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