Ipe wood is a popular choice for outdoor projects due to its durability and density. However, its density and hardness can pose a challenge when fastening the wood. This is why predrilling holes is essential when using Ipe wood.

Predrilling is important When fastening Ipe wood, such as when attaching boards to a frame or structure, predrilling is crucial. This is because the density of the wood can cause the screws or nails to split the wood or break off altogether. Predrilling creates a pilot hole that allows the fastener to go smoothly without splitting the wood.

In addition to preventing splitting and breaking, predrilling also ensures a cleaner and more precise installation. The pilot hole allows the fastener to be driven straight in without wobbling or wandering, which can cause the fastener to go in at an angle and potentially damage the wood.

Problems that can occur without predrilling If you attempt to fasten Ipe wood without predrilling, several problems can occur. 

These include:

1. Splitting: As mentioned, the density of the wood can cause the fastener to split the wood, which can weaken the structure and create unsightly damage.
2. Snapping: The fastener may break off altogether, especially if it is a nail, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix.
3. Misalignment: Without a pilot hole, the fastener may go in at an angle, causing the board to be uneven or crooked.

How to predrill a hole in Ipe wood, follow these steps:

1. Choose the appropriate size drill bit for the fastener you are using. The drill bit should be slightly smaller than the shank of the fastener.
2. Mark the location where you will place the hole on the wood using a pencil or marker.
3. Clamp the wood securely to a work surface to prevent it from moving.
4. Drill a pilot hole to the appropriate depth using a drill and carbide tip bits drill bits.
5. Remove any wood chips or debris from the hole.
6. Insert the screw into the hole and drive it in using a drill.

Predrilling is a crucial step when working with Ipe wood. It prevents splitting, snapping, misalignment, and rusting, and ensures a clean and precise installation. By taking the time to predrill, you can ensure that your Ipe wood project is strong, durable, and looks great for years to come.

It is no secret that the Ipe lumber industry was one of the industries most affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Often with prices exceeding 100% of previous rates. Now with inflation at a 40-year high, gas prices being high, and labor shortages, there is no end in sight.

Currently, domestic woods are down in price from a year ago, and exotics remain high. Why is that? Unlike domestic wood, exotics’ primary use is not in new construction. Also, exotics require transportation to and from the USA. This means fuel and fuels are at an all-time high. Stack on top of the massive increase in cost for ocean freight and truck fuel, a driver shortage, and workers shortage.

There is really no end in a sight to the increases the industry is experiencing. So what better way to wait it out than on your new Ipe deck? No better time to hunker down at home. We are expecting more price increases in the near future, unfortunately. However, the good news is that the lumber shortages we experienced last year have simmered down. Inventory and selection are much better now than it was a year ago.

Ipe decking comes from the trees of the Brazilian rainforest. Find out what makes Ipe wood decking the ideal choice for your next project.

Decks can give your property a lot of benefits and increase the value of your home.

The most important part about installing a new deck is deciding what to build it out of. There are all different types of decking materials out there, including woods and plastics and a mixture of both.

But if you want a beautiful and quality deck, you can narrow down those options to Ipe wood.

Why?

Keep reading to learn more about Ipe wood decking and why it makes the perfect home deck.

What Is Ipe Wood Decking?

Ipe, pronounced “ee-pay”, refers to seven different species of trees.

Each of these trees has its own, individual characteristics. Some are evergreen, others are semievergreen, some can be deciduous, and others still drop their leaves and grow flowers instead. But they’re all part of the same genus, Tabebuia, and they’re all native to South and Central America.

Ipe wood has become popular over the last several years because of its durability and beauty. Inf act, its warm colors and appearance make it similar to mahogany wood.

It’s also a smart choice for outdoor features, such as decking or patio furniture.

Why?

We’ll take a closer look at that below.

Understanding the Benefits of Ipe Wood Decking

Ipe wood decking has a lot of benefits that make it more practical than other types of wood.

Here’s a quick list of the most important benefits of Ipe decking.

Long Lasting

Your Ipe deck can last a minimum of 25 years without you having to do much for it.

But let’s put that into perspective.

Decks made from other wood types, like cedar, can last about 25 years as well. However, to get this much life out of them, you have to put in a lot of effort. If you don’t have the time or budget for heavy, yearly maintenance, a cedar deck will only last about 10 years.

Ipe decks give you a long-lasting outdoor space without the work.

Eco-Friendly

There are two main things that make Ipe wood eco-friendly. It’s 100% natural wood, and many supplies harvest it in a responsible, sustainable way.

Let’s break those two things down.

Suppliers don’t treat Ipe wood with any chemicals or toxins. This isn’t true of all decking material. Because it’s 100% natural, Ipe is a safe option for your family and for the environment.

Most Ipe suppliers also follow harvesting practices and regulations set by organizations like the USGB (United States Green Building Council) and the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

This means you can rest assured the wood your buying wasn’t harvested in a way that hurt its natural ecosystem.

Durability

Ipe is one of the toughest woods out there. It’s so dense, it will actually sink in water. It’s also three times harder than cedar and eight times harder than California redwood.

This will prevent your Ipe decking from decaying like other wood. For example, no matter how wet it is outside, Ipe wood won’t mold or rot. Since insects like termites are attracted to softer woods, you won’t have to deal with any pest problems either.

Ipe wood also has the same fire rating as concrete and steel. Because of this, it has a high level of fire resistance.

This makes it a good option for people who enjoy grilling or sitting around bonfires.

Scratch Resistant

With other types of wood decking, you have to be careful to avoid scratches. Anything from moving outdoor furniture to long dog toenails could be potential causes for scratching.

But Ipe is a lot tougher than other woods.

You would have to try really hard to scratch your deck if it’s made or Ipe. That also means you won’t have to worry about sanding or refinishing your deck every year.

Doesn’t Retain Heat

Some decks retain high levels of heat. This makes it uncomfortable, or even impossible, to walk on barefoot in the hot months of summer.

But Ipe wood doesn’t retain heat.

Because of this, you don’t have to worry about shoes even in the middle of July. Instead, you, your guest, and your children can enjoy socializing or playing on your deck without burning the bottoms of their feet.

Warp Resistant

Ipe trees can grow up to 150 feet tall. In other words, you can find very long planks of wood.

Long planks of wood usually cause warping over time. But not Ipe woods.

Ipe is naturally weatherproof. It also has a moisture range of about 14 to 18%. This means you won’t have to worry about warping problems.

Wide Range of Color Choices

You can find Ipe wood in many different grains and color choices.

For example, Ipe wood is a tight-grained wood. This means it doesn’t contain a lot of knots, which can give your deck a clean, smooth, and beautiful appearance.

The colors range from light browns to chocolate browns, to olives, and all the way to nearly back.

As Ipe wood ages, it will also fade to a natural silver.

How to Maintain Your Ipe Wood

Ipe doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. In fact, if you like the silver color it fades to over time, you don’t have to do any maintenance at all.

But if you want it to keep its natural color for years to come, you will need to apply a new coat of stain every year.

You should also clean your deck at least once a year. This will keep your deck looking tidy and beautiful.

Understanding the Benefits of Ipe Wood Decking

Ipe wood decking is much more durable and long-lasting than many other types of wood. Because of this, it can be a beautiful, high-end, and low-maintenance decking option for your home.

Are you ready to invest in an Ipe deck?

Make sure you click here to take a look at some of our Ipe options.

Check out our new “What is Ipe Wood?” page here.

We saw in 2018 the price of Ipe Decking increase by over 20%. It was interesting to see how popular the product has become. We believe that its popularity is primarily because once you use Ipe its hard to use anything else. Having such an amazing lifespan and beauty. It really is second to none in the decking category. The use of Ipe for decking really started in South America and its first use in the United States was in the States that had easy import. States like Alabama, Texas and Florida were some of the first ones to widely use Ipe. Now we see contractors that swear by it all the over the country. From the Wyoming to Georgia and Maine to California. Its use is certainly now really widespread.

2019 Ipe Decking Expectations

We do not expect to see any changes in 2019 as Ipe’s popularity keeps growing. With increased popularity also comes increase prices as the supply falls and demand grows. It is important to note that there is a limited supply of Ipe as it requires proper authorization to log as the lumber comes primarily from the rain-forest in Brazil. It is important to keep standards for pulling the logs high as we all value our natural resources.

Ipe Decking Still King

One thing we did see a lot of in 2018 is a lot of brands trying to claim superiority to Ipe, mostly synthetics or modified hardwoods. But with Ipe still lasting the longest and having the most durability and even a class A fire rating those claims seem shy of much truth. As a company we are dynamic and keep an eye out for synthetics that could possibly take over some day. But it seems from the quality that we see, that is a long time away. Nothing comes as close to the feel or beauty of a natural wood to date.

As summer comes by once more to bring sunshine and outdoor fun, you may think that it’s about time you invest in an outdoor deck. Over the summer months, it’s always great to have a place where you can relax, enjoy the weather and simply be content with life. And there are few better ways than investing in Ipe deck that not only provides such a relaxing place, but also add character to your home.

Where Does Ipe Wood come from?

The term Ipe, pronounced as “E-Pay”, refers to seven particular trees with the Tabebuia genus. As explained by PoolAndPatio, these specific trees are chosen for their diverse range of unique finishes, but consistently warm colors. In addition to the resilience of the wood, these features make Ipe an enticing wood to work with for functional, yet stylish, home improvements. So if you’ve been looking for a way to turn your plain garden into a modern, complementary addition to the home, then Ipe decking boards are the ideal solution.

Benefits that Make an Enticing Choice

Ipe deck boards are often chosen for the wide range of benefits they offer, in addition to being aesthetically appealing. Some of these benefits, which include:

• Natural Resistances – Because of the natural oils and tight fiber build, Ipe naturally resists fungus, insects and many other natural problems that deck-owners commonly face.
• Heat Dispersion – On hot summer days, you want to be able to use your deck, and a sizzling hot deck can render your outside entertainment area useless. Ipe has a very low heat retention rate and disperses it rapidly, especially if you have a slight space beneath it.
• Sturdy, Yet Stylish – Most woods are either chosen for their appearance or their durability. Ipe, however, offers the best of both worlds and can handle a harsh environment, while never compromising on aesthetics.
• Fire Resistant – A factor that every deck-owner needs to consider is how flammable the wood being used is. However, Ipe is naturally fire resistant, and is actually the top classified fire resistant wood, according to the National Fire Protection Agency.

An outside deck cannot only make your summer months far more enjoyable, but can also enhance your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. For more info regarding Ipe deck boards, contact us at Buy Ipe Direct and speak with consultants about the fantastic benefits of Ipe wood today.