As an exotic wood, ipe has incredible durability and weather resistance that make it popular for decking projects. You can also use it for fencing, gazebos, or pergolas to add an elegant natural touch to your home’s exterior. While it may be more expensive than other types of lumber, you can recoup the initial cost with increased property value and reduced maintenance. It is an environmentally sustainable material that doesn’t require chemical treatments, making it a good choice for Eco-friendly households and businesses. Ipe is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure that it comes from forestry operations that follow sustainable harvesting practices.
Ipe is a type of Brazilian walnut that is a very hard and dense tropical hardwood. It is an excellent choice for decking and other outdoor home improvement projects because it resists rot, insect attack, and mold. In addition, it has a Class A fire rating and won’t float in water. It is one of the toughest materials that can be used for building, and it’s even stronger than concrete or steel.
When properly sealed, ipe can last for decades without any signs of wear and tear. In fact, it can outlast even pressure treated pine or cedar. It has a rich color that can be stained or left to age naturally into a silvery gray finish. Regardless of how you choose to maintain your ipe deck, it is important to reseal the wood every few years to protect it from the elements.
Many people ask whether or not ipe is sustainable because of the way it is harvested. Because the ipe trees grow in low densities and are difficult to locate, it is more convenient to clear surrounding areas in order to reach them. This leads to deforestation, which is a world-wide issue that needs to be addressed.
The best way to reduce the impact that ipe has on the environment is to use reclaimed ipe instead of new. Reclaimed ipe has been cut from old, mature trees and can be recycled into the same products as new ipe. This reduces the amount of new ipe that must be harvested from the rainforest, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option.
Another great way to support the sustainability of ipe is to buy it from a company that sells only FSC certified ipe. The FSC provides third-party certification to verify that the wood is sourced from forests that practice sustainable harvesting practices. The FSC is a nonprofit organization that works for environmental conservation, social welfare, and economic well-being in local communities around the world. It also helps to train and educate workers in the forest industry to promote responsible business practices. The FSC certification is a sign that the company is doing their part to help the environment and the local economy. It’s important to support green initiatives in any industry, so be sure to check out the options available in your area when choosing a supplier for your ipe project.