When looking for a hardwood used for decking, you may come up with several options online. Using the Janka hardness scale, you can measure the hardness of wood using the force needed to embed a steel ball halfway to the wooden board. There is an average score on the Janka hardness scale, which is about 1290 pounds of force. Ipe wood Florida Janks scale rated as 3684 pounds.
Among the commercial hardwoods available, it is placed in the top three.
Moisture resistant
One reason why Ipe wood lasts long is its natural moisture resistance characteristics. The hardwood has been harvested properly and treated, making it naturally water-resistant. It protects from erosion and splintering, and keeps the development of:
- Mold
- Mildew
These factors are very important when speaking of IPE decking since it is exposed outdoors. So, it is crucial to ensure that the type of wood you choose is durable and can withstand any weather condition. Decks are exposed to elements year-round, so protecting them from rain and snow is critically essential. With many commercial products available, it protects wooden decks from the elements.
But, with Ipe, the lumber does most of the work for you, typically done at the end of the summer.
Ipe: insect-resistant wood
Termites wreak havoc on any wooden structure. It protects against termites and is a major challenge too. Once the infestation begins, the damage starts. So, what is the most reasonable way to fight termite infestation?
When choosing Ipe wood, the lumber is too hard for termites. Termites and some other insects can’t penetrate in Ipe lumber. Therefore, Ipe decking is resistant to damage from all types of pests and insects. When using Ipe lumber for decking, you don’t need extra preventive measures to protect against these damaging insects.
Fire resistant
When speaking of fire resistance, Ipe hardwood is thought of as the best building material. Ipe hardwood excels in this area. Ipe hardwood has an A1 rating in fire resistance. Fire safety is always crucial regardless of the construction materials used. But, it is good to have peace of mind that the Ipe deck can withstand potential fire damage.
Indeed, Ipe is useful during summer months when people use the bonfires and grill in their yards. In case of accidental fire damage to your deck, it only has minimal damage and is not that severe as it is not easy to fire or burn. So, this is the reason why Ipe has a high pricing.
