Top 3 Most Cost-effective Ways To Save On Ipe

It is widely known that Ipe is the best tropical hardwood in the world. Our website has plenty of articles about Ipe, its natural oils that make it impenetrable to almost everything, and its remarkable features. Information that makes us clearly understand why it is the #1 best hardwood in quality and durability. 

To name a few of its characteristics, we highlight its hardness, resistance to weathering, insect damage, rot, and being a non-thermal conducting (stays cool in the sun). As well as its A1 fire rating and the fact that it can last more than 70 years with zero maintenance. No wonder it is the preferred choice for some of the world’s most popular tourist places.

The fact that this wood does not get hot underfoot is a must for most people. If you live in a place with a warmer climate, choose a decking material that will stay cool in the summer months. Nothing is worse than stepping out onto your patio in mid-July only to find a scorching surface that will burn your feet. 

This excellent hardwood, also known as Brazilian Walnut, comes from South America and is the hardest tropical wood. Due to its longevity and density, it is widely used for high-traffic areas, such as South Point Park, in Miami Beach.

In addition, this lumber is biodegradable, renewable, and recyclable. Since it is a durable material, it does not need to be replaced for decades. Also, it is naturally dense and resilient, which means that, unlike soft or domestic woods, it does not have to be chemically treated to resist the environment. 

It is undoubtedly the best tropical wood on the planet. When you buy it, you are making a lifetime investment in a long-lasting material that you will be able to enjoy for decades.

Like many good things, the lumber does come with a price tag that isn’t for every budget. Luckily, there are a few ways to get this incredible tropical hardwood at a more affordable price. How? By choosing any of these three formats of it: 

• Ipe Shorts
• Ipe Deck Tiles
• B-Grade Ipe

1. Ipe Shorts, A Cost-effective Way To Save On Ipe

Have you ever considered using Ipe shorts for your projects? These small lengths of this lumber have all the same properties as the larger board lengths but are easier to handle, adaptable, versatile, and have a lower price point.

Here at Brazilian Lumber, we carry this material in more dimensions than most lumber distributors. We have boards for decking, Ipe beams, and much more. Also, we offer Ipe shorts in these measurements: 1X6 – 2X4 – 5/4×4, 5/4×6, and many more.

Considering Ipe Shorts for a change allows enjoying its exceptional properties while getting a budget-friendly alternative in an easier-to-handle format.

These shorts are usually considered any decking boards between one and four feet in length. Typically, these lengths are priced lower per linear foot than longer sizes. 

They can be used in a lot of projects. For example, rain screens and elevated designs such as pergolas, trellises, railings, and sidings. You can see 2×4 and 2×6 Ipe Shorts on famous walkways such as Coney Island and Atlantic City. 

2. Ipe Deck Tiles, A Way To Get Ipe At A More Affordable Price

As simple as putting a puzzle together, you have a completely renovated area in no time, when using deck tiles. And if these deck tiles are made of the wood, then you are ready to start your new project with the best material in its easiest-to-handle format.

Deck tiles are typically made of wood planks, but can also be manufactured from other materials. They usually come in a large and square shape – either 20×20 or 24×24. 

Here at Brazilian Lumber, we have pre-assembled tiles made of attractive and durable Brazilian hardwood, mainly Ipe and Cumaru. They are quick and easy to install. Most importantly, they have a natural beauty that instantly enhances your spaces. 

Contrary to what you may have heard, not all types of tiles require skill, time, or even a particular location for laying. Deck tiles are a consumer-friendly option that comes in a convenient interlocking format that will make your life easier.

You don’t need any special tools for the installation process. Our tiles can easily snap together with a deck tile connector, like the ones we carry from DeckWise. The best part is that pre-drilling holes is not required since each corner already comes with its whole and is ready for a safe and easy installation.  

They are available with a smooth finish or an anti-slip surface that is well suited for applications near swimming pools or outdoor showers.

We recommend using deck tile pedestal connectors when installing our tiles. These accessories are easy to install and remove, so if you need to replace a tile, you can simply install a new one without replacing the entire area. 

As deck tiles are a non-permanent flooring alternative, they can be a good solution when renting. Since you don’t have to attach them to the surface below, you can put them down. Then, when you move out, all you have to do is pick them up and take them with you.

Besides all the fantastic advantages of using this wood, buying in the form of deck tiles means getting a material that can be applied to any solid and fairly level surface. They can be placed on concrete, stone, brick, and even grass surfaces. They are highly durable and slip-resistant.

There are some important recommendations depending on the surface on which you want to install the Ipe tiles. Therefore, keep these suggestions in mind. 

• Grass: Wooden tiles can be installed on grass. Dig 21/2 inches down. Then, place the tiles. Apply a 1 1/2-inch layer of gravel. Pack the gravel. Place the deck tiles into the gravel and hammer them flat. Extra tip: Use a heavy-duty weed barrier or blocking fabric under the deck tiles to prevent weeds from growing through the deck tiles. 
• Concrete: You can set these wooden tiles on concrete by yourself. Just use tile connectors to assemble your new deck. They are easy to put together and require no special tools. 
• Gravel: Make sure the gravel is even, and the wooden tiles are easy to lay like any other surface. 

In addition to the benefits of Ipe, the tiles format we offer is the fastest and most practical alternative to improve any deck right away, with the best material on the market. 

3. B-Grade Ipe Is Just As Good As Ipe

Have you heard of B Grade Ipe? B-Grade Ipe has slight imperfections in its color, milling, as well as knots or pinholes. For example, when you have the reverse grade, you get chatter and tiger stripes.  So even if you sand it down, when you oil it that imperfection is going to come out.  You might have some discoloration because of sap.  Because of these minor irregularities, it can’t be sold as the premium grade Ipe so that it can be purchased at a lower price. 

But the difference between B-Grade Ipe and premium grade Ipe is only aesthetic. We are talking about the same species, so the quality and properties remain the same. 

Therefore, if you want to buy Ipe for your next project but have a limited budget, you can go for B-Grade Ipe, also known as rustic Ipe. This cost-effective choice of Ipe will give your spaces originality and personality due to the natural character marks of genuine wood. Also consider mixing A-grade and B-grade wood, using the B-grade in less visible areas. 

Long story short, Ipe Deck Tiles, Ipe Shorts, and B-Grade Ipe are the best cost-effective alternatives to save on Ipe. So if you are looking to buy the best tropical hardwood for your next project but have a short budget, you can always go with any of these choices. Minimize cost without compromising quality.