Ipe (Tabebuia spp-Lapacho group)
This Brazilian species is one of the most stable of all the durable timbers. It dries extremely well with little checking, twisting, or bow. It is widely recognized for its strength and natural resistance to decay. It can be used in ground contact without preservatives or additional treatments. The timber has been tested by the US Navy in a Panama Canal study from 1962 showing Ipe to be one of the top performers in resistance to decay, termites, and borers. Of those tested, it was one of the very few that is readily commercially available. Widely used in commercial exterior construction such as boardwalks, piers and benches, it has recently become the best choice for residential decks due to its low maintenance, attractive color, and extremely smooth surface that has stood the test of time. It is a heavy timber, approximately 69lbs. per cubic foot when dry, generally sinks in water, and is fire resistant–the same as concrete or steel. Ipe has many common and trade names including Brazilian Walnut, Bethabarra, Tajibo, Mataverde, Pau Lope, and other trademark names.
Strength & Durability
Iron Woods® Ipe is indeed tough. Ipe from Timber Holdings Intl. earns the top durability rating of 25 plus years in commercial applications like the Atlantic City boardwalk. Just think how long they will last for you.
Iron Woods® Ipe’s amazing performance can be attributed to its incredible density. Ipe weighs as much as 69 pounds per cubic foot. Compare this to domestic woods like Southern Pine at 35 pounds and Redwood at 28 pounds! Timber Holdings Intl. Iron Woods® Ipe is five times harder. No other wood comes close to its superior strength.
Suitable Applications
Like all of our Iron Woods® products, our Ipe is beautiful. It has a smooth, clean surface with a tight, interwoven grain. Its natural luster ranges from a rich russet to a classic reddish-brown hue. This beauty, combined with its unmatched strength and durability, makes Iron Woods® Ipe a sure bet for your residential or commercial deck or any other project you have in mind from bridges, boardwalks and piers to fencing, benches or pavers.
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