Ipe
(ee-pay)
This
fantastic and durable South American Hardwood is rated by the US Forest
Products Lab for 25 years plus. It is resistant to fire naturally,
has a rating of Class A by the NFPA or class 1 by the UBC, resists
insects, moisture, and movement. This wood is perfect for exterior
residential and commercial applications such as boat docks, decking,
boardwalks, outdoor furniture, etc. It can be sealed to maintain its
natural color and beauty, or weathered to a beautiful silver gray
color.
It
is available in various standard dimensions and can be cut with standard
carbide tipped blades. It does however require predrilling and screwing
with stainless steel screws or hidden fastening systems. Standard
decking size is 4/4 material not 5/4 or 8/4. On 24" centers the
4/4 material will provide a 100 lb. load rating far better than any
cedar, redwood, or CCA pressure treated material. It has a hardness
rating of 3640 Janka, almost 3 times better than that of Red Oak.
Ipe is also resistant to surface checking and naturally resistant
to molds which are 2 of the most destructive forces to deck faces.
When
compared to other woods such as redwood, cedar, or copper chromium
arsenate pressure treated materials, Ipe lasts much longer (3-5 times
the life span), a stronger resistance to fire, insects, weather and
movement while it is priced competitively with high grades of cedar
or redwood. By comparison, the value of Ipe is very clearly the best
timber product for outdoor usage bar none.
Handling
and Storage: Ipe is supplied partially air dried and should be
stored out of direct sunlight and allowed to stabilize and acclimate
to the installation environment humidity levels before installation.
It is best to allow for groundside ventilation in the design as proper
air circulation is necessary for long term stability of Ipe. When
installing, allow 1/16" gap between the deck boards for circulation
of air. When Ipe is fully seasoned, shrinkage of approx. 1/16"
on 4" wide boards to 1/8" on 6" wide boards may be
expected.
Cutting
and Drilling: Premium carbide tipped saw blades and high quality
drills are recommended for smooth cuts due to the hardness of Ipe.
Pre drill a pilot hole and countersink when using screws as fasteners.
End
Sealing: Ends should be sealed immediately after cutting using
a clear aqueous wax end sealer to reduce end checking.
Fastening:
Coated or galvanized steel fasteners may be used, but they tend to
have a shorter life span and may cause staining of the wood. Stainless
steel screws are considered the best and they will also eliminate
potential chemical reactions or staining at the fastener location.
Allowable
Ipe Spans
|
Nominal
Size
|
40psf
|
60psf
|
100psf
|
| 1
x 6 |
32" |
28" |
24" |
| 5/4
x 6 |
42" |
38" |
32" |
| 2
x 4 |
62" |
56" |
48" |
These spans are designed for minimal deflection of the deck surface
Finishing: Ipe may be sealed upon installation to reduce the potential
of checking. Penetrating oil based finishes are used with Ipe by most
installers. Excessive application of oil based sealers may create
a sticky surface and will not enhance or extend their performance.
To maintain and keep the rich natural walnut-like color of Ipe, use
a pigmented, penetrating oil sealer with UV inhibitors. Reapply as
needed, or, if you wish the natural weathering to a silver gray, apply
a penetrating oil based sealer during installation and do not reseal...
ever.
Decking
Comparison Chart for Ipe vs Redwood, Pine & Cedar
|
Common
Name
|
Ipe
|
Cedar
|
Redwood
|
CCA
Southern Pine
|
|
Grade
|
Clear,
all-heart, No knots, No sapwood
|
Varies,
common grades have knots and sapwood |
Varies,
common grades have knots and sapwood |
Varies,
available grades have knots and other defects |
|
Appearance
|
No
splinters. Surface stays smooth and resists scratches. No sealers
required. Develops a silvery patina from UV exposure and small
surface checks |
Scratches
easily. Splinters, becomes a dirty gray without regular cleaning
and applying of sealers. |
Scratches
easily. Splinters, becomes a dirty black/gray without regular
cleaning and applying of sealers |
Surface
develops large splits. Splinters, boards twist and cup, surface
becomes rough without regular application of sealers, cleaners,
and power washing. |
|
Decay
Resistance
|
High
25 years plus |
Moderate
10-15 years |
Moderate
10-15 years |
Varies
with treatment |
|
Fire
Rating Class-NFPA
|
A |
B-C |
B-C |
C-D |
|
Resistance
to Termites
|
High |
Low |
Low |
Varies
with treatment |
|
Resistance
to Marine Borers
|
High |
Low |
Low |
Varies
with treatment |
|
Movement
in Service
|
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium
to High |
|
Weight
(per cu. ft.)
|
69
lbs |
30
lbs |
30
lbs |
35
lbs |
|
Bending
Strength
|
25,400
psi |
6,800
psi |
7,900
psi |
14,500
psi |
|
Modulus
of Elasticity
|
3,140,000
psi |
930,000
psi |
1,000,000
psi |
1,700,000
psi |
|
Max.
Shear Strength
|
2,060 |
900 |
940 |
1,370 |
|
Hardness
|
3,680
lbs |
580
lbs |
480
lbs |
690
lbs |
Click
here to request a quote - we offer VERY competitive
pricing!
Return
to Ipe's Main Page
Austin
Wholesale Decking Supply
10900
N Lamar Blvd.,
Austin, TX 78753
Phone: 512/834-1200
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