| Alternative Outdoor Flooring Materials – Ipe / Brazilian Walnut |
Ipe Wood is known by many names: Ipe Brazil, Amapa, Cortex, Guayacan, Flor Amarillo, Greenheart, Madera Negra, Tahuari, Lapacho Negro. It has a number of trade names: Ironwood™, Pau Lope™ & Brazilian Walnut. These are commercial names given to Ipe lumber by large Brazilian exporters.
Trade Names for Ipe lumber, include not only Ipe wood, but also a number of other similar species like Cumaru (Dipterix odorata) and Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata). "Ipe lumber" can be used in somewhat of a more generic fashion, rather than a singular biological description. Ipe wood is often clustered with other woods that share similar characteristics.
Uses: Ipe/Brazilian Walnut is prized for deck building, quality furniture, and decorative veneers because of its' strength and durability. It is used in boardwalks, decking, porch floors, residential flooring, tool handles, industrial flooring, to name a few.
Description: Ipe Heartwood is typically reddish brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge, often with lighter or darker striping. Sapwood is much lighter white or yellow usually removed at the mill, although small strips along the edge can be present. Ipe hardwood has no distinctive odor or taste. Ipe wood products contain no added harmful chemicals, so it can be used near water without potential contamination.
Durability: Heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites, it has the durability and strength of teak, for a lot less money. The US Department of Agriculture and Forestry rates Ipé as "Very resistant to attack by decay, fungi and termites."
Fire Rating: a "Class A" fire rating, the same rating given to concrete & steel.
Preservatives: Finishes applied on an annual basis can be used to hold Ipe's original color. If it has been allowed to gray, Ipe can regain most of its’ original appearance with a treatment of Penofin.
For more information on Ipe/Brazilian Walnut decking tile, please visit  www.OutdoorFloors.net, a leading distributor of outdoor flooring, decking materials, and pre-made modular patios.
Article Source: UnArchived Articles
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