Ipe wood, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is a high-quality, durable and beautiful hardwood that is often used in decking, flooring, and outdoor furniture. It is a dense, heavy wood with a natural oiliness that makes it resistant to rot, decay, and insects. Its unique combination of strength, hardness, and durability makes it an ideal material for outdoor applications.
Note: Ipe lumber can be purchased by visiting the mcilvain.com lumber company website. The J Gibson McIlvain Company delivers Ipe throughout the United States.
History and Origin of Ipe Wood
Ipe wood is native to Central and South America, and is most commonly found in Brazil and other nearby countries. It is also known as Lapacho and has been used for centuries by the local indigenous people for building canoes, fences, and tools. Ipe wood is now used in a wide range of applications, from outdoor furniture to flooring and decking.
Properties of Ipe Wood
Ipe wood is a dense, heavy wood with a natural oiliness that makes it extremely resistant to rot, decay, and insects. It has a deep, rich color that ranges from brown to deep red, and its grain pattern is usually straight or slightly wavy. Ipe wood is also known for its hardness and strength, making it an ideal material for outdoor applications.
Grading of Ipe Wood
Ipe wood is graded according to its density, hardness, and strength. The grade of Ipe wood is determined by the amount of air-dried weight per cubic foot. The higher the grade, the harder and denser the wood is.
Drying of Ipe Wood
Ipe wood can be kiln dried or air dried. Kiln drying is a process that uses high temperatures to remove moisture from the wood. Air drying is a slower process that relies on natural evaporation to remove moisture from the wood. Both methods are used to ensure that the wood is dried properly and is not susceptible to rot or decay.
Installation of Ipe Decking
Ipe wood is an ideal material for decking because of its strength and durability. It can be installed using either screws or nails. When installing Ipe wood decking, it is important to use the correct type of fasteners and to pre-drill holes to avoid splitting the wood. It is also important to keep the decking boards spaced evenly and to use a waterproof sealant to ensure that the decking is properly protected from the elements.
Sizes of Ipe Decking Boards
Ipe decking boards are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1-inch to 6-inches in thickness. The most common sizes are 1-inch and 5/4-inch, with 5/4-inch being the most common. The length of the boards can range from 6-feet to 20-feet.
Pros and Cons of Ipe Wood
Ipe wood is an ideal material for outdoor applications due to its strength, hardness, and durability. It is also naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a great choice for decks and outdoor furniture. However, Ipe wood is a dense, heavy wood, which can make it difficult to work with. Additionally, Ipe wood can be expensive due to its rarity and high quality.
Conclusion
Ipe wood is a high-quality, durable and beautiful hardwood that is often used in decking, flooring, and outdoor furniture. It is a dense, heavy wood with a natural oiliness that makes it resistant to rot, decay, and insects. Ipe wood is graded according to its density, hardness, and strength, and can be kiln dried or air dried. It can be installed using either screws or nails, and is available in a variety of sizes and lengths. Ipe wood is an ideal material for outdoor applications due to its strength, hardness, and durability, but can be expensive due to its rarity and high quality.
J. Gibson McIlvain Company
Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.
As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.
For more information on J. Gibson McIlvain’s lumber products and services, call Monday-Friday toll free (800) 638-9100 to speak with one of their representatives.
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