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Ipe Beam & Timber Cracks

Ipe is amazing and highly regarded by experts as the best wood for outdoor use. There are additional things to consider with the larger Ipe boards that are not as prevalent with smaller boards and some other species of lumber. The one we are covering here is Ipe timber cracking. The larger the board, the more prone to cracking they are due to their immense density. This is not bad as the board is eliminating the pressure making it more stable and having less movement in the future. 

Due to Ipe’s extreme density, timbers, specifically boards larger than 3”x3”, tend to have surface cracking. This is normal, and it is caused because it is drying faster on the surface than it does at the core. These cracks happen when pressure needs to be relieved. 

Prevention

Surface cracking can be eliminated or reduced if the boards are Kiln-Dried. However, many times when Kiln-Drying, we are using Air-Dried inventory that may already have this cracking in it. This of course, means that future cracking can be reduced, but existing cracks are already there. Also, even when Kilning large timbers in Ipe, some cracking can appear.

Wood Never Stops Moving

As with all wood, moisture changes and additional outside forces can make more cracks possible. It makes no difference if it is Ipe or another species. It will never stop this movement, and this means your larger boards can continue to have more cracks over time.

Structural Integrity

These cracks usually do not affect the integrity of the board. In fact, reducing the tension can help stabilize the board, making it more structurally sound and having less future movement. If the crack is too long across the board and it is a quality issue and not normal cracking, then we would have you, the customer, file a quality claim, and if it were found to be not within tolerance, we would replace or refund the board.

Preventing End Cracks

As with smaller boards, to help prevent end checking, the ends should be sealed. Unless we newly cut your timbers, all of our stored timbers have the ends factory sealed. If you are cutting them, you will want to seal them again. Sealing them helps maintain the state that they are in.

Sanding and Filling Cracked Boards

Sanding, along with various other techniques, can aid in diminishing the visibility of cracks, although it rarely completely eradicates them. This holds true for most wood types. The most effective approach for eliminating the appearance of surface cracks is by using a wood filler, typically available in colors closely resembling those of Ipe. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand that, ultimately, wooden boards will behave according to their nature, leading to further cracking over time. This is a normal occurrence for wood and especially large timbers.

Conclusion

While cracking is normal, it can be reduced or eliminated by Kiln-Drying earlier, but this is still no guarantee because Kiln-Drying may occur after they are already cracked. This cracking is normal in larger boards and is expected and usually does not reduce structural integrity. Any new cuts should be sealed with an end-grain sealer. 

Ipe Woods USA stores and treats boards to prevent as much cracking as possible. But it is a natural process as Ipe is too dense, and the outside dries faster than the core. If you want to make sure they will work for your project, then just ask us for a picture after your payment and before shipping is scheduled. We, in almost all cases, would be happy to take a photo of the boards you will be receiving during the packaging process.

 

3 x 6 Ipe 2.5″ x 5.5″ Ipe 2-1/2″x5-1/2″
Two and One-half Inches by Five and One-Half Inches
3 x 8 Ipe 2.5″ x 7.25″ Ipe 2-1/2″x7-1/4″
Two and One-half Inches by Seven and One-Quarter Inches
4 x 4 Ipe 3.5” x 3.5″ Ipe 3-1/2″x3-1/2″
4×6 Ipe 3.5″ x 5.5″ Ipe 3-1/2″x5-1/2″
Three and One-Half Inch by Five and One-Half Inches
4×8 Ipe 3.5″ x 7.25″ Ipe 3-1/2″x7-1/4″
Three and One-half Inch by Seven and One-Quarter Inches
4×10 Ipe 3.5″ x 9.25″ Ipe 3-1/2″x9.25″
Three and One-half inches by Nine and One-Quarter Inches
4×12 Ipe 3.5″ x 11.25″ Ipe 3-1/2″x11.25″
Three and One-half inches by Eleven and One-Quarter Inches
6×6 Ipe 5.5″ x 5.5″ Ipe 5-1/2″x5-1/2″
6×8 Ipe 5.5″ x 7.25″ Ipe 5-1/2″x7-1/4″
Five and One-Quarter Inches by Seven and One-Quarter Inches
6×10 Ipe 5.5″ x 9.25″ Ipe 5-1/2″x9-1/4″
Five and One-Quarter Inches by Nine and One-Quarter Inches
6×12 Ipe 5.5″ x 11.25″ Ipe 5-1/2″x11-1/4″
Five and One-Quarter Inches by Eleven and One-Quarter Inches
8×8 Ipe 7.25″x7.25″ Ipe 7-1/4″x7-1/4″
Seven and one-Quarter Inches by Seven and one-Quarter Inches