Hardwood Timber For Decks, Patios & Porches

Why is timber the choice for many people whenIpe has a life expectancy of 40 plus years with no
they consider decks, patios and porches? Timber hasmaintenance and is highly recommended for marinas,
been a much needed resource for our ancestors fordocks and piers. Slip resistant and dense, this
thousands of years. Trees provided wood to makehardwood is featured in many non-municipal
fire for heat making, made winters bearable, andapplications including the pools decks of numerous
provided foods that would otherwise be hard to eat.hotels and restaurants for good reason. This timber
Timber also was used for building shelter. This naturalhas just recently become popular as previously it was
resource is biodegradable, recyclable, energy efficient,hard to cut and get to. Now with new technology
durable, salvageable and beautiful. Timber uses lessand better transportation methods it has become
energy to process than steel, concrete, plastic andeconomically available and with new government
aluminum.regulations and private organizations such as the
What timber is most recommended for durability andForest Stewardship Council, ipe timber is being
longevity? The tropical hardwood Ipe from Southresponsibly harvested. This makes a big difference
America is known for its strength, durability, beautyespecially just in the last 10 years.
and resistance to wood-boring insects, and evenWhen you take in to consideration the longevity,
termites. Thanks to the wood's natural density andaesthetics, durability and strength of the various deck
oils, it is also rot and mold/fungus resistant. Thisboards on the market, you will agree that Ipe has
hardwood has a Janka rating of over 3600. This factthe best qualities for the money. You get a long
makes Ipe timber 8 times harder than the Californialasting, low maintenance, absolutely stunning and
redwood. Ipe wood also has a fire rating class Aenvironmentally friendly deck. FSC certified deck
which is the same as concrete and steel. It alsoboards are now available and with the Lacey Act in
offers natural slip resistance rated above theeffect, you can rest assured that the Ipe being
coefficient of friction for commercial applications. Thesupplied to the US is coming from responsibly
hardwood is so dense it can withstand even theharvested forests. Timber is and has always been
harshest of weather conditions. No worries aboutthe material of choice for decks, patios and porches
chemicals, Ipe is also insect and rot resistant. Ipe hasfor many reasons. The natural beauty of timber and
been used in several commercial applications such asthe feel of wood under your feet are just two
the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, the Miami boardwalk,reasons for the popularity. You can have your cake
and even in Green Bay due to its strength andand eat it too with Ipe hardwood timber.
natural beauty.