Want To Remodel Your Pool Area? Find Out Why Ipe Wood Is The Best Choice

So you want to remodel your pool area, and you’re wondering what type of decking to use. You’ve probably heard of Ipe wood, but you may not know much about it. Ipe is a type of hardwood that is native to Central and South America. It’s an extremely dense wood, which makes it very strong and durable. This wood is also scratch resistant, and it’s very difficult to dent. It’s also one of the few kinds of wood that is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. 

This means it’s perfect for pool decks because it won’t get slippery when wet. Ipe is also a beautiful wood with a rich dark color that will complement any home, backyard, and pool. So if you’re looking for a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance decking material, this wood is the best choice.

Ipe’s characteristics such as hardness, resistance to weathering, insect damage & rotting, and non-thermal conductivity (it stays cool in the sun). As well as its A1 fire rating and the fact that it can last over 70 years make it the perfect choice for any project you have in mind. 

All its features are extraordinary, but in this article, we will focus mainly on its advantage of not retaining heat and the fact that it will not scratch or splinter. Both characteristics make it ideal for a pool area where being barefoot is never out of the question. Because of these incredible characteristics, Ipe is the star of our “Barefoot Promise” campaign, in which we guarantee how safe it is to walk on a deck without having to worry about hurting your feet. 

First, it is important to understand that under the sun, the surface of your deck will heat up more due to the amount of solar or thermal energy absorbed versus the amount reflected. The darker the color of the surface, the more heat is absorbed and the hotter it gets. 

This will never happen with this lumber. This extraordinary wood naturally retains less heat than its plastic, metallic, and composite counterparts, so you can stay barefoot, having nothing to worry about. Since Ipe lumber is less prone to cracking or splitting than most types of wood decking, you’ll also avoid injuring your feet.

Does The Sun Have Any Effect On Ipe Wood?

Le Meridien

YES. Luckily, it has a positive effect. An Ipe deck constantly exposed to the sun will change its natural color. If proper oil is not applied, your hardwood decking will take on a silvery tone, commonly known as silver patina. This can be an added bonus for some people, as it also looks great with a platinum tone. In fact, most luxury resorts from the Maldives to the Turks and Caicos Islands take advantage of this color change to create unique, elegant spots. In addition, this silver color is lighter, so it is even less heat-absorbent.

What Is The Origin Of Ipe?

The Cove Eluthera 

The origin of Ipe makes it the strongest and most durable tropical species in the world. This lumber comes from the rainforest of the Americas, where it is exposed to harsh weather conditions. Thanks to its natural environment, this wood can withstand this and other threats surrounding it. 

In addition, Ipe is water-resistant, which makes it even more suitable for areas constantly exposed to getting wet. It is also one of the few natural building materials that can withstand saltwater corrosion. The density of the wood protects it from rot and decay, which is why you can find this hardwood in most 5-star hotels.

Many resorts use Ipe for their decking, cladding, siding, or even as part of their decorative elements. You can find this lumber at the Capella Sanya Resort, in Yingzhou Town, or at Banyan Tree Sanya Resort, in Jiyang District.

This material is the wood of choice in most marinas, such as the Shelter Island Marina in San Diego and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

You might think that a hardwood with such remarkable characteristics would require special care, but it is actually the opposite. This hardwood will stay in perfect condition with no maintenance. How? Just follow this quick cleaning routine. 

1. Sweep it daily to remove dirt, pollen, and leaves.
2. Wash it and let it dry well for at least 24 hours.
3. Then oil it with proper products like the ones we sell here at Brazilian Lumber to keep its natural color. Otherwise, let it take on a silvery tone and enjoy its new look. 

With Ipe, you can create stunning pool areas as if they were taken from luxury hotels. The spots won’t be just stylish but functional, safe, and suitable for children and pets. 

Extra Benefits Of Ipe

• Ipe Lasts Over 50 Years: Ipe has been used in commercial boardwalks and decks installed more than 50 years ago like the Coney Island boardwalk, and the Atlantic City boardwalk, a testament to its longevity. Because of its density (it sinks in water), Ipe can withstand all threats, such as extreme weather. In addition, due to its high tannic acid content, it will not rot, mold, mildew, or be affected by insects. 
• Ipe Is Eco-Friendly: Ipe lumber is biodegradable, renewable, and recyclable. Since it is a durable material, it does not need to be replaced for decades. In addition, Ipe is naturally dense and resilient, which means that, unlike soft or domestic woods, it does not have to be chemically treated. 
• Ipe Adds Value To Your Property: In addition to adding aesthetic value, an Ipe deck can also increase the resale value of your home. Prospective buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that includes a high-quality deck, and an Ipe deck will certainly impress potential buyers. If you are considering adding a deck to your home, Ipe should be at the top of your list.

To conclude, if you are looking for the best material to remodel the pool area, there is no better choice than Ipe. Its superior quality will improve the beauty of the new spot, and its remarkable characteristics will make it the proper area for non-stop entertainment. 

Take advantage of its non-heat retaining surface and its anti-splintering feature. Get a deck that is as beautiful as it is functional and safe. Build with Ipe.