When boats come out of the water for the season and the weather turns colder, the time comes to fix up docks for the season. Boards come loose and warp, scratches and holes develop, and the overall wear and tear of the outdoors shows on the docks. When it’s time to assess the level of work on the docks, sometimes you can get away with just replacing a few boards. However, eventually you reach the point where you need to replace larger portions of docks, and you need to reconsider the type of wood you’re using.
To make sure docks are safe and ready for another season, tearing up boards and replacing them with high quality Ipe wood will ensure durable construction. Ipe boards will hold up against sun, wind, wetness, and extreme weather of all kinds. In the long run, this wood will save costs as it will hold up for well into the future.
Lasting on average for over 40 years, Ipe hardwood naturally absorbs little moisture and impedes warping. Native to the Brazilian rainforest, its rich reddish brown color provides a full, dark look that blends with a setting against water. In addition, exceptional resistance to decay proves valuable in a wet, sunny outdoor setting. To ensure the Ipe wood we provide meets the demanding needs of a dock setting, we offer wood surfaced on four sides, dried, and end sealed to keep cracks from forming.
Whether your dock is a simple, narrow structure for lightweight watercraft or a large, elaborate dock for luxury yachts, this wood will serve your outdoor construction needs. You can purchase lengths of four, five, or six feet specially for docks, which typically require shorter length boards. You also will find the opportunity to save, since 4-5’ Ipe boards generally cost less per linear foot than other longer Ipe decking boards. Also, since these boards are cut down so far, imperfections are often cut away to leave minimal irregularities.
Safety in a dock setting is paramount, as nobody wants to be responsible for guests slipping into the water while accessing boats. If you desire to add an extra measure of safety to your dock with a grooved non-slip surface, our process allows us to mill boards with extra texture to ensure secure walking. However, be aware that Ipe does not naturally become excessively slippery even when wet, so the non-slip option is not always necessary.
Of course, price ranks as one concern that factors heavily into many decisions for choosing the right wood. Depending on how much you purchase and when you buy, your cost will vary due to seasonality of the wood and availability each year. Due to purchasing wood from various locations across Brazil, our prices remain around the same range throughout the year. Be aware that shorter lengths (up to 6 feet) may cost $.50 – $150 less per linear foot than standard lengths.
So, take some time to look at your docks and the work needed to keep them in workable condition. Consider Ipe wood for your next repair project to ensure durability against the elements for years to come.
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.
Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.
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