Commercial Uses for Ipe Wood

Ipe wood is not just for decking and flooring. Many people are using this versatile hardwood for siding, and even wall applications. In addition, it’s not uncommon to see docks, wharfs, and even bridges use ipe decking.

Some very famous landmarks have used ipe hardwood including the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, Las Vegas’ Treasure Island, and many famous boardwalks across the country including the Atlantic City and Miami Boardwalks.

If you read this blog often, it’s easy to see why ipe decking is used for many commercial applications. Whenever the elements might be an issue, there is no doubt that you have to use the very best wood materials.

ipe-dock

Think about it…

Read more

Science Proves that Ipe Lives Up to the Hype

Many people, including me, like to talk about how ipe decking is one of the most durable and dependable woods on the market. This isn’t just sales talk. There have actually been studies and tests done that concluded that ipe wood lives up to the hype. Three specific tests that prove this are from the …

Read more

Deck Design of the Week – Ipe Decking In The Hamptons

Deck Design of the Week Luxurious Ipe Deck in The Hamptons This week’s Deck Design of the Week comes to us from the renowned architecture firm S. Russell Groves. They have created a truly luxurious deck and pool area in the Hamptons that even feature a shower area made completely out of ipe decking! When …

Read more

Ipe Decking & Fire – What You Need to Know

One feature of ipe decking that I most often forget to mention is how ipe handles fire. This kind of information is important to know because many deck owners use tiki torches, grills, and firepits on their deck. While we all try to be careful, there is always the chance, however remote, that one of those things could tip over and spark a fire.

There have been many instances where a dog bumped into a charcoal grill and spilled over some briquettes, or a guest tips over a seemingly put out tiki torch and a fire gets started. In those situations, you must react quickly to properly put out the fire before it spreads to the rest of your deck.

If you have a deck made of ipe, or are considering building an ipe deck, you need to know that ipe has a fire spread rating that is the same as concrete! What does this mean? Unlike other hardwoods that spread fire rapidly, fire tends to remain isolated around its point of origin. In this way, the damage that the fire has made is contained in a much smaller region on your deck. Of course, calling the proper authorities and attempting to put out the fire right away is absolutely critical and recommended.

Interestingly enough, ipe wood has up to a Class A fire rating for flame spread. Here is a table that shows the ratings given to ipe decking from the National Fire Protection Agency (Note, there are other third party certification companies that show similar results. Results will vary based on the moisture content, origin, and species).

Read more

Deck Design of the Week – Ipe Designs with a Modern Flair

Deck Design of the Week Ipe Wood used by Terry & Terry Architecture By now, you should know that I am a sucker for great home designs. Unfortunately, where I live, practically every house looks the same (ugh!). So whenever I come across a unique home, or architects that are stretching the boundaries of what …

Read more

Botanical Garden uses Ipe Decking

Recently, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently unveiled the highly anticipated new addition to their botanical garden area called the Gardens. Inspired by Asian pagodas, “The Lantern” is a truly beautiful structure. It was designed to offer a tranquil place to view the water as well as a peaceful place to get away from the …

Read more