Ipe (aka Ironwood and Brazilian Walnut) is a one time purchase. This hardwood whether purchased for flooring, decking or furniture will never need replacing. The classic beauty of Ipe is timeless. Nature has a way of capturing colors and textures unlike anything we can duplicate. This particular species has a warm tone with shades ranging from a yellowish olive to deep brownish red. Tight grained with fine linear movement, Ipe is a strong, dense and heavy hardwood.
Originating from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, Ipe is prized for its strength and used in commercial applications as well as marine environments. Piers, docks and boardwalks are ideal locations for this hardwood as well as decks and interior flooring. The Ipe species has been become popular just the last 20 years as technology advancements have allowed this dense wood to be milled cost effectively. The strength of Ipe has deterred wood companies in the past from mass production but now this hardwood is being specified in commercial projects where outdoor exposure is a problem and indoors where heavy traffic is an issue. The reason for this is that those companies know that they will be replacing the material in 5-10 years if they don’t select the right material the first time. The other products may be a little less expensive but the labor to remove and re-install the new products will end up costing a lot more and is a headache for both the owner and the people utilizing the environment.
Residential homes also realize the perks in using this superior hardwood. The colors and grain of this wood complements both traditional and contemporary designs. Clients with pets and/or children appreciate the durability needed for their lifestyle. In a society where we want the best of both worlds, Ipe gives us the biggest bang for the buck. We get a natural beautiful hardwood we desire with the longevity and strength we need. We get a wood that is resistant to fungus, mold, insects and rot thus no chemicals are needed. Ipe flooring and decking are available in various widths and lengths and can come with the FSC certification from certified companies. This gives clients the seal of approval that the wood they are purchasing comes from a forest that is responsibly managed.
There are many fine points to the title that no replacement is needed. The main point is that Ipe hardwood is the strongest hardwood for the outdoors and the heavy traffic indoor environment especially is you do not want to replace your deck. The other points just support the reasons you want to use Ipe. The natural resistance to insects and rot will assure you that Ipe is not treated. Mold and fungus are not an issue as Ipe is also resistant to them. The natural beauty and warmth of real wood can not be replicated.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ipe Decking Creating Your Outdoor Oasis
Do you want a lifetime deck with a high-end look to complement your home and lifestyle? Are you concerned about chemically treated wood and/or living on the water? You have found your answer in ipe decking. Also referred to as Ironwood and Brazilian Walnut, this species of hardwood is nature’s answer to outdoor living. When you consider the alternatives you will see why Ipe is the primary product of choice for outdoor applications such as piers and decks. The composite decking does not have the rich warm look and feel of real wood nor does it have the resistance to mold and fungus of Ipe and as for strength well sawdust and particleboard will never compare to the ipe wood. Ipe will sink when placed in water, it has a fire rating the same as steel and slip resistance that surpasses the minimum required for commercial applications.
Clients working with custom interiors deserve something of comparable quality outside. More and more consumers are creating an outdoor oasis to compliment their dream home. Ipe is the natural choice without a doubt. The rich brown red color and dense wood resists pests without any chemicals. The tight grains keep the wood from bending or warping. Nothing beats the look and feel of an exotic hardwood like Ipe.
To compare it to a composite is like comparing plastic to marble. Nature has a way of creating all her products in a unique and magnificent manner. Educating yourself on the pro’s and con’s of different materials used for patios and docks will make the choice an easy one. The extreme humidity of Florida to the dry environments in Las Vegas and Phoenix are just some of the areas of success for Ipe. Couple the material with a professional application using hidden deck fasteners such as the Ipe Clip® brand will create the foundation for your vacation hideaway in your own backyard.
Ipe Decking
Clients working with custom interiors deserve something of comparable quality outside. More and more consumers are creating an outdoor oasis to compliment their dream home. Ipe is the natural choice without a doubt. The rich brown red color and dense wood resists pests without any chemicals. The tight grains keep the wood from bending or warping. Nothing beats the look and feel of an exotic hardwood like Ipe.
To compare it to a composite is like comparing plastic to marble. Nature has a way of creating all her products in a unique and magnificent manner. Educating yourself on the pro’s and con’s of different materials used for patios and docks will make the choice an easy one. The extreme humidity of Florida to the dry environments in Las Vegas and Phoenix are just some of the areas of success for Ipe. Couple the material with a professional application using hidden deck fasteners such as the Ipe Clip® brand will create the foundation for your vacation hideaway in your own backyard.
Ipe Decking
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