When deciding which product to choose for decking around swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas, Ipe decking is a great choice. The advantages of this tropical hardwood are many and for those who only want to make this investment once, Ipe wood is one of the best options out there.
As a wood product subjected to outdoor elements and nearly constant exposure to water, Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is one of the most rot-resistant woods. It is also resistant to mold and insect infestation. In tests by the United States Naval Research Laboratory, Ipe wood that had been left in the ground for 15 years was still free of termites and was given the highest possible rating. Even untreated Ipe can be expected to last for over 40 years. With a deck oil applied to the surface of the wood, Ipe decks will last for over 100 years. Now that’s a great return on an investment.
For decking in slippery areas, Ipe also rises above the competition. It has been tested to ASTM-D143 and Ipe wood exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for coefficient of static friction in a humid environment. This is an important consideration when thinking about which cover to use around pools and hot tubs. Children have a natural tendency to want to run around swimming pools and with Ipe decking, it is one more help in preventing accidents. Another advantage that this exotic hardwood offers is that it does not splinter, another important advantage around pools and hot tubs where most people will be barefoot.
Although Ipe is found primarily in South America, Ipe hardwood is also an environmentally responsible choice. Because Ipe can be grown relatively easily in managed forests, it is a renewable resource and encourages responsible forestry practices. This ease of harvesting from managed forests means less impact on tropical rainforests. This exotic hardwood has many advantages over teak and mahogany and is available at a fraction of the cost.
These trees can grow up to 150 feet tall and can have a trunk diameter of 6 feet. The average height at harvest in a managed forest is 100 feet and a trunk diameter of 2 to 3 feet. This is an incredibly dense wood, which is what makes it such a durable choice for decking. It’s so dense; wood actually sinks in water.
Until recently, Ipe was impractical due to this density. The wood was very difficult to machine and would quickly dull even the sharpest blades. Recent technological advances have made them much easier to work with and carbide blades are now used to avoid the problem of easily dull blades. Holes for fasteners must be pre-drilled, as wood is nearly impervious to hammers and nails. However, it works very well.
When the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk needed to be replaced, Ipe wood decking was chosen. The Treasure Island resort in Las Vegas also chose Ipe as the preferred wood for its boardwalk. If you’re planning an outdoor project, consider using Ipe for a deck that will last a lifetime.