What comes to mind when you think of building or remodeling your outdoor living space? Most of us would like to build a nice deck with a grill and have some seating area for entertaining, maybe some music and a tv for some football games. Now the next step is the budget and how much you want and can spend in that area. After that is the research. What materials to use and labor to get it done.

Whether you are a DIY person or looking to pay someone else to do it you only want to do it once, especially if you are doing it yourself. With this in mind, most of us will visit a big box store and maybe some specialty stores to get an idea on what to use and costs involved. Some of us will also go online and leaf through some magazines along with quizzing our friends and neighbors about their decks and what their thoughts are. This is the smart thing to do. Gathering information and learn what you need to know to get the most for your time and money.

Most of us with some expendable money want something with as little maintenance as possible, long lasting so they don’t have to replace in 7-12 years, beautiful to look at and affordable. If you have kids or plan to spend a good amount of time out may also want to consider if there are any harmful chemicals to treat the deck and mold or fungus complaints along with any recalls for injuries etc.

Now take all the above information and research Ipe, Cumaru and Tigerwood decking. Ipe decking has been increasing in popularity recently due to many consumers researching the qualities of this specie of wood. 8x’s harder than the California Redwood and a life expectancy of 100+ years will surely last for your children’s children to enjoy. No preservatives are added as the density and makeup of the wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay as well as pest infestation. A rich warm beautiful tone with a slip resistance that surpasses the minimum required for wet areas based on Americans with Disability Act requirements for static coefficiency of friction.

For the environmentally conscious please note that the forests in Brazil are now strictly regulated by IBAMA and now a good amount of the forests are also FSC certified forests. This keeps the forests truly renewable through selective harvesting and retaining forest value rather than them being burnt down for cattle grazing or agricultural cash cropping. FSC certified Ipe is available with any reputable lumber company.

Now the growing composite decking market is another option but please research what composite decking is made of? Petroleum? Lignins? (causes fading) Many composite companies throw a large amount of money into marketing that they use recycled materials but the research conducted on those plastics raise questions on the strength of it. The only truly recyclable decking is wood. Please research the mold and fungus issues/complaints that are posted online along with sagging, bending, delaminating and warping common with most plastic products in as little as 7 months. There are many companies with recalls and injury claims. The lifetime of those types of decks are also questionable as many are plastic composites and over time in outdoor environments will react in different ways especially in extreme heat and humidity. Some research on the class action suits and complaints will have you treading lightly.

Many of us don’t want to make the mistakes of others and the investment up front isn’t much more than other competitive decking. So for you out there who are ready to take the plunge and create your outdoor oasis, do your do diligence. You work hard so maximize your dollars.

Ipe and What to Look For

Ipe also known as Brazilian Walnut (botanical name Tabebuia Spp.) is commonly sold as decking, flooring and furniture. It is a beautiful and exotic hardwood with a Janka Hardness of 3600 compared to California Redwood at 420. This gives you an idea of how hard this wood is and why the lifespan of this wood is up to 100 years compared to the relatively short lifespan of its competitors. When looking for Ipe you want to consider several factors: the wood, the supplier and the accessories.

The Ipe wood is very durable and strong as noted above. It is also chemical/additive free. Not only that, Ipe is insect and rot resistant as well as mold and fungus resistant. This super wood is 100% natural and totally biodegradable with no chemical aftermath. When purchasing this wood you want to buy first grade clear material as natural and rustic grade will have some knots and color variation .

The supplier is just as important as the grade of the hardwood. You want to purchase from a reputable supplier that has an established relationship with the mills and can control the quality that gets shipped as Ipe comes from South America, Central America and the Caribbean. You want to be comfortable with the company. Call the sales department, ask questions and request a sample. A reputable supplier inspects the material as well as the mills. If the supplier doesn’t do that there may be a chance you will get something you don’t want. Check out the websites and gather information. This is a big investment and you want to get it right the first time.

The accessories can also be very important. Ipe can be milled for handrail systems, post caps, even plugs for your decking. You want to use a reputable mill and one that is experienced with Ipe as this hardwood requires special machinery for milling. These types of products will create a nice seamless flow from your deck to your front door. Don’t forget the UV Plus finish and Wood& Deck Cleaner for the maintenance of your decking.

Ipe-Decking—The-Natural-Choice

Ipe (aka Brazilian walnut, Amapa, Cortez) decking known also as ironwood has gained popularity as consumers have become more educated. Not only is Ipe a natural rich looking product but it is an extremely dense hardwood. It is 3x’s as hard as oak with a Class A fire resistance (same rating as concrete and steel). Ipe wood is resistant to mold and fungus. Don’t worry about pesticides as Ipe is rot and insect resistant as well.

Ipe decks are installed all over the world by the most discriminating consumers not only for its aesthetic value but the maintenance free care. High end homes are specifically looking to install ipe decking because it is the gem of hardwoods in all aspects from the deep rich tones to the tight dense grains to the natural beauty only nature can produce. High end clients are familiar with this knowledge, as it has been tested time and again that we can not reproduce what nature has created nor should we continue to try.

Composite decks have tried to reproduce the look and the quality but it still looks like plastic wood with all the downfalls that come with composite products, molding issues, delamination and staining to name a few. There are other woods that are used for decking but the fact remains that the wood for longevity and strength to use for outdoor applications should be ipe. This conclusion is based on research and time. The fact that ipe decking has been specified in projects such as the South Beach boardwalk in Miami Beach, Las Vegas Resort Hotel and the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco alone lends creditability to its longevity.

The Brazilian hardwood color can vary from a yellowish brown to reddish brown in medium tones to almost black shade and slowly patinas to a silver-ish grey tone unless maintained with ipe deck sealer. Ipe decking comes in different width ranging from ¾”to 1.5″average with length from 6-20′ average. Special order sizes are available along with accessories such as handrail system, post caps and plugs.

When considering the longevity of your decking and replacement costs not to mention the down time involved, many consumers realize the value of Ipe. It is the natural choice.

Ipe No Replacement Needed

Ipe (aka Ironwood and Brazilian Walnut) is a one time purchase. This hardwood whether purchased for flooring, decking or furniture will never need replacing. The classic beauty of Ipe is timeless. Nature has a way of capturing colors and textures unlike anything we can duplicate. This particular species has a warm tone with shades ranging from a yellowish olive to deep brownish red. Tight grained with fine linear movement, Ipe is a strong, dense and heavy hardwood.

Originating from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, Ipe is prized for its strength and used in commercial applications as well as marine environments. Piers, docks and boardwalks are ideal locations for this hardwood as well as decks and interior flooring. The Ipe species has been become popular just the last 20 years as technology advancements have allowed this dense wood to be milled cost effectively. The strength of Ipe has deterred wood companies in the past from mass production but now this hardwood is being specified in commercial projects where outdoor exposure is a problem and indoors where heavy traffic is an issue. The reason for this is that those companies know that they will be replacing the material in 5-10 years if they don’t select the right material the first time. The other products may be a little less expensive but the labor to remove and re-install the new products will end up costing a lot more and is a headache for both the owner and the people utilizing the environment.

Residential homes also realize the perks in using this superior hardwood. The colors and grain of this wood complements both traditional and contemporary designs. Clients with pets and/or children appreciate the durability needed for their lifestyle. In a society where we want the best of both worlds, Ipe gives us the biggest bang for the buck. We get a natural beautiful hardwood we desire with the longevity and strength we need. We get a wood that is resistant to fungus, mold, insects and rot thus no chemicals are needed. Ipe flooring and decking are available in various widths and lengths and can come with the FSC certification from certified companies. This gives clients the seal of approval that the wood they are purchasing comes from a forest that is responsibly managed.

There are many fine points to the title that no replacement is needed. The main point is that Ipe hardwood is the strongest hardwood for the outdoors and the heavy traffic indoor environment especially is you do not want to replace your deck. The other points just support the reasons you want to use Ipe. The natural resistance to insects and rot will assure you that Ipe is not treated. Mold and fungus are not an issue as Ipe is also resistant to them. The natural beauty and warmth of real wood can not be replicated.

Outdoor Decks & Patios

In the midst of this economy, many people are opting to stay in their homes. Nesting is taking on a new meaning. Remodeling has increased and families are now staying home for vacations and entertaining. This has helped the economy in terms of outdoor products for clients looking to expand their back and front yards. The coastal areas as well as areas with temperate weather can make the most of their outdoor area for a longer period of time. People are willing to invest back into their home for comfort and entertaining. Green and recycling are becoming the norm. Educated consumers are willing to investing into quality products instead of a quick fix.

Unemployment is at an all time new high of 9.5%. Foreclosures don’t seem to be letting up and the future is uncertain. People are responding with less outings, vacation and spending. Keeping up with the Jones is no longer viewed as a status quo. Keeping your home and job are the reality of life for the majority of people nationwide. Many homeowners who were looking to upgrade to a new home are now re-evaluating their existing lifestyle and current homes. Many are looking to extend their living space and re-create a home to entertain in and enjoy coming home to.

The backyard is an easy addition without having to go into replacing roof and mortar. Some opt for a wraparound or front porch. Many homes that have a porch will include a deck and outdoor kitchen. This creates a totally new entertaining area and cooking environment, opening up more space for more people. Enjoying the outdoor air and ambiance is good for you. Finding a place to relax in a natural environment is the oasis that many people desire and love sharing it with family and friends. The project can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. Whether simply a deck for a couple of chairs or a outdoor kitchen and entertainment area complete with tv, refrigerator, ice machine oven and fireplace, the value of the addition is definitely worth the cost.

There are many options for outdoor decking and patio material. The preferred material for many high quality homes is ipe. Ipe decking has seen increases in sales in the last decade due to it’s many outstanding properties. This super wood is one of the strongest woods available with a janka hardness of 3600 and a fire rating same as concrete and steel. Ipe requires no chemicals as it is naturally resistant to insects, mold, rot and fungus. The longevity of Ipe is minimum 40 years with no treatment to over 100 years with a UV inhibitor oil. There is no other decking material that will perform the way this wood does. Man made decking is still experiencing problems with delaminating, staining, warping and mold/fungus growth.

When investing into your outdoors, go with the proven leader for durability, beauty and longevity. Ipe hardwood decking will last years beyond your life and you won’t have to worry about it. Pay for the product not the marketing behind the product and if your concern is purchasing a green product than look at the FSC certified Ipe decking. This ensures you are purchasing lumber from a responsibly harvested forest with a future.

FSC™ Certified Ipe Decking Delivers

What is FSC™? FSC™ stands for Forest Stewardship Council. This non profit organization is recognized as the most credible international system in forest management. Their certification is the only one recognized for LEED rating on commercial and residential projects for wood products. FSC™ certified Ipe decking is fast growing in popularity due to it’s multi-facet properties. They include janka hardness of 3640, fire rating class I (same as concrete and steel), resistance to insects, mold and fungus (no chemicals here) and longevity of 40 plus years with no maintenance products. What is not to like.

What does it take to be FSC™ certified? Well, that can go into heavy details but here is a fraction of the commitment that is involved. The company must be willing to implement additional policies, procedures, rules, time and monies that solely pertain to FSC™. This involves hiring an FSC™ accredited certification company that implements audits, report misuse or abuse, approve or deny application of the FSC trademark on products and off products and assist company in utilizing FSC™ responsibly. Audits are conducted annually and re-submission is needed every 5 years. Mills for example must have a specifically designated area solely for storage of FSC™ wood. Once in operation for milling the machinery, forklift and area must all be labeled thoroughly and specifically for anyone who enters to know only FSC™ products and production is allowed. Why is this important? The purpose for this is to cut out improper management of our forests.

Why Ipe? As stated above, Ipe has a janka hardness of 3680. In comparison to California Redwood at 420, this hardwood is 8 times the hardness. Ipe is naturally resistant to insects, mold and fungus, so no need to put chemicals on it. It is naturally recyclable, self sustaining and renewable. The longevity of Ipe decking is 40 years and over 100 years with a UV inhibiting deck oil. Ipe rating surpasses the minimum required for wet areas based on Americans with Disability Act requirements for static coefficiency of friction used by commercial projects for slip ratio on flooring.

Put the two things together; FSC™ certification and Ipe decking and you get the best decking available. Nothing else can quite capture the natural beauty of real wood and without the worries of chemical outgassing and now with reassurance of a responsible forest certification.

What does FSC™ mean? FSC™ is the Forest Stewardship Council and it is a non profit and independent organization created to promote responsible forest management worldwide. The organization has independent certification companies they work with to get companies accredited. Here is a summary of what FSC™ requires taken from the excerpts in the FSC™ website:

Prohibit conversion of forests or any other natural habitat

Respect of international workers rights

Prohibition of use of hazardous chemicals

Respect of Human Rights with particular attention to indigenous peoples

No corruption – follow all applicable laws

Identification and appropriate management of areas that need special protection (e.g. cultural or sacred sites, habitat of endangered animals or plants)

Becoming certified demonstrates your willingness to comply with the highest standards on the market. Certification requires annual audit surveillance and compliance and is valid for five years. It will show your creditability and responsibility for forest conservation to consumers, business associates, banks and other organizations. This requires commitment from the company requesting an audit by requiring stringent trail of procedures, policies and paperwork as well as a financial investment. More information is available at www.fsc.org for your review.

Now that you have an idea of what FSC™ certified means than you know what FSC™ Ipe is to you and to everyone else. FSC™ certified ipe is ipe wood with a lineage showing responsible harvesting and appropriate managing of forest it came from. It is nationally and internationally recognized by over 80 countries and millions of companies. Special provisions are set in place to make sure you know where your Ipe is coming from and where it has been. Many architects and interior designers will specify FSC™ certified ipe for their LEED’s programs and for the most discriminating clients who demand green products. FSC™ certified Ipe is used by many government projects to show responsible practices in the purchasing of products with tax payer dollars. Ipe wood is commonly used in decking, flooring and may also be used in outdoor furniture. Almost any thing you can make with wood especially for durability, outdoor applications, strength and beauty. Ipe decking is showcased in the Atlantic City Boardwalk as well as South Miami Beach boardwalk, just to give you an example of commercial applications. Ipe is also known as Brazilian walnut and very popular for interior wood flooring where there are children and pets due to its strength and durability.

The fire rating for this species is the same as steel and concrete. The co-efficiency of friction exceeds above and beyond that required by the Americans with Disabilities Act requirement for slip resistance in a wet area. Ipe also requires no pesticides as it is naturally resistant to insects, mold and fungus. This hardwood is strictly regulated by IBAMA and now also available with FSC™ certification, this encourages responsible harvesting and forest management with strict penalties for forestry abuse. Besides the strength and natural characteristics that make Ipe a super wood is its physical look. It is a warm rich and heavy wood with an olive brown to red tones that left untreated will patina to a beautiful silver-ish grey. This hardwood’s natural habitat has extreme weather conditions that range from blistering hot Amazon weather to the endless rainy season with torrid floods. This must contribute to the characteristics of this “ironwood”.

Ipe Wood and Its Uses

Ipe wood, also know as Ironwood and Brazilian Walnut is a hardwood native to South and Central America as well as the Caribbean. This species of wood is the best choice for outdoor applications but is also used anywhere durability and strength is necessary. It is commonly seen on decks, boardwalks, furniture, piers, and docks.

Ipe’s botanical name is Tabebuia Serratifolia.

The most common use found for Ipe is decking and for good reason. Decking is exposed to the weather year round. There is no protection from the elements. Decking is not usually maintained on a regular basis thus may be untreated and/or cleaned for months. Parties and groups gather there in large numbers for entertaining. This creates the need for a strong material. Decking that will not need replacing in 5-10 years, who want to reinstall a deck? When researching the market for the right deck and the pro’s and con’s, the superior material has always been Ipe. The lifespan of Ipe will vary from 50 years up to 100 years with sealer. Commercial projects that require decking like the boardwalk in Atlantic City will chose Ipe with good reason. Imagine the volume of traffic that will walk the boardwalk, the elements that the deck is exposed to and the aesthetic value of natural wood in its environment. Many piers and docks are made with Ipe because of its density and durability. Who wants to replace something when they don’t have to?

Ipe is also commonly used in outdoor and indoor furniture. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability and beauty. The rich brown tones complement any design. Most furniture when left to the weather will last maybe a year where Ipe furniture can last for years without ever being replaced. Tables, chairs, loungers and planters are popular items but there are other ideas such as pergolas, screens, fences and siding are now being used. It just makes sense. Who wants to dispose of furniture on a yearly basis and have to shop for more furniture not to mention having to deliver furniture every time the old stuff falls apart. Not only is it bad for the environment but it makes bad business sense to not invest into good long lasting furniture now. Who needs the headache?

Thus when you are out shopping for decking or furniture remember Ipe the super wood.