a beautiful natural grayish color with time.

It is also very dense and sinks in water due to its high density.

Redwood and Cedar

Containing natural defenses against rot and insects, are usually durable materials, but with constant usage, they get destroyed quickly are they are very soft. They are very lightweight and stiff, and when exposed to sunlight, their color soon fades.

Easily Ipe is the best choice for your next deck.

Also see: Ipe vs Synthetics (Trex)

 

 

 

Many small businesses from all over the U.S. rely on imports from countries in different parts of the world for sustaining their business. Now, these businesses are faced with a problem in President Trump’s proposed import tax. One of the industries that will be hit by the proposed new tax scheme is the importing of Ipe wood.

Ipe, an exotic wood priced for its characteristics that cannot be found on any other domestic wood, is imported mainly from South American countries where it is indigenous. Ipe, when turned into a deck, is next to perfect. This beautiful exotic wood is an ideal decking structure for the woods out of it are hard, strong and naturally resistant to weather, rot and abrasion.

Additionally, Ipe woods are denser than most domestic woods and are five times as harder as well. This makes Ipe a priced exotic wood in the country and is highly imported. Recently, however, with President Trump’s proposed import tax, the industry of importing Ipe woods and other exotic woods is one of the businesses that can have a huge effect in the Ipe wood business as well as other businesses that rely on importing.

Ipe woods industry is only one of the many businesses that heavily rely on imports that will be affected by the Trump administration’s proposed 20% tax on imports. The new import tax was proposed as one of the possible ways to pay the US-Mexico border that President Trump is planning to build.

The planned US-Mexico border is estimated to cost about $12 to $15 billion and the administration is thinking of getting the money to pay for the border through the 20% tax.  At first, the 20% tax as proposed by Trump administration was only related to Mexican imports.

However, the Republican leadership indicated that the 20% tax is aligned with the leadership’s broader tax-reform plans. It specifically aligns with the border adjustment tax implementation. The proposed 20% import tax in the US would apply to goods imported and sold in the country. What this means is that companies would be able to deduct only their local costs from their tax.

In addition to funding the planned US-Mexico border, the revenue that would be generated from this new tax scheme would also be used to fund the reduction to the corporate tax rate, which would be reduced from 35% to 20%.

With the Ipe woods industry being one of the industries that would be hit by this new tax scheme, Ipe Wood USA, one of the country’s leading ipe woods supplier has voiced their concern about the effects of the new tax scheme to local businesses that rely on importing particularly local ipe woods decking businesses.

Last April, the Trump administration has excluded the import of the House Republican in their new tax reform principles. This has given retailers from all over the country a breath of relief. After waging a high-profile campaign against the new tax scheme, they earned a victory.

President Trump chose to decline endorsing the border-adjusted tax but its advocates have hinted that this victory is not permanent. Even so, the anti-border tax group will not relent in their efforts in ensuring the border adjustment tax will not have a place in the country’s tax policies. The fact is that retailers all over the country, including suppliers of ipe wood decks, would face great risks if the border adjustment plan is passed.

If the President decided to endorse the new tax scheme and it was passed, that would mean companies’ tax will be based on their sales’ destination. The new import tax would also mean that exports would be excluded from taxable income but then companies will be prevented from deducting export sales.  In effect, tax would be placed on import.  Many small businesses, wholesale and retailers, would stand to lose in this setup.

In the case of Ipe wood decking, the proposed import tax would cause the cost of imported exotic woods including Ipe to skyrocket. It could mean Ipe would cost as much as double its current price in the near future. If Ipe is currently sold for $2.23 for a linear foot, in the future it could cost in as much as $4.55 if the new tax scheme happens. If this ever happened in the future, many small businesses would be affected negatively in many aspects of their business.

“There are no domestic woods that have the same characteristics of exotic woods like Ipe. Any cost increase in the import tax on exotic woods would be negative not just for the sale of Ipe but for the quality of work in the U.S. Everybody would lose,” said Jerry Brown, the 79-year old of California.

Too many small businesses rely on imports that this new tax scheme would be a really huge burden. Many small businesses simply cannot run their own manufacturing operation, which is a very unrealistic option. In the case of Ipe woods, this would be an impossible feat. After all, you cannot find this rare wood in the country.

Ipe woods would need to be absolutely imported and heavy tax on imports would put higher price for Ipe wood decks. Many people enjoy Ipe wood decks because of its incredible characteristics. Strong, durable, highly resistant, it has all the ideal characteristics of wood. If price ends up increasing, buyers would feel the burden, they will feel compelled to find other alternatives to the wood or simply endure using low-grade wood decks.

On the other hand, the pressure and demand for Ipe wood decks would increase that companies’ quality of work will also suffer. In the end, even though the new tax argues the new tax scheme would benefit exporters, the result is that everybody would lose. It is great that the border-adjustment tax was excluded in the tax reform outline in April, the White House does not completely rule out the tax reform.

Apparently, there were many aspects of the border adjustment the administration like. According to the Treasury Secretary, the current form of the law does not seem to work but there will be more discussion about revisions that can be considered. As it looks like, retailers’ problems regarding the border adjustment tax is not finished yet.

However, even if that maybe so, the anti-border adjustment tax will continue their work to fight against this new tax scheme. With so many people and entities that will be affected if the border-adjustment tax is passed including that of the Ipe wood deck industry, they must band together to fight the shortfall that it would be.