EXOTIC WOOD

In the ever-widening quest for wood that looks good, is structurally adaptable and resists rot and decay, imported exotic hardwoods have become significant niche players. The most common is Ipe (pronounced “ee-PAY”) and the old standby mahogany. Others include Teak, Tigerwood, Cumaru and Brazilian Redwood to name a few.  The advantages of these materials are their relative durability and longevity. They resist the usual ills that befall decking woods — fading, rot, discoloration, and deterioration — better than almost any domestic wood except cypress.  (other species are available upon request)

Ipe has deep, rich color tones that make it unique as a deck wood. It is virtually maintenance free and requires no coating or treatments to maintain its strength or structural integrity. A clear oil finish can be applied to maintain the natural color, if desired. Otherwise, the color will fade over time to a silver gray.

Imported from South America, Ipe wood (also known as Cambara Decking, Brazilian Walnut, Greenheart, Jatoba, Purpleheart, Massaranduba, and Ironwood) is very hard (3680 Janka)* extremely resistant to decay, insects, damage from ice, salt, abrasion, splintering, chemicals and fire. The superior strength, density, hardness, stability, and durability of Ipe hardwood make it one of the very best materials for an outdoors deck.

Ipe Benefits:
• Provide extreme insect resistance
• Stay cool because it doesn’t absorb heat
• Repel wood rot & decay
• Hold up under extreme traffic & heavy use
• Resist mold & fungus
• Outlast composite materials
• Resist scratches & slivers
• Have increased slip resistance

Millard Lumber can supply deck boards in 1 x 4, 1 x 6, 5/4 x 6 grooved and non-grooved boards and accessories including hidden deck fasteners, handrail and more (other sizes available upon request).

Please call us directly for more information and pricing.

ipe

*JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: the Janka hardness test measures the resistance of a type of wood to withstand denting and wear. It measures the force required to embed an 11.28 mm (0.444 in) steel ball into wood to half the ball’s diameter. This method leaves an indentation. A common use of Janka hardness ratings is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring.