Ipe is a large canopy tree, growing to a height of 120 feet in the natural rain forest, with trunk diameter up to 3 feet and a clear bole of 60 feet. Some specimens grow to 150 feet with a 6 foot diameter trunk Ipe is very hard (two to three times as hard as oak), very strong and very heavy. It weighs approximately 70 pounds per cubic foot and sinks in water.
This fantastic and durable South American Hardwood is rated by the US Forest Products Lab for 25 years plus. It is resistant to fire naturally, has a rating of Class A by the NFPA or class 1 by the UBC, naturally resists rot, insects, moisture, decay and movement. This wood is perfect for exterior residential and commercial applications such as boat docks, decking, boardwalks, outdoor furniture, etc Ipe hardwood decks typically have a deep, rich olive brown color with some pieces displaying a golden hue giving the wood beauty and character with a fine texture, medium luster, and a somewhat oily appearance.
It can be sealed to maintain its natural color and beauty, or naturally weather to a beautiful silver gray color Whether you call it Ipe, Cambara, Brazilian walnut, green heart wood, or Pau Lope… it is a wonderful exotic hardwood material that gives lasting beauty year after year with extremely low maintenance.
It is available in various standard dimensions and can be cut with standard carbide tipped blades. It does however require pre-drilling and screwing with stainless steel screws or hidden fastening systems. Standard decking size is 4/4 material not 5/4 or 8/4. On 24" centers the 4/4 material will provide a 100 lb. load rating far better than any cedar, redwood, or CCA pressure treated material. It has a hardness rating of 3640 Janka, almost 3 times better than that of Red Oak. Ipe is also resistant to surface checking and naturally resistant to molds which are 2 of the most destructive forces to deck faces.
When compared to other woods such as redwood, cedar, or copper chromium arsenate pressure treated materials, Ipe lasts much longer (3-5 times the life span), a stronger resistance to fire, insects, weather and movement while it is priced competitively with high grades of cedar or redwood. By comparison, the value of Ipe is very clearly the best timber product for outdoor usage bar none.
Uses: Ipe is prized for quality furniture and decorative veneers, and because of its strength and durability, is used in boardwalks, decking, porch floors, tool handles, turnery, industrial flooring, and textile mill items to name a few.
