| Ipe wood has been introduced into the market | | | | fungus, decay and termites because of the |
| for use in outside decking, deck chairs, deck | | | | density of the wood. |
| swings and outdoor playhouses. This is an exotic | | | | Each of these decking products as said to last for |
| hardwood that is extremely hard and durable. It is | | | | 100 years, but the Ipe expands less each year |
| also known by several other names as Cortez, | | | | out in the weather than pine. Less expansion in |
| Ironwood, Greenheart, Tahuari, Madera Negra and | | | | the joints means the longer the wood keeps its |
| Ampa. Ipe is dark brown in color similar to a dark | | | | natural shape and doesn't bow. Ipe wood does |
| walnut. Pine decking material has a yellowish green | | | | have a unique feature not seen in other woods. It |
| tint to the wood. You can notice a distinctly green | | | | is naturally slip-resistant even in the rain. This can |
| dust coming from the Ipe wood when cutting it | | | | be a very desirable trait for homeowners. |
| and it is of a fine to medium grain. | | | | Ipe is a stronger more durable product than pine. |
| Due to the hardness of the wood, a carbide saw | | | | It's hardness is rated at 3600 lbs and it's bending |
| blade must be used to cut it. Other types of | | | | strength is an amazing 22,560 psi. Whereas, pine's |
| blades will dull really quickly. Also, pilot holes must | | | | hardness is rated at 690 lbs and it's bending |
| be drilled for the hardware to attach this wood. | | | | strength is 14,500. There is quite a difference in |
| Whereas, treated pine lumber used for decking | | | | this aspect. |
| can be cut without the use of a carbide blade and | | | | Most people choose to stain and seal their pine |
| does not necessitate the use of drilling pilot holes. | | | | outdoor decks and products to achieve a beautiful |
| Pine decking is pressure treated with chemicals | | | | color of their choice. Ipe wood has such a pretty |
| forced into the wood in order to make it more | | | | color naturally, that most consumers don't even |
| weather resistant and decay resistant. Even | | | | stain or seal it. This does save quite a bit of time |
| untreated Ipe wood is naturally resistant to mold, | | | | on your project, especially if it is a large one. |