| IPE (ee-pay): the long lasting Brazillian outdoors | | | | products? |
| hardwood. | | | | · Pressure-treated lumber - is usually pine or |
| Commonly referred to by the brand name Iron | | | | fir that has been infused with chemicals that make it |
| Wood, this organically fire resistant building material | | | | rot and insect resistant. If not kept sealed, stained, |
| holds a US Forest Lab rating for 25 plus years | | | | or painted it is susceptible to quick weather damage. |
| durability. With a naturally tight grain that stands up | | | | Inexpensive but easy to warp and splinter, PT lumber |
| against water, decay, and woodborers, IPE is well | | | | requires much care in pre-construction board |
| suited for docks, decks, and other exterior | | | | selection. |
| applications. | | | | · Naturally resistant species - such as cedar, |
| Although easily cut and drilled with standard carbide | | | | redwood, and cypress do not require pressure |
| wood working tools, IPE is a true hardwood and | | | | treatment. Note, however, that the natural resistance |
| requires pre-drilling before fastening. It comes in | | | | is limited to the core of the tree. The outer, |
| standard lumber sizes, weathers (when unfinished) | | | | cream-colored sapwood of the tree is no more rot |
| into a beautiful silver-gray, and resists movement | | | | resistant than a toothpick. Unless sealed or stained, |
| damage. Being basically free of knots or sapwood, | | | | the sapwood portions of these lumbers will weather |
| each board is almost perfectly clear. When correctly | | | | to various shades and grays. Most of today's market |
| sealed, it can be expected to maintain a vibrant | | | | will include much sapwood. |
| brown to golden tan color. Very little maintenance is | | | | · Exotic species - in which stands the IPE, |
| required. | | | | are more durable, more difficult to work, and more |
| The variety of furnished lumber sizes is sufficient to | | | | expensive than the previously discussed lumbers. But |
| fit any project. Standard decking size is 4/4 (3/4" net | | | | for those who seek that special look, IPE with its |
| thickness), and when placed on 24" centers will | | | | greater beauty, a 3-5 times increase in life span, and |
| provide a one hundred pound live load rating. IPE is | | | | a stronger damage resistance factor is competitively |
| considered premium lumber and has been used in | | | | priced. |
| commercial applications such as the Atlantic City | | | | Building hint: use the inexpensive lumbers for the less |
| boardwalk. | | | | exposed understructure, and then go for the gusto |
| So how does IPE stack against other outdoor lumber | | | | with the exposed. |