Best 4 Reasons To Prefer Ipe For Places Prone To Get Wet

One of the most significant advantages of using Ipe lumber for outdoor projects is that this amazing tropical hardwood is water-resistant. So if you are looking to add a pool or a fountain to your deck or live near the coast, there is no better choice than Ipe. This hardwood is the BEST option when building a deck prone to getting wet. 

Ipe lumber is the best tropical hardwood in the world, not only due to its superior quality but because it has the most remarkable characteristics. Ipe is a long-lasting, low-maintenance hardwood resistant to external factors, insect damage, and rot & mildew. It does not scratch or splinter, does not get hot in the sun, has a high coefficient of friction, and has a class-A fire rating. 

Building with Ipe is a phenomenal investment since this material is impervious to almost everything. That is the main reason why it is suitable for outdoor construction. Neither water nor weather nor sunlight will damage a deck built with Ipe. Not even the sea, as it is resistant to salt water.

Ipe is the REAL DEAL, and at Brazilian Lumber, we have it ready to ship in many dimensions. We can also custom-mill any profile you may need. Want more? We also offer more affordable alternatives like rustic Ipe, Ipe shorts, and deck tiles made of Ipe. Check out our website to see our full menu. 

Ipe has many remarkable characteristics worth mentioning. In this article, we will focus on the ones that make it the right hardwood to build a deck that will be wet most of the time.

1. Ipe Is Water & Rot Resistant

Water can be a big hazard for any wood structure besides tropical hardwoods, especially Ipe, which is naturally water-resistant and works great in wet climates. Its natural oils make them strong enough to avoid insect damage, decay or developing harmful fungi due to water exposure.

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. This wood can withstand this and other threats surrounding it thanks to its natural environment. 

It’s an extremely dense wood, making it strong and durable. Ipe is also scratch resistant and very difficult to dent. 

2. Ipe Does Not Scratch Or Splinter

Royal Island Resort

An Ipe deck is a safe deck. As mentioned above, this hardwood is harmless to your feet, as it will not scratch or splinter over time. Feel free to walk barefoot as much as you want because there is no risk of getting injured.

This feature is important too because who wears shoes around the swimming pool, right? An Ipe deck is a barefoot-friendly deck that provides a surface suitable for children and pets. This brings us to the next point to emphasize why a deck made of Ipe is the best choice when you have a pool. 

3. Ipe Does Not Get Hot In The Sun

Ipe’s advantages of not retaining heat and the fact that it will not scratch or splinter making 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 an Ipe deck without having to worry about hurting your feet.

But what makes this feature so special? It is important to understand that under the sun, the surface of your deck will heat up more due to the amount of solar energy absorbed versus the amount reflected. The darker the color of the surface, the more heat is absorbed and the hotter it gets. This is why most resorts let Ipe fade to a silver color, which also gives a stunning look. 

Most wood surfaces draw heat into the panel, causing the surface to cool, while the board stays warmer longer as the sun goes away. Fortunately, we don’t have that issue with Ipe lumber, as this wood always retains its cool factor across its entire surface. 

The only thing that might happen with an Ipe deck constantly exposed to the sun is a change of color. If a proper oil is not applied, it can take on a silvery tone, commonly known as silver patina. As we mentioned earlier, this can be a bonus for some people, as it also looks great with a platinum tone. 

This specific feature makes it the preferred option for many resorts, such as Capella Sanya Resort, in Yingzhou Town, Banyan Tree Sanya Resort in Jiyang District, and many others from the Maldives to the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is also the wood of choice in most marinas, such as the Shelter Island Marina in San Diego and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

4. Ipe Is Salt Water-Resistant

If you live near the sea, Ipe is all you need. Salt water can be very corrosive to any material, except for Ipe. This tropical hardwood is from the Rainforest, an atmosphere in which it has adapted and developed to become almost entirely impervious to water, and salt water is no exception. 

Ipe can withstand constant exposure to the ocean like no other wood without deteriorating. This makes it the perfect choice for any construction around the coast. 

To conclude, if you plan to build a pool area or add a fountain in your backyard, choose Ipe for perfect results. This fantastic, low-maintenance tropical wood is ideal for locations prone to getting wet. Ipe is water and rot-resistant, does not scratch or splinter, does not heat up in the sun, and is salt-water resistant. 

With Ipe, you will have over 75 years of entertainment on a safe, durable, and indestructible surface for you and your loved ones.