Ipe wood is a relatively new type of wood that has been used for decking, furniture, and other uses. It comes from the hardwood tree of genus Tabebuia, found in places ranging from Mexico to the more southern Venezuela and Argentina, as well as in the Caribbean islands and Cuba. Hardwood from these trees is more durable, dense, and harder to warp. Ipe wooding has been known to withstand even hurricane force winds! It is also resistant to insects, mold, UV light, and thus is widely being used in place of other types of hardwoods. Ipe wood even has a Class A fire rating, which makes this wood as fireproof as other materials that have a Class A fire rating, like concrete and steel! Not only is it the practical choice for outdoor use, but it is also a beautiful wood, with a vibrant, rich color and fine grain quality.
Though Ipe wood costs more than other kinds of hardwood, you will certainly not regret making the decision to use it. Repair, upkeep, and replacement costs for other hardwoods will add up to more than the difference in original price, plus the hassle of making these repairs and replacements will cause homeowners much worry. Ipe wood, with its 25 years plus durability rating, will not give you these problems. Pine or fir hardwoods easily warp and require constant upkeep and repainting. Cedar, redwood, and cyprus, while insect and rot resistant, fade easily and thus also require constant upkeep. Ipe wood, on the other hand, is approximately twice as dense and five times harder than these woods, not to mention the fact that Ipe wood does not fade as easily and does not need to be re-stained. Though some of these types of hardwood are cheaper than Ipe wood, they are more susceptible to damage and fading than Ipe wood is. Cedar and redwood are priced about the same as Ipe wood, yet they are clearly inferior products.
Ipe wood is even environmentally responsible! Everlasting Hardwoods encourages sustainable and renewable forestry practices. With Ipe wood, toxic chemicals for weather and insect resistance and fading are not necessary.
For your next bridge design, consider using Ipe wood! It is not only beautiful but also strong and damage resistant, making it the ideal hardwood for small bridges of any kind.
