How to Care For Ipe Decking

If you're looking to make a beautiful and lasting deck, consider installing Ipe decking. This tropical hardwood is incredibly beautiful and durable, and the right finish can keep the wood looking its best for years to come. Although ipe is a very expensive hardwood, regular cleaning and oiling are necessary to maintain its beauty and keep it looking great. Here are some tips to help you care for your Ipe deck:

Ipe decking is a dark walnut color, giving off a green dust when cut. It has a fine to medium texture and can grow up to 150 feet tall. The trees grow to a trunk diameter of six feet and a length of two to three feet. The wood is highly durable, but it's also sensitive to moisture. Ensure the wood has ample airflow and ventilation. Ipe wood's natural alkali can cause it to warp and split if it's not exposed to enough air. It also moves with changes in temperature and humidity and compensates for the difference when drying, view here for more about the changes.

Ipe decking can last for over 40 years if properly cared for. It can also last for over 100 years with regular maintenance. Ipe wood decking can be easily polished or left to age to a silver-grey patina. Because Ipe wood is so dense, it doesn't require any treatments or sealants to keep its beauty. If you're not up for the upkeep, you can always opt for an imitation Ipe decking.

Aside from being an extremely durable wood, Ipe also requires minimal maintenance. Ipe wood's natural properties make it a desirable material for decks and other outdoor spaces. Its beautiful reddish brown grain and tight grain patterns make it one of the toughest decking materials available. The tight grain pattern in Ipe wood is also an advantage for the deck because it prevents slips. So if you're considering Ipe decking for your deck, you'll want to make sure to check its durability. Learn more about ipe decking on this page

If you're concerned about the environmental impact of Ipe decking, consider an alternative. If you can't afford the material's initial price tag, consider installing a synthetic deck. These types of materials are typically made of recycled materials, and they require minimal maintenance. The best part is, unlike Ipe, synthetic decking, you won't have to spend a fortune on re-staining and cleaning. Plus, they're aesthetically pleasing and require no maintenance.
Ipe is an exotic hardwood from South America that is popular for decks and other outdoor wood projects. It is typically a medium to dark brown color with color variation, and is often used for fencing and siding. Because of its beautiful appearance, Ipe is a popular choice for long-term projects and is a great choice for decks. You can easily find ipe lumber from Brazilian or other sustainable sources. This exotic hardwood can last as long as 75 years, which makes it an excellent choice for high-end outdoor woodworking. You can learn more about this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handroanthus.