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