Description
Ipe (spelled ipe and pronounced “ee-pay”), also called Brazilian walnut, is a beautiful exotic wood from South America. Ipe wood structures are hard, strong, and naturally resistant to rot, abrasion, weather, and insects. Very appreciate for a refined design, with a warm and elegant appearence, it is almost twice as dense as most woods and up to five times harder. It is medium to darker brown in color, like a mahogany, so not only lasts a long time but has the beauty of a fine interior wood.
A typical feature of Ipe is its variegated shades of color, which once installed give it a pleasant additional natural effect. As with all woods, due to the effect of the sun’s rays, the color will tend to uniform over time, taking on a grayish shade. If not desired, the original color can be restored with the use of specific oils once or twice per year.
It is very popular for its extraordinary resistance and flexibility, that guarantee performance of the highest standards for exteriors. Once installed it may last over 25 years, it is practically immune to humidity, atmospheric agents, parasites, fungi and stresses.
Its extraordinary properties give it a fire resistance comparable to that of concrete. These precious features, the extremely elegant appearence and an affordable cost, have made today this wood the most widely used for exterior wooden flooring.
