Ipe is an exotic wood that comes from South America. It is an incredibly dense wood that resists rot, abrasion, and weather. By many measurements, it is twice as dense as many other kinds of wood. According to the most commonly used hardness scale, ipe is five times harder than most kinds of wood. As a wood for decking, it is one of the best choices you could make, which is good since it tends to be a little more expensive than some others, such as pine or oak. Here are some of the great reasons to choose ipe.
Fire Rating
Ipe is an incredibly dense wood, which means that it does not burn very easily; fire needs fuel and oxygen. Since ipe is so dense, it does not burn very easily. In fact, it has a Class A fire rating, which is actually the same rating given to steel or concrete. Ipe decking wood is as resistant to fire as steel or concrete.
Rot Resistance
Cedar is one of the most common and most popular choices for a decking material; many people have reported that their cedar, pressure treated decks are beginning to rot. They are rotting because cedar is moist and aerated, which creates a perfect opportunity for mold and rot. Ipe, since it is so dense, does not rot very easily because there’s not much space for air to help the rot grow and decay the wood.
Knots
Knots in wood tend to be places of incredible density that make it incredibly difficult to cut through. Knots tend to deform the shape of the board so one has to be sure to cut around the knot to make sure that the board remains straight. If you cut through the knot, you run the risk of the knot falling apart and deforming the shape of your board. Ipe decking wood is virtually knot-free, which means that it’s much easier to make straight boards for your deck.
Length
Ipe trees are incredibly tall trees, incredibly straight, and virtually free of knots. Because of their long, straight lengths, the boards tend to also be long and straight. Obviously, long and straight boards are needed for a functional deck.
Color
Ipe is a deep, mahogany colored wood that is actually cheaper than mahogany and more resilient. It can also be restored to its original color with a simple pressure washing. Many people choose to treat their ipe decks with a protective coating that protects from fading due to the sun as well as rot. Even if you don’t protect it with the coating, you can clean it with a pressure washer. The wood is dense and hard enough to withstand a vigorous washing.
