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Hardwood products are used for
decking, cabinets, furniture, paneling, flooring
and more. One of the newest products
offered by Redwood Empire is a Brazilian hardwood
called Ipe'.
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 IPE' is an
extremely dense hardwood that is a durable as it
is beautiful. The botanical name for Ipe is
Tabebuia Ipe - Lapacho. This Brazilian hardwood is
one of our most preferred woods for decking
because of its rich reddish-brown hue, all-heart
grade, exceptional grain pattern and decay
resistant properties. it is highly resistant to
scratches, termites, fungi, chemicals and fire. In
fact, Ipe has a Class A fire rating, similar to
concrete or steel.
IPE contains no harmful chemicals and can be used
near water without potential contamination. In
fact, it is often used for boat docks.
IPE is first export quality, air-dried and
dimensionally stable. First export quality refers
to the highest grade standard you can get. Ipe is
air dried wood, arriving in crates on sticks from
Brazil. A small amount of shrinkage may occur as
it continues to dry and acclimate to your
particular climate.
IPE is twice as strong as oak and several times
stronger than softwoods or synthetic deckings. For
example: Ipe 1x6 and 5/4 x 6 boards will span 24"
and 32" respectively on center for residential
decks. (See the
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES for more
details).
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IPE is a very low maintenance wood for a deck
since it can be left to weather to an attractive
silver gray color. Or one may choose to apply a
sealer or stain to Ipe in order to retain its
exquisite brown color. Sealing or staining the
deck is an appearance options and may add to the
overall life of the deck. |
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IPE is a highly stable wood too. It resists
splintering, twisting, cracking, bowing or
cupping. Any board with this occurrence can
usually be eliminated with proper installation.
The grain does not lift like other woods as it
weathers. An incredibly durable hardwood, Ipe is
expected to last 25 or more years. It will weather
the elements and heavy traffic. |
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IPE has a multitude of uses: decking, trellis',
boat docks, boardwalks, outdoor furniture and
truck bedding.
IPE dimensional lumber sizes: 1x4 to 1x6, 2x2 to
2x12, 5/4x4 to 5/4x8, 4x4, 6x6 and specified
timbers in addition to railing system, plugs and
needed accessory items. Most of the dimensional
lumber comes in 8' to 20' length boards.
IPE is milled at our affiliate company, Exman, in
Brazil. This ensures consistency in size
dimensions, appearance and quality.
IPE is harvested from well managed sustained
yield forests in Brazil. IBAMA is the regulatory
authority that certifies the harvesting and
milling practices within Brazil. Only legally
harvested and tagged logs are milled and exported
from our mill.
See our
HARDWOOD COMPARATIVE CHART.
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Hardwood Comparative Chart |
