Brazilian ipe, also known as Brazilian walnut, is a type of hard hardwood that is increasingly becoming famous for being used as an outdoor deck. One major advantage of using Brazilian ipe is the fact that it offers excellent slip resistance even when wet.
Various are the reasons which make this durable wood to be so good in terms of traction:
brazilian ipe decking Florida is a highly dense and hard kind of wood. On the hardness scale, which measures the denting and wear resistance of wood, IPE scores an impressive 3,680. The density makes it a very heavy wood that holds spikes and hardware connections extremely well. The hard and dense texture does not get slick like softer woods do when they start breaking down over time.
It does not arch or twist out of shape as much as other decking materials due to its density, hardness, and oil content thus staying flat over time.IPE resists cupping, distorting, cracking, splintering, or shifting better than most other decking materials. Thus the surface remains flat over time. Unlike woods that cup upon soaking in water IPE maintains this shape keeping the deck boards level without moving or having raised surfaces causing slips or falls.
Ipe turning gray after being left unfinished and exposed to sun, rain, and changing weather conditions is normal, but also it resists rot, insects, wear, and splintering extremely well. While most other woods become more slippery as they break down, IPE remains strong and aged. Fifteen-year exposure tests of untreated ipe boards in tropical environments of high heat, humidity, and rain resulted in very little deterioration.
It meets fire safety codes because it is a dense timber with low flammability. It prevents the fast igniting of thick cell walls and the subsequent spread of fire from one section to another. In studies comparing class A fire resistance ratings, IPE tests have always been successful. Fire-resistant characteristics along with thermal barrier properties increase safety margins for this purpose.
Brazilian ipe holds up under heavy pedestrian traffic, moving outdoor furniture over it, dropping heavy objects on it, walking with high heels, pet scratching, or even weather variances without causing any visible surface wear or tear. The legendary strength of this material means that it will not lose its form like most other types of decking materials.
Finally
Brazilian Ipe therefore suggests itself as great anti-slip decking because of extreme density, hardness, oil content, and ingrained texture amongst others such as mold/insect/decay resistance. In terms of being sure-footed throughout its lifespan, this resilience pays off. For any outdoor living project specifying ipe would be a wise choice as an investment.
