| Most people that are thinking of investing in outdoor | | | | that's not its only use. Ipe wood is used for decking |
| furniture realize that in a few years they will be doing | | | | as well. When Atlantic City needed to replace its |
| this all over again because most products simply do | | | | famous boardwalk, Ipe wood was chosen for the |
| not fare well when exposed to the elements. That's | | | | job. The Treasure Island Resort in Las Vegas used |
| why choosing furniture made with Ipe wood makes | | | | Ipe as well for its boardwalk. Beyond insect and rot |
| such good sense. Ipe products are long lasting and | | | | resistance, Ipe wood is also extremely fire resistant. |
| wear extremely well. The initial investment made in | | | | For the Flame Spread (10 min) test given by the |
| Ipe products pays for itself because this is a | | | | National Fire Protection Code, Ipe received a rating of |
| purchase that truly only has to be made once in a | | | | 0, that's the same rating as concrete. Another asset |
| lifetime. That is simply something that cannot be said | | | | when using Ipe wood for decking is its natural slip |
| for most outdoor products. | | | | resistance. Ipe decking exceeds the Americans with |
| Ipe wood products are so durable due to the wood | | | | Disabilities Act requirements for Static Coefficient for |
| from which they are constructed. Ipe is a tropical | | | | friction in a wet environment. This is particularly |
| hard wood with properties that are similar to Teak | | | | important when used around swimming pools and |
| wood but at a fraction of the cost. The botanical | | | | other areas that tend to stay wet. |
| name for Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is Tabebuia spp. | | | | Ipe wood is also a renewable resource. Reputable |
| (Lapacho group). Other common names for it include | | | | companies dealing with Ipe wood harvest the trees |
| Brazilian Walnut, Amapa, Cortex, and Ironwood. It is | | | | from managed forests to ensure a minimal impact on |
| found primarily in Central and South America as well | | | | the environment. Aggressive replanting programs |
| as some parts of Asia. This exotic hardwood is | | | | exist to ensure that Ipe wood is truly a renewable |
| naturally resistant to rot and insects. The trees | | | | resource and harvesting is done in an ecologically |
| themselves generally grow to about 100 feet in | | | | responsible manner. Ipe wood is not an endangered |
| height, with naturally straight grain. The grain is also | | | | species and much of the Ipe wood available in the |
| extremely tight, giving the wood incredible density. | | | | United States is harvested through sustainable |
| Ipe wood is so dense that it actually sinks in water. | | | | forestry practices, which offer the best remedy for |
| Tests conducted by the U.S. Naval Research | | | | exploitative deforestation. |
| Laboratory give it the highest rating for insect | | | | So whether you are looking for outdoor furniture |
| resistance - 15 years in ground without attack by | | | | that will hold its looks and value for decades or |
| termites. Left untreated Ipe wood is known to last | | | | decking for that new patio so that the family can |
| 40+ years, the lifespan when treated with a deck oil | | | | enjoy the great outdoors for many summers to |
| applied to the surface is up to 100 years. This is one | | | | come, products made from Ipe wood are an great |
| kind of patio furniture that you won't have to worry | | | | value. It's an investment that you can feel good |
| about replacing anytime soon. | | | | about making. |
| Although Ipe is used in outdoor furniture construction, | | | | |