Ipe - ("E"-Pay)- known as Green Ironwood & Brazilian Walnut

IPE’ / Brazilian Walnut:  Tabebuia Spp-Lapacho
Ipe’ hard wood – RealIpe - decking is one of the most durable woods in the world. It is known for its strength and natural resistance to decay and Ipe‘ hard wood – RealIpe - can be used in ground contact without preservatives or additional treatments. Ipe’ decking is used in commercial exterior construction like boardwalks, piers, and benches it is also an excellent choice for residential decks due to its low maintenance, attractive color and smooth surface. Ipe’ hard wood decking – RealIpe - is extremely durable and will last a lifetime. Ipe’ decking is very heavy, sinks in water and has a class A fire rating –the same as concrete.

COLOR:  Ipe’ hard wood decking – RealIpe - boards range in color from brown-tan to olive to black brown. Boards differ in color from each other and some boards display the entire range. So, “sorting” boards by color is not feasible. Oil-based finishes on Ipe’ decking like Messmers, Cabot and Penofin enhance the color immediately and provide UV protection while premium water borne finishes like the Hardwood formula made by Flood Company retard the color fading process. Therefore, if one desires the silvery gray that appears after ipe’ decking weathers, one should use an oil-based finish. The Flood finish will provide good color retention when applied annually.

DURABLE:  Ipe’ hard wood – RealIpe - decking is extremely resilient, durable, rot resistant and insect resistant. Brazilian hard wood trees must endure standing water for months at a time and voracious insect attacks. If a wood species can survive and thrive there . . . they can last a lifetime anywhere. The U.S. climate is mild compared to the climate from which they are borne. Ipe’ hard wood decking – RealIpe - boasts a janka hardness of 3640 making it one of the hardest woods in the world.

BEAUTIFUL AND VERSATILE: The pronounced grain patterns and variety of colors make ipe’ hard wood – RealIpe - one of the most beautiful choices for decking. The tight grain displaying very few (if any) knot patterns, and consistent hardness throughout the boards make it ideal for many woodworking applications. Besides decking and flooring, ipe’ hard wood – RealIpe - is used commercially in timbers, bridges, benches, pier and dock building. Cabinet makers build stunning pieces of art with ipe’ hard wood building interior trim and finish work for the finest homes.

DRYING AND SHRINKAGE: Ipe’ decking – RealIpe - dries easily with minimal cracking, checking and warping. Decking is often dried with stickers (spacers) between boards allowing air to pass between boards. Stacking and acclimating boards to a new climate after shipping from one region to another is recommended before installation. Stickers between boards leave marks on boards that can be sanded off after installation. Ipe’ hard wood – RealIpe - decking displays minimal shrinkage after installation because of its density. A small space of less than 1/8” should be left between boards during installation to allow the boards to acclimate.