Ipe wood is a beautiful exotic tropical hardwood that’s a popular choice for decks, siding, fencing and more. It’s known for its durability, rot resistance and weathering abilities.

 

Ipe on this site is also a great choice for sustainable projects. It’s harvested from the rainforest, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and a global carbon reserve. However, when ipe is cut down from the forest, it diminishes this ecological treasure and degrades habitat for many of the plants and animals that call it home.

 

If you’re interested in ipe wood for your project, it’s important to know how to source it responsibly. Unfortunately, most architects and designers are unaware of the environmental pitfalls and sustainability solutions that go into sourcing this unique material.

 

The primary problem is that the vast majority of ipe wood comes from forests that are being destroyed. This is due to an over-harvesting of the ipe trees, as well as a lack of awareness on how to properly manage their growth.

 

In order to keep this stunning wood from being illegally sourced, it’s essential that you buy your ipe from a trusted ipe dealer and a reputable mill. It’s also necessary to make sure your ipe wood is FSC certified. Get more details about wood types here!

 

When buying ipe wood, look for quality grade A Ipe lumber. This is a grade that is clean of knots and borer holes.

 

It is also important to note that ipe has a difficult workability rating, so it’s best to handle the wood with care. It can be a challenge to saw and nail Ipe, especially if it’s been treated with a water-based stain or polyurethane finish.

 

During the construction process, Ipe can produce a fine yellow dust that can cause eye irritation and dermatitis. This is why it’s best to wear protective clothing and a mask during all woodworking operations with ipe.

 

Ipe is a hard, dense and heavy timber that has been around for thousands of years. It is very resistant to rot, termites, and other insects, making it a great choice for exterior applications.

 

Like other tropical hardwoods, ipe is naturally water-resistant. It’s also highly resistant to rot, mold, and mildew.

 

A ipe deck can last for decades if you maintain it properly. It’s also fire-resistant and will stand up to a lot of traffic and weathering.

 

There’s a 500-foot ipe wood boardwalk that runs through Coney Island, New York, which was built in the 1920s. It survived 25 years of foot traffic and even a few garbage trucks on it.

 

Ipe wood is a wonderful alternative to composites for outdoor applications, and it’s an excellent option for environmentally conscious homeowners looking for a long-lasting, durable, and stylish material that looks great and doesn’t harm the environment.

 

Ipe lumber is available in different lengths and grades. The longer the board is, the more expensive it will be. It’s best to ask a sales associate for more information on the available ipe wood options and to get a quote for your project.

Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://www.britannica.com/topic/hardwood.