I Bet You Never Knew This About IPE Woods

Woods decks are an important part in housing and constructing industries these days. However, there are so many stylish woods for deck construction but one of the most famous is IPE woods. It is shocking that despite it’s popularity, not much is known about IPE Woods. Well, worry not! In this Blog I will list down some of the interesting things about IPE woods that, I am sure you would not have heard about.

Want to know what is it? Well, keep reading for some interesting details!

IPE woods are much more durable than any other wood!

Within IPE wood are natural oils that preserve it; combined with the wood’s exceptional density, you can expect an IPE deck or fence to last up to 50 years without replacement.

IPE Woods requires lot of maintenance

To extend its life, IPE wood requires some TLC. With oil treatment, its lifespan can be up to 75 years.  Remember to seal the ends of the wood after cutting. When the grain is exposed, the moisture level can change and spread throughout the wood. Applying sealer to fresh cuts slows the process and helps prevent splitting.

IPE woods are hard!

IPE is extremely dense less susceptible than other woods to burning, with a fire rating that is the same as steel and concrete. But the density can make it difficult for contractors if they are trying to saw and nail it. The solution is to pre-drill holes and use steel screws. Plus, the hardwood chews up blades. These factors increase labor costs.

They are costly

IPE for sale is notably more expensive then redwood and cedar. On average, IPE costs $3.50 to $5 per square foot and the cost of labor will increase the total price to around $20 per square foot.

There is a black market for IPE Woods

Given Ipe’s popularity, it’s not surprising to learn that the wood is often illegally harvested.  And because IPE can command high prices, Brazilian loggers and local officials often harvest more IPE than is legal.

This wood is already over harvested due to its widespread construction use. With continued sourcing, this exotic wood may eventually become extinct. This is one of the biggest factors causing environmentally minded people to say no to IPE.

Some people are allergic to IPE wood

Ipe dust is ridiculously fine and during construction it can get everywhere, including into eyes, ears and noses. Although severe reactions are uncommon, IPE wood for sale can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, as well as headaches, or asthma-like symptoms.  If you work with this wood, please wearing protective clothing, gloves, and a proper mask.

There are various alternatives for IPE woods

There are plenty of alternatives to IPE wood. Using reclaimed wood is a smart start. Several wood types are good alternatives. One excellent and sustainable option is reclaimed cumaru, also known as Brazilian teak; it looks similar to IPE with a rich, warm color and costs less. Reclaimed teak is another choice, also offering similar durability and rot-resistant benefits. Tip: Teak is less dense, making installation easier and more affordable.

Why Santos Mahogany Is An Ideal Choice For Home Flooring Project?

Santos Mahogany hardwood is an ideal wooden material that is available in the rich golden brown to dark red color and is perfectly suitable for interior woodwork such as flooring. It is popularly known as durable and water-resistant wood that can provide a longer lifespan to your interior flooring and also will offer the modern and beautiful look to your house. It also grows in the tropical rain forests of Brazil and is the toughest timber than other wood types such as oak and pine. If you are looking for a fine-quality wooden material for installing a wooden floor to your home then it can become a flattering choice for you.

Hard and durable wood for home flooring:

As a homeowner, installing interior flooring can be a challenging task for you because it is a one-time investment and require big efforts. So, in order to make a good decision for this important home investment, you need a wood that is hard and durable and can keep your floor functional for the extended run. Santos mahogany hardwood is the best choice when you are looking for strong and durable flooring as it has 2200 Janka hardness rating which is 70% higher than red oak and pine woods.

It offers nice flooring appearance:

When it comes to flooring appearance, Santos mahogany can become an ideal choice because it offers dark colored appearance to the floor so it can match your furniture and home interior likely. Due to its dark colored appearance, it will also look dust free and clean all the times and is also require less maintenance than other types of woods. In addition to this, it is also a popular hardwood for home flooring because over time its tone will become darker and it starts offering beautiful appearance to the floor.

Longer lifespan:

Santos mahogany lumber also has a longer lifespan than other wooden floor alternatives because of its mechanical properties. It allows all types of foot traffic due to its higher mechanical face strength so it is ideally used by the flooring contractors for residential and commercial building flooring. It also has the ability to stay in firm position because it will remain stable under point-pressure so you can keep heavy furniture on Santos mahogany floor without any worry. Moreover, it is also easy to install and available in all size boards to use for specific indoor flooring to make your home beautiful.

Boost property value with cost-effective flooring:

The appearance and coloring of the Santos mahogany lumber will undoubtedly bring the finish to the flooring of your home. It will boost the value of your property in the real estate market and you can also prefer it because it is a low-priced wooden material than IPE. You can buy it under a reasonable budget from a certified wood supplier and can consult with a flooring contractor to install the flooring. It gives modern look to your home that you want to make your property attractive for the visitors and guests.   

What you can obtain from the Brazilian hardwood decking project?

If you are thinking that installing an outside deck to your home will prove a beneficial investment then you are absolutely right. Adding a deck to your home will serve you with a number of benefits but first of all, it will give you the significant advantage for outdoor activities while staying at home. For the outdoor deck, you can consider Brazilian hardwood decking as the Brazilian wood has special features that will add elegance and durability to your deck. It is the top-rated lumber that has resistance to the rot, mold, and weather so it can offer safety to your deck for many years and fulfill your outdoor decking needs proficiently.

An ultra-durable wood for outdoor decking:
Decking of a home is an important project as it will add style and space to your home. You can spend quality time with your family while sitting in the garden of your dwelling and can enjoy personal time with family and friends. In addition to an exciting project, it is also quite expensive so as a homeowner it is vital to choose durable wood that can serve your decking needs for the years to come. The idea of Brazilian hardwood decking can prove highly beneficial for you as Brazilian wood is water and rot-resistant that can offer enduring life span to your deck to enjoy it for an extended run. 

Require low maintenance:
When it comes to maintaining a deck you have to do a lot of work in order to keep it in good condition. Rain, dust, and snow are the main factors that can influence you to call a service provider for regular cleaning of the deck to remove mildew and moss and also you need other treatments if you install a deck with traditional wood. Getting the work done with premium Brazilian decking will significantly reduce the tiresome task of quick maintenance of the deck as the superior resistance of this wood can prevent several issues that can affect its strength, durability, and shine so it would be a great decision to invest in Brazilian wood decking for your abode.

Stunning looks:
Despite the durability and low maintenance, premium Brazilian decking will also provide you with the stunning deck looks that will compliment your residential property. With the mixture of red and brown colors of IPE wood, you can get a shiny and beautiful looking deck that will not only enable you to enjoy lovely evenings outside the home but will also boost the value of your property. The quality wood will always add a class to your living space that you will admire the most.

Worth investment:
Undoubtedly, compared to other home renovation projects installing a deck is cost-effective. Not only this, but decking with the superior quality wood will also prove a worthy investment when you compare its features with other wood types. The decision of using Brazilian timber will never let you regret on your investment because it will serve you for the extended period with safety, durability, and elegance.

Is Tropical Hardwood Ideal for Your Next Project?

Tropical hardwood decking consists of several different wood types. These include Brazilian also known as Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa and more. These types of woods are harvested and acquired outside of North America. They are also very common and widely available at many hardwood or lumber stores. It’s not rare to see these types of wood for sale and you will not have a problem finding them. Tropical hardwood deck boards have an elegant appearance and a distinct and vibrant color. They are extremely tough and great for all weather conditions. Some of them do not retain heat which makes it easy to walk on with bare feet in the summertime. The toughness and durability of this wood gives it a long lifespan, most types of tropical hardwood decking can last longer than 40 years. This type of wood is no susceptible to stains and if there is a spill it can be washed away with ease. Unwanted objects do not absorb into the wood. Tropical hardwood deck boards do not need chemical spray to be immune to rot and insects either. It’s also not susceptible to warping like other woods may be, since they can withstand temperature they do not expand with the heat or shrink. If legally harvested, most of these woods are sustainably harvested to promote forest health. 

Like said before tropical hardwoods are very dense and durable, although this is a good thing, it can make the wood stubborn to work with. Installation can be tricky since it will take more time and special tools to drill holes with. This will slow down the process and probably cost more money along the way. These woods have tons of good qualities, so naturally they cost more when compared with the average pressure treated lumber. When tropical hardwood is new and fresh it had a beautiful red brown color that looks very elegant. Over time and without maintenance this color will eventually fade to a gray tone. In order to keep those red colors looking vibrant, it needs some annual work. By using a UV blocking wood preservative or oil, the color should stay looking new, but this has to be done at least yearly.

All tropical hardwood decking options are a little different and their performances all vary depending on what kind of wood you are specifically looking at. Ipe decking has the highest resistance to decay. Cumaru decking has some of the best durability and is cheaper than Ipe. Tigerwood is extremely stable in inclement climates and is low maintenance. Garapa has lighter honey hues to its color and will gray faster, but it also has an extreme natural resistance to decay without the use of chemicals. Before investing in any of these tropical woods, look at all the specs and specifics and choose one that suits your individual needs best.