Everlasting Hardwoods

When investing in outdoor furniture, choosing furniture made out of Ipe wood ensures that the purchase is one for a lifetime. This unique tropical hardwood has many characteristics that make it an ideal choice for any product used predominantly in the out of doors. The density of the wood makes it extraordinary and we will cover just a few of the many things that make this a standout.

Ipe, which is pronounced EE-pay, is indigenous to many parts of Central and South America as well as some parts of Asia. The cell structure of the tree is a densely packed arrangement. This dense arrangement of cells makes the tree nearly impervious to insect invasion and this protection remains even after the tree has been processed as lumber. A study done by the United States Naval Research Laboratory has shown that Ipe wood left in the ground untreated has remained without attack by termites for up to 15 years and has received the highest rating possible. The heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay, mold and fungi as well. It last 40 plus years left outside untreated and up to 100 years with a light coating of deck oil applied to the surface. The United States Forest Products Laboratory has given the wood its highest rating as well.

As if those were not reason enough to become a fan of this incredible lumber there are other reasons as well. When used for decking around pools and hot tubs, Ipe wood provides several safety factors. Because the areas naturally stay wet when in use, slippery surfaces become an issue. Many times slip resistant pads are used but often take away from the beauty of the area. Ipe wood comes with its own slip resistance. This decking exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for Static Coefficient of friction in a wet environment. This is an enormous advantage when it comes to peace of mind about the kids running and playing around the pool. It has does not splinter easily providing another layer of protection because bare feet go hand in hand with swimming.

Choosing Ipe wood over other tropical hardwoods is the environmentally responsible choice as well. Because much of the hardwood imported into the United States comes from managed forests. The use of wood from forests approved by the Forest Stewardship Council encourages sustainable forestry practices that offer the best remedy to exploitive deforestation.

The expense of this tropical hardwood drops dramatically when the lifespan of the wood is considered. This purchase needs to be made only once in a lifetime. Because other woods rot and warp in significantly short periods of time and need to be replaced every few years, it immediately becomes apparent that Ipe outdoor furniture and decking pays for itself several times over just in the first few years of ownership.

From the Atlantic City Boardwalk to hotels on the Las Vegas strip, cities and big business recognize that choosing this exotic wood is a sound financial investment and both places have replaced their boardwalks with this wood.

When investing in outdoor furniture, choosing furniture made out of Ipe wood ensures that the purchase is one for a lifetime. This unique tropical hardwood has many characteristics that make it an ideal choice for any product used predominantly in the out of doors. The density of the wood makes it extraordinary and we will cover just a few of the many things that make this a standout.

Ipe, which is pronounced EE-pay, is indigenous to many parts of Central and South America as well as some parts of Asia. The cell structure of the tree is a densely packed arrangement. This dense arrangement of cells makes the tree nearly impervious to insect invasion and this protection remains even after the tree has been processed as lumber. A study done by the United States Naval Research Laboratory has shown that Ipe wood left in the ground untreated has remained without attack by termites for up to 15 years and has received the highest rating possible. The heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay, mold and fungi as well. It last 40 plus years left outside untreated and up to 100 years with a light coating of deck oil applied to the surface. The United States Forest Products Laboratory has given the wood its highest rating as well.

As if those were not reason enough to become a fan of this incredible lumber there are other reasons as well. When used for decking around pools and hot tubs, Ipe wood provides several safety factors. Because the areas naturally stay wet when in use, slippery surfaces become an issue. Many times slip resistant pads are used but often take away from the beauty of the area. Ipe wood comes with its own slip resistance. This decking exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for Static Coefficient of friction in a wet environment. This is an enormous advantage when it comes to peace of mind about the kids running and playing around the pool. It has does not splinter easily providing another layer of protection because bare feet go hand in hand with swimming.

Choosing Ipe wood over other tropical hardwoods is the environmentally responsible choice as well. Because much of the hardwood imported into the United States comes from managed forests. The use of wood from forests approved by the Forest Stewardship Council encourages sustainable forestry practices that offer the best remedy to exploitive deforestation.

The expense of this tropical hardwood drops dramatically when the lifespan of the wood is considered. This purchase needs to be made only once in a lifetime. Because other woods rot and warp in significantly short periods of time and need to be replaced every few years, it immediately becomes apparent that Ipe outdoor furniture and decking pays for itself several times over just in the first few years of ownership.

From the Atlantic City Boardwalk to hotels on the Las Vegas strip, cities and big business recognize that choosing this exotic wood is a sound financial investment and both places have replaced their boardwalks with this wood.

If you have never thought of outdoor furniture as an heirloom, think again. Ipe wood will change the way you view outdoor furniture forever. A tropical hardwood tree, Ipe is one of the densest woods known. In fact, it is so dense that it sinks in water. The density of the wood is what makes it ideal for use in outdoor furniture. It resists rot, insect damage and fire. It has a beautiful color and a fine to medium grain. These attributes make Ipe one of the most practical hardwoods to use for outdoor furniture. The choice to go with Ipe wood when investing in outdoor furniture means purchasing a product that is of such high quality it can truly be considered an heirloom to pass on to the next generation.

The one quality of Ipe wood that has kept it from widespread use until just recently is also what makes it such an excellent choice today. That is the density of the wood. Ipe is such a dense wood that in the past it has proven a very difficult medium with which to work. However , recent advances in manufacturing techniques have solved these issues, making Ipe the ideal wood to choose when you want the best in long-lasting outdoor furniture.

Many commercial builders have ipe decking for boardwalks, including the famous Atlantic City boardwalks.

Outdoor furniture constructed of Ipe is perfect for those who are looking for quality, durability and affordability. In addition, Ipe is available at a fraction of the cost of Teak. This hardwood is virtually indestructible. Its resistance to rot and insects makes Ipe outdoor furniture an excellent investment. It requires very little up keep and since it is so indestructible, not only can one expect to own it for a lifetime; it is truly something that can be passed down to the next generation.

With all of these excellent qualities, there is not much to say about the wood that is not favorable. It is harvested from managed forests, which allows the wood to be harvested with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. And, when dealing with reputable companies, consumers can feel assured that the wood that is harvested for construction of decking and outdoor furniture is done in an ecologically responsible way. That is not a claim that can readily be made with teak and other exotic hardwoods on the market today.

Another redeeming quality of this type of hardwood is its resistance to fire. According to the Nation Fire Protection Code, after subjection to fire for 10 minutes, Ipe has a rating of zero, which is the same as concrete. That is a significant improvement over most other types of wood used for decking and outdoor furniture.

While cedar has been the wood of choice in the past, that has changed in the last 20 years. This is in part because there are no longer any stands of old growth trees from which the cedar can be harvested. In order for cedar to have longevity as a material for outdoor furniture and decking, this is a necessity. Scientific research has shown that the heartwood of younger trees is not nearly as durable and resistant to rot as old growth trees and unfortunately, due to poor logging practices employed in the early part of the twentieth century, old growth trees no longer exist. The natural choice to fill the spot that cedar once held is Ipe wood. And given the fact that Ipe can be grown readily in managed conditions and does not require old growth wood to give it those enduring qualities, the reasons to choose Ipe continue to grow. Ipe wood provides so much in the way of usability, longevity and maintenance; it is the most logical choice when selecting outdoor furniture that lasts.