How To Teach Ipe Wood For The Great Outdoors Like A Pro
Most people which are thinking of buying outdoor furniture understand that in a couple of years they'll be carrying this out all over again because most products simply do not fare well when subjected to the elements. That's why choosing furniture made with Ipe wood makes such good sense. Ipe products are long lasting and wear extremely well. The initial investment manufactured in Ipe products pays for itself because this is a purchase that truly only needs to be manufactured once in a lifetime. That's simply a thing that can't be said for some outdoor products.
Ipe wood products are very durable because of the wood where they are constructed. Ipe is just a tropical wood with properties which are just like Teak wood but at a portion of the cost. The botanical name for Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is Tabebuia spp. (Lapacho group). Other common names for this include Brazilian Walnut, Amapa, Cortex, and Ironwood. It is found primarily in Central and South America along with some areas of Asia. This exotic hardwood is naturally resistant to rot and insects. The trees themselves generally grow to about 100 feet high, with naturally straight grain. The grain can be extremely tight, giving the wood incredible density Ipe wood is indeed dense that it actually sinks in water. Tests conducted by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory give it the greatest rating for insect resistance - 15 years in ground without attack by termites. Left untreated Ipe wood is proven to last 40+ years, the lifespan when treated with a terrace oil placed on the surface is up to 100 years. This is one type of patio furniture that you won't have to be concerned about replacing anytime soon.
Although Ipe is utilized in outdoor furniture construction, that's not its only use. Ipe wood is useful for decking as well. When Atlantic City needed to restore its famous boardwalk, Ipe wood was chosen for the job. The Treasure Island Resort in Las Vegas used Ipe as well for the boardwalk. Beyond insect and rot resistance, Ipe wood can be extremely fire resistant. For the Flame Spread (10 min) test distributed by the National Fire Protection Code, Ipe received a rating of 0, this is the same rating as concrete. Another asset when working with Ipe wood for decking is its natural slip resistance. Ipe decking exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for Static Coefficient for friction in a moist environment. This is specially important when used around swimming pools and areas that tend to keep wet.
Ipe wood can be a renewable resource. Reputable companies working with Ipe wood harvest the trees from managed forests to make certain a small effect on the environment. Aggressive replanting programs exist to make sure that Ipe wood is really a renewable resource and harvesting is completed in an ecologically responsible manner. Ipe wood is not an endangered species and much of the Ipe wood for sale in the United States is harvested through sustainable forestry practices, which offer the most effective remedy for exploitative deforestation.
So whether you are trying to find outdoor furniture that will hold its looks and value for decades or decking for that new patio so the family can enjoy the fantastic outdoors for all summers ahead, products made from Ipe wood are an great value. It's an investment as possible feel well about making.
Ronnie Tanner is just a contributing writer at Everlasting Hardwoods. He writes about Ipe Decking and other related industry specific topics for Everlasting Hardwoods
