Summit Vienna

This Brazilian hardwood is one of the best products that can be purchased for use in outdoor projects. Ipe wood is a tropical hardwood originating in Central and South America. Because of the location of the trees natural growth, the tree possesses certain attributes that favor its growth in a rainforest environment. These attributes are also favorable for wood that will be used in outdoor door projects. One of these traits in particular is the ability of the wood to resist insects and moisture. Results from tests performed by the United States Naval Research Laboratory show Ipe wood left in the ground for 25 years still showed no attacks by termites and awarded the wood its highest rating. Also of importance when using the wood around the home, this hardwood has proven to be particularly fire resistant. In tests done by the National Fire Protection Association, the wood was given a rating of Class A and Class 1 by the UBC. These are both the same ratings that are carried by concrete and steel.

Another feature unique to Ipe is its incredible hardness. Standard decking size is 4/4 material with a net ¾ inch thickness. On 24 inch Centers the 4/4 material will provide a 100lb live load rating that out performs the more common woods used today. The hardness rating for this wood is 3640 Janka. Red Oak only carries a Janka of 1260. It is 364 percent harder than Teak. This superior strength also supplies another nice feature; the wood is naturally resistant to splintering. This is a definite bonus when building decking around swimming pools and hot tubs where the normal shoe attire is bare feet.  Read more...

When it comes to choosing a wood for a special outdoor project, Ipe wood is difficult to beat in terms of beauty and endurance.  This tropical hardwood grows throughout regions of Central and South America and is fast becoming one of the top choices for decking and outdoor furniture.

Of a flowering variety, this tree reaches heights of up to 150 feet.  The trunk diameter for this tree can grow up to six feet at the base.  It is found in a variety of places, from ridge tops to riverbanks and is very prolific. The tree has several common names and is often referred to as Ironwood, Brazilian Walnut, Pau Lope or Lapacho.  Because this species of tree is prolific throughout South American countries, it is easily grown in managed forests.  Managed forestry practices remain the best way to encourage responsible forestry practices.  By choosing to use Ipe wood grown in managed forests, exploitive deforestation is discouraged and negative impacts on rainforests is kept to a minimum level.  All ways check with the company from which you are obtaining Ipe, to ensure that the tropical lumbers they import carry the Forest Stewardship Council’s certification.  Read more...