Why Use Ipe for Outdoor Projects – What is Ipe
Are you looking for the best most durable and arguably most beautiful wood for your deck? Look no further as Ipe is regarded around the world as the best material that is available for your deck. The question becomes, “Why Use Ipe?”.
1. One of the densest woods in the world. So dense in fact, that it sinks in water.
2. Can last up to 75 years. More than almost any other wood.
3. Maintenance is low or non-existent. If you let it turn grey it is maintenance free!
So what is Ipe? Ipe is a natural wood that comes primarily from South America. It comes from the Ipe tree. The word Ipe is pronounced “E-Pay”.
Ipe is great for outdoors because it has less shrinkage and expansion than almost all other woods due to its density. This shrinkage and expansion is what causes stress on your deck and wood. The nature of Ipe is just extremely durable. There is a reason many other wood and synthetic companies use a produce an Ipe look alike or compare to Ipe is that it is currently the gold standard of decking. Plain and simple if you want the best wood for your deck it is Ipe.