| One of the most popular wood choices seen | | | | Another great reason why modern architects and |
| throughout modern architecture is ipe decking. When | | | | designers choose ipe is due to the richness of its |
| you browse through popular architecture and home | | | | color. Depending on the application and the designer's |
| magazines, you are bound to see many wonderful | | | | stylistic vision, ipe wood can be allowed to mature |
| homes. These homes tend to feature the latest in | | | | seamlessly into a silvery patina. This weathered look |
| technology, architectural design concepts, as well as, | | | | makes outdoor areas appear regal and yet still very |
| innovative ways to use various construction materials. | | | | sharp. Remember, the characteristics of ipe; density, |
| Also, as Green Building gets increasingly popular, you | | | | tight grain, and natural oils. This combination keeps ipe |
| will also see how home designers and builders are | | | | from having knots and slivers. So, while the wood |
| utilizing eco-friendly materials. | | | | ages, it maintains that sharp appeal. Also, if a modern |
| There are many advantages to choosing ipe wood in | | | | home's design uses a lot of metals, a silver ipe deck |
| modern architecture. Ipe decking: | | | | would be a nice and fitting compliment. Allowing ipe |
| 1) Has a clean and sophisticated look | | | | to age isn't the only choice. |
| 2) Provides great versatility in many applications | | | | The luster of its natural reddish-brown color can be |
| 3) Is the best "all-in-one" wood available | | | | treated with deck oil. This simple ipe decking |
| 4) Can be aged to a silvery patina | | | | maintenance can ensure that the warm colors remain |
| 5) Can keep its reddish-brown color with deck oil | | | | for many years to come. Using a deck oil to treat ipe |
| When used as a decking application, ipe (pronounced | | | | will also boost its lifespan due to the increased |
| ee-pay) wood is truly the best "all in one" material. | | | | protection from ultraviolet rays. Decking oil also |
| This exotic hardwood doesn't require chemical | | | | offers increased protection from water damage. |
| treatments and naturally repels insects. This | | | | Ultimately, it's because of these characteristics that |
| characteristic is available because ipe has an | | | | ipe has earned a reputation as the best wood for |
| extremely tight grain and natural oils. The combination | | | | the money. Not only is ipe one of the most |
| of those factors makes the wood so dense that it | | | | feature-rich woods, but it has also been recognized |
| won't float when placed in water. The density of ipe | | | | as a safe decking choice as well. The National Fire |
| also means that it won't have the same problems | | | | Protection Agency has given this hardwood the same |
| that other lesser grade decking materials are prone | | | | Class A rating that both steel and concrete also have |
| to. Ipe is very resistant to mildew, mold, fungus, | | | | for fire spread! |
| wood rot and decay. | | | | If you're going to choose ipe decking for your home, |
| You can also see designers and architects using ipe | | | | be sure that you're using a lumber company that |
| wood in various other applications including, siding, | | | | practices and promotes sustainable forestry. Ask, "Do |
| flooring, sunrooms, and porches. It's also not | | | | you buy wood from managed forests?" Also be sure |
| uncommon to see an ipe rainscreen covering a whole | | | | to ask, "Are you certified by the Forest Stewardship |
| building. This versatility provides designers with new | | | | Council?" If the answer to both of these questions is |
| and unique ways to use hardwood. Online magazines | | | | yes, you can rest assured that you're buying the |
| such as The Contemporist and classic magazines like | | | | best wood for your home and that it has been |
| Home & Design showcase ipe even in fencing, doors, | | | | sustainably harvested. |
| and interior paneling. | | | | |