Advantages and Disadvantages of Ipe Wood

 

 

There are many advantages to choosing Ipe wood as your decking material. It is naturally insect resistant and very durable. In addition, it is fire resistant. Ipe is also known for its honest beauty. A variety of colors and graining are available. Depending on your preference, you can choose from 2x6, 5 / 4x6, or 6x6 planks.

 

Ipe is an exotic hardwood that comes from the Brazilian rainforests. It is a dense, hard and heavy wood. The grain pattern interlocks tightly to form slip-resistant surfaces. For this reason, it is ideal for decks that are near BBQ grills or outdoor fireplaces.

 

However, it should be noted that Ipe is not an environmentally friendly wood. It is susceptible to illegal poaching and logging practices. If you decide to use ipe wood for your deck, make sure to buy it from a reputable source. This way, you will ensure that the wood comes from a sustainable source.

 

Ipe wood is a tropical hardwood that is harvested from the Amazon rainforest. As the rainforest is one of the world's largest carbon reserves, it is important to protect it as much as possible. When ipe is cleared, it reduces the carbon reserve. Therefore, it is important to purchase ipe from an FSC certified source.

 

To obtain this certification, the ipe must come from a responsible forest management system. For example, the Angel Sandoval Concession in Bolivia is one of the first businesses to receive this certification. Additionally, the certification ensures that the ipe is grown in a sustainable manner.

 

Using ipe is an eco-friendly option, but it is not without its drawbacks. Some of the negative effects of ipe include respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and bending nails. These side effects are caused by the fine sawdust that is left in the wood after cutting. You can avoid these side effects by cleaning your deck regularly and by using stainless steel screws.

 

Another disadvantage of ipe is the high price of the wood. It is also more brittle than most woods. While you may be able to find ipe decking planks at a discount, you will end up paying more than you would for a locally available wood. Read through this blog to get more enlightened about ipe wood.

 

The supply of ipe is constantly increasing, and so the prices have also risen. Most ipe trees are in the second or third growth stages. Thus, they are not as high quality as trees that are from the first growth.

 

If you are interested in purchasing ipe for your deck, it is best to work with a professional. Professionals are able to use a woodworking epoxy formula to create beautiful, long-lasting results. Woodworkers also wipe the surface of the ipe with acetone before gluing. This helps to keep the wood from rotting.

 

Lastly, it is important to remember that while ipe is durable, it is prone to decay. To prevent this, you should use a UV protectant oil finish to help the wood get better adapted to its environment. To familiarize yourself more with this topic, it is best that you check out this post: https://www.britannica.com/topic/hardwood.