Why is timber the choice for many people when they consider decks, patios and porches? Timber has been a much needed resource for our ancestors for thousands of years. Trees provided wood to make fire for heat making, made winters bearable, and provided foods that would otherwise be hard to eat. Timber also was used for building shelter. This natural resource is biodegradable, recyclable, energy efficient, durable, salvageable and beautiful. Timber uses less energy to process than steel, concrete, plastic and aluminum.

What timber is most recommended for durability and longevity? The tropical hardwood Ipe from South America is known for its strength, durability, beauty and resistance to wood-boring insects, and even termites. Thanks to the wood's natural density and oils, it is also rot and mold/fungus resistant. This hardwood has a Janka rating of over 3600. This fact makes Ipe timber 8 times harder than the California redwood. Ipe wood also has a fire rating class A which is the same as concrete and steel. It also offers natural slip resistance rated above the coefficient of friction for commercial applications. The hardwood is so dense it can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. No worries about chemicals, Ipe is also insect and rot resistant. Ipe has been used in several commercial applications such as the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, the Miami boardwalk, and even in Green Bay due to its strength and natural beauty.

Ipe has a life expectancy of 40 plus years with no maintenance and is highly recommended for marinas, docks and piers. Slip resistant and dense, this hardwood is featured in many non-municipal applications including the pools decks of numerous hotels and restaurants for good reason. This timber has just recently become popular as previously it was hard to cut and get to. Now with new technology and better transportation methods it has become economically available and with new government regulations and private organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council, ipe timber is being responsibly harvested. This makes a big difference especially just in the last 10 years.

When you take in to consideration the longevity, aesthetics, durability and strength of the various deck boards on the market, you will agree that Ipe has the best qualities for the money. You get a long lasting, low maintenance, absolutely stunning and environmentally friendly deck. FSC certified deck boards are now available and with the Lacey Act in effect, you can rest assured that the Ipe being supplied to the US is coming from responsibly harvested forests. Timber is and has always been the material of choice for decks, patios and porches for many reasons. The natural beauty of timber and the feel of wood under your feet are just two reasons for the popularity. You can have your cake and eat it too with Ipe hardwood timber.

Rosi Lehr is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim & Lumber Co.
Ipe Decking

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Filed under: Woodworking Plans

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