IPE - ironwood - Pau Lope^®

This South American species is a very stable and durable timber. It dries extremely well with little checking, twisting, or bow. It is widely known for its strength and natural resistance to decay and it can be used in ground contact without preservatives or additional treatments. Testing by the US Navy in a Panama Canal study from 1962 showed Ipe to be one of the top performers in resistance to decay, termites, and borers. Of those hardwoods tested it was one of the very few that is commercially available. Extensively used in commercial exterior construction such as boardwalks, piers, and benches, it has recently become the top choice for residential decks due to its low maintenance, attractive color, and very smooth surface and the fact that is lasts over 25 years! It is a heavy timber, approximately 64 lbs. per cubic foot when dry, normally sinks in water, and has a fire rating of Class A, (the same as concrete or steel).

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Uses include: residential and commercial decking, boardwalks, piers, fencing, park benches, etc.

This very dense wood requires no sealers or treatments. A sealer coat can be applied to preserve their natural color, which ranges from a rich russet to a classic reddish brown. Left unsealed, they weather to handsome silver patina. One of the more famous commercial applications for Ipe has been the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

After 24 years of use, the planks used show almost no wear! Ironwoods in general remain smooth due to their being one of the earth's most dense woods, but after installation you may experience some splintering. Be sure to check you local codes before installing. They will not absorb water like softer wood do, twist, or bow like some woods do. This means that if you use Ipe for your deck, you will be able to walk on it barefoot for a lifetime.