Pros and Cons of Ipe Decking
While Ipe decking is a premium hardwood decking material, its environmental impact is significant. Its production requires deforestation and other harmful practices. While Ipe decking is a desirable choice for exterior decking, there are other hardwood options that offer a similar look and feel. Listed below are some pros and cons of Ipe decking.
Here are three reasons to choose Ipe decking over other options. Ipe is a unique wood, but its price may put off many people. The heartwood of Ipe is resistant to decay and termites. The U.S. Forest Products Laboratory rates Ipe decking as "durable" (durable for 25 years without termites) and "hard" (ASTM-D143-94) for its resistance to decay and termites. Additionally, Ipe decking is seven times harder than Cedar. If you have concerns about this kind of wood, choose engineered hardwood decking from a reputable company. While Ipe wood is durable and low-maintenance, it requires annual maintenance to keep it looking great. While composite woods are easily matched to each other, you can find a variety of shades and tones in natural IPE.
The natural variation of colors in Ipe makes it a beautiful choice when used outdoors. If you live near water, IPE is an excellent choice. A deck built with Ipe is more durable than composite woods, and it can withstand the harsh elements without any problems. Read more about woods at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood-plastic_composite. Another consideration when choosing IPE decking is the climate. While tropical hardwoods are resistant to exposure to water, you should still seal IPE decking to avoid sun and drying damage. The dense nature of ipa wood decking means that it will not degrade if exposed to excessive sunlight, but improperly sealed IPE decks will suffer from drying problems and mold growth. The best penetrating oil for Ipe decks is DeckWise.
It deeply penetrates the wood and prevents mold from forming. Aside from durability, Ipe decking is very beautiful. Its rich brown color will accentuate any outdoor living space, and its texture and grain patterns are both beautiful. Its natural characteristics make it an excellent choice for decks and other exterior woodworking projects. Ipe wood is also a highly preferred choice for fences and outdoor furniture. When choosing Ipe decking, make sure to choose a wood type with good durability and low maintenance. In order to preserve the beauty of your Ipe deck, keep the area around it free of moisture. Ipe wood contains natural oils and is extremely dense. If you want to extend its life, oiling your Ipe deck is an excellent way to prolong its beauty and performance.
You can also find Ipe decking on the black market for lower prices. If you're looking for a premium decking material, make sure to check out Ipe's density, as Ipe wood can warp. While IPE decks can last for decades, it's important to apply a protective coating over it. It's important to remember that a film finish can flake off and fade in a few years. Applying a coat of IPE oil will prevent these effects, and the oil will not stain the wood. It will prevent the boards from disintegrating under the sun's UV rays. Once you have finished the coating, you can refinish them using the same oil. Compare nominal vs net demensions here!
