All About Brazilian IPE Decking: Tips for Making the Right Choice

One of the greenest and most sustainable wood materials today, IPE wood is ideal for applications such as flooring, decking, and furniture building. Close to mahogany in terms of its appearance, IPE typically has a deep and rich brown color, with some pieces showing red and amber highlights and hues. One of the main benefits of IPE wood when used for exterior applications is having a dense grain. Its natural tannins and oils help give the wood protection from insects and weathering, especially when regularly maintained. IPE wood can be bought as either kiln dried or air dried. Air dried is the recommended type for use in outdoor applications while kiln dried is better for indoor use.

One of the densest types of wood in the world, IPE wood or Brazilian walnut wood is 3 times denser than your typical cedar wood. It is naturally fire resistant and can generally last longer than softwood varieties. Because of its durability, Brazilian IPE Decking makes a popular choice for use in house sidings and outdoor decking, although it also sees great use in window framing, cabinetry, and indoor flooring. Because of its hardwood characteristics, notable density, weight, and strength, IPE wood is more difficult to work with than softwoods, especially when it comes to intricate carving. This is why it is more recommended for applications such as outdoor decks. Once you have decided to go with IPE wood for your outdoor deck, here are some factors you should look into to ensure quality:

• Wood grade – Hardwoods are graded based on their appearance. The higher the grade of the wood, the better looking it tends to be. choose higher grade IPE wood if you want a more uniform looking deck.

• General appearance – IPE wood comes with unique colors and textures—the very things that give wood character. Choose wood hues and textures that match your overall design palette.

• Wood density and weight – Wood’s density generally determines its strength. IPE, being a dense wood makes for an incredibly durable deck material. The higher the density of the wood, the more durable it tends to be.

• Pricing – Always shop for a good price when sourcing exotic hardwood. Because of their strength and favorable properties, these materials are often priced at a premium, but finding a reputed supplier will help you save a great deal on your material expenses. When searching for good decking material, make sure to go for trusted suppliers that source their products sustainably.

About the Author:

This article is written by Bruce Master. He gained an interest in woodworking at an early age. Bruce Master started working with contractors in the 1970s as a salesman at Ace Hardware in Miami. Over the years, he discovered and fell in love with Brazilian woods. He has built decks, docks and specialty items using many of the Brazilian woods. Today, Bruce loves his job as Operations Manager for ABS Wood, a Brazilian wood retailer.

This article is written by Bruce Master. He gained an interest in woodworking at an early age. Bruce Master started working with contractors in the 1970s as a salesman at Ace Hardware in Miami.