IPE Hardwood

Ipé wood is a type of tropical hardwood with a durability class 1 and strength class D60. This wood type is therefore known as the most durable hardwood type in the world. Ipe wood comes from Brazil and is characterised by its very fine grain. This type of wood is often used in the construction of swimming pools and decks because it can be attached with invisible clips and therefore without visible screws. This is not only more attractive but also a lot safer. Because of its sturdiness, Ipe wood is also ideally suited for use in construction work or to make facades or furniture.

IPE WOOD FOR ALL KINDS OF APPLICATIONS

In addition to being used for outdoor decking and garden wood, the wood type can also be used for parquet floors or stairs. The botanical name for Ipe wood is 'Tabebiia spp' and it belongs to the 'Bignoniaceae' family. The Ipe tree grows on average 20 to 30 metres tall, and the trunk is 60 to 90 centimetres wide. The colour of Ipe's hardwood can be described as brown to greenish to yellow-grey along the edges. The hardwood of Ipe is durable but the sapwood is not. The downside of Ipe wood is that it dries very slowly, but as a result, there is little risk of it deforming. The wood is very hard and strong and does not easily split. It is also very elastic. The thread is straight, but sometimes a cross thread or irregular thread can appear. Processing IPE is difficult, but a smooth finish is not a problem. Please note that substances can be released that can cause various skin disorders in people who are sensitive to them. Do you want to use nails or screws? Make sure that you pre-drill the wood so that you can easily attach the nails or screws.

How does IPE wood last?

When you make your decking boards from Ipe wood, expect them to last around 25 to 30 years. Because it is high quality hardwood it remains beautiful for a long time. They are strong and durable and that is why they are so popular for laying out decks and along swimming pools for example. When laying a deck, make sure that you use wooden support beams, as this extends the life of your deck considerably. Space between the boards is essential for good drainage. To keep the colour beautiful it is recommended to treat the boards annually with a special bankirai oil. This will also prevent cracks from appearing in the bankirai wood.