Did you know that 85% of experts say that homeowners will devote a quarter of their home remodeling budget to outdoor living?
Spending time outdoors can reduce stress, boost immune function, and improve your overall mental health. It’s no wonder homeowners are focusing on outdoor endeavors.
While fire pits and outdoor kitchens are trending, you can’t have any of these things without a great deck. Even with various materials to choose from, Ipe decking stands out from the competition.
Ready to spend more time outdoors with your perfect deck? Keep reading to learn why you should choose Ipe wood.
Ipe Is Durable
The main reason Ipe decking is so popular is because it’s hard as nails. Compared to other woods, Ipe is dense and less susceptible to burning.
This hardwood has a fire rating similar to concrete and steel. Ipe wood offers a Class A fire rating, the highest fire rating a construction product can have.
In some states, class A fire ratings are required to meet building codes. Ipe wood meets these requirements often seen in West Coast states.
If you consider yourself a handyman, you can try to install an Ipe deck on your own. You’ll need decking accessories like the DeckWise® Drill and Drive™ Kit. This 3-in-1 tool can help you pre-drill and drive screws into your decking.
This kit makes pre-drilling and installing decking three times faster than standard drilling and driving.
Ipe Requires Maintenance
If you want your Ipe deck to last its entire lifespan, you have to maintain it regularly. With oil treatment, your deck can last up to 75 years, increasing its average lifespan.
All wooden decks require upkeep to keep them in good condition for longer. Ipe is naturally resistant to moisture, but maintenance ensures the wood doesn’t rot or fade.
Sealing the ends of the wood after cutting them can also preserve your deck. When grain is exposed, the moisture level can change and spread into the wood.
Applying sealer to fresh woodcuts can prevent splitting and slow the aging process. Clean your deck often after installation to remove debris and dirt. Consider these maintenance tips as well:
- Clean up spills
- Repair scratches
- Seal annually
- Dry-up oil spots
Ipe decks that aren’t maintained can turn a grey color.
Sealing Your Ipe Deck
It’s beneficial to reseal an Ipe deck every 12 months. The boards can only absorb so much sealer during an application. Depending on how much you use your deck, you might not need to seal it this often.
With each successive deck reseal, the wood will absorb more sealer. You can extend the period between applications when this happens.
This exotic wood can easily lose its color to the elements. The sun will bake protectants out of Brazilian walnut decks, leaving it defenseless. If you leave your deck untreated, the wood will start to buckle.
Invest in a high-quality sealer to prevent future issues. Consider an oil-based sealer that is thin because the wood grains aren’t highly absorbent.
Beyond staining the wood every year or so, Ipe decks are relatively low maintenance.
Ipe Is Sustainable
Sustainability is a top concern for homeowners these days and it comes up when choosing deck materials. Ipe decking comes from sustainably sourced hardwood in South America.
Ipe wood is legally harvested and sourced, as stated in the strict U.S. Lacey Act. It’s also in accordance with the South American government.
Companies in South America can only use selective logging to harvest Ipe wood. Businesses are only allowed to harvest 50 trees per 1,000 acres. Logging for Brazilian Ipe wood is only allowed once every 30 to 40 years.
This keeps the wood growing and protected, which is ideal for homeowners who want to follow sustainable practices.
Ipe Is Water, Rot, and Insect Resistance
We’ve touched on it already, but this benefit is too important to brush past. Most people don’t think of hardwood as a water-resistant material.
Ipe decking is naturally water-resistant so it can work in wet climates. This natural resistance also keeps it from rotting and decaying. Harmful fungi cannot develop due to water exposure.
Additionally, Ipe decking is insect-resistant. Wood boring insects that can damage your investment, such as termites, won’t be able to eat away at this strong hardwood.
Ipe Is Beautiful
Ipe decks are desirable for many reasons, but most of all because they are beautiful. As a Brazilian wood, Ipe comes in various shades from light colors to dark olive browns.
The colors may come mixed to show off contrasting designs. For example, contrasting gray-browns or yellow-grays are popular options. No matter what color you choose, you’ll be left with a pleasing aesthetic.
To maintain the beautiful color, you’ll need to apply deck staining every so often. Over time, the deck will turn silvery-grey without proper maintenance.
Is Ipe Decking Right for You?
Ipe decking is an attractive option and a popular investment for homeowners. If you want a high-quality wood deck that lasts, Ipe is the ideal choice.
From durability to sustainability, there are countless benefits of ipe decking in any climate.
At Amazon Hardwoods, we follow sustainable practices by importing Ipe wood from legal and well-managed forests. We offer direct delivery from the port to anywhere in the United States!
Ready to start your Ipe decking project? Request a quote today to begin the journey.
