Ipe Shorts, And The 5 Facts That Make Them The Best Option

Ipe is said to be the BEST tropical hardwood in the world because it has so many outstanding characteristics that make it ideal for outdoor construction.

This dense wood is weather-resistant, has an A-fire rating, is impermeable to mold, mildew, and insects. In addition, this material does not splinter or crack, does not absorb heat, and does not need to be chemically or thermally treated to resist the elements.

Although many have worked with this material, have you ever considered using ipe shorts for your projects?

This wood is an extremely versatile tropical hardwood that makes it suitable for any outdoor (or indoor) project. With Ipe your creativity needs no limits. At Brazilian Lumber you can find all the dimensions and board length to complete any type of project.

The variety of board sizes makes all kinds of projects possible. However, we would like to have you consider Ipe shorts. These small lengths of Ipe have all the same properties as the larger board lengths, but are easier to handle, very adaptable, versatile, and have a lower price point.

Here at Brazilian Lumber, we carry this material in more dimensions than most lumberyards. We have ipe boards for decking, ipe beams, and much more. Also, we offer Ipe shorts in the following measurements: 1X6 – 2X4 – 2X2 – 2X6.

Our intention with this article is to remind you of the most amazing features of this material, pointing out that having a low-cost version of it, as Ipe shorts are considered, is a HUGE advantage.

Ipe wood is so durable that it is frequently the material of choice for outdoor designs. For example, in the construction of decks, walkways, pergolas, bridges, railings, benches, furniture, and more.

There’s no question that Ipe is a long-lasting material and the best alternative for building a deck. It is weather-resistant, insect-free, has an A1 fire rating, does not heat up in the sun, and requires little to no maintenance.

For these reasons, it is clear that this material is a high-quality material that makes the investment worthwhile.  

But there is a way to save on this wood, and that is buying Ipe shorts for a change. This alternative is friendlier on your wallet and will give you an opportunity to work with easier-to-handle lengths.  If you consider the weight of the wood 1×6 board, it weighs about 4 lbs per square foot. 

One important thing to add is that the incredible fiber strength of Ipe hardwood makes it perfect for projects where traditional types of wood are not suitable. 

These boards are usually considered any ipe decking boards that are between one and five feet in length. Typically, these board lengths are priced at a lower price per linear foot than longer sizes. 

They can be used in a lot of projects.  For example, rain screens in elevated designs such as pergolas and trellises. This lumber 2×2 is a good choice for patio railings and sidings. 

Many sizes of this dimensional wood, such as 2×4 and 2×6, have also been used as decks on famous walkways such as Coney Island and Atlantic City. The pergolas, rotundas, and bridges are some great project ideas where ipe shorts can be used. 

Now that we have shared some ideas of how you can use your Ipe shorts, let’s make a quick review of the best 5 reasons why you should always go for this wood.

• Long life span
• Weather resistance
• Non-heat absorbing
• Insect and mold resistant 
• Many lengths and sizes

1.Long Life Span Of Ipe:

Ipe comes from the Amazon Rain Forest where it is constantly exposed to heavy rainfall and insects, so it has adapted over the years to become resistant to all those threats.

2. Ipe Is Weather Resistant:

This wood is referred to as “tough as nails” because it is one of the densest types of wood in the world. Due to its natural oils, it is resistant to the elements, mold, mildew, and insect damage. These features make it last at least 50 years.

3. Ipe Does Not Get Hot Underfoot:

This extraordinary wood naturally retains less heat than its plastic, metallic, and composite counterparts. You can stay barefoot and cool, having nothing to worry about. 

Since this lumber is less prone to cracking or splitting than most types of wood decking, you’ll also avoid painful splinters. This is something that definitely needs to be considered, especially if you have children and pets whose feet are more sensitive.

4. Ipe Requires Little To No Maintenance:

The exceptional density of this hardwood creates a surface that is very easy to care for. All you need to do is clean it and regularly apply a hardwood oil base. To achieve this, here are 3 simple recommendations:

• Sweep it daily to remove dirt, pollen, and leaves 
• Wash it and let it dry well for at least 24 hours
• Oil it with proper products like the ones we sell here at Brazilian Lumber

5. Ipe Comes In All Different Lengths And Sizes:

You may think that this cannot be counted as an advantage, as all types of wood can be cut to size. However, the fact that this material has the shorts presentation is an important buying opportunity worth mentioning.

This wood’s variety of sizes makes it suitable for all types of projects. Whether for large constructions or small areas, the versatility of this material is an important feature that should never be forgotten.  

In short, Brazilian Ipe is the best type of hardwood in the world, especially for decking. All the outstanding characteristics mentioned above make this material a unique wood. Add to that the prestige it gives to any space where it is used, and you are guaranteed that nothing beats this wood.