Should I Buy Brazilian Ipe Wood Fencing?
Along with western red cedar and redwood, Brazilian ipe wood is showing up more and more often as the material of choice for wooden fences and gates. Read more to find out why ipe fencing is so special.
Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is a hardwood tree that grows in the rain forests of South America. Amazingly durable and strong, it has built-in resistance to insects, decay, and weather. Not only that, but it’s almost completely fire resistant.
Builders have been using ipe lumber in growing numbers, with high customer satisfaction in both residential and commercial projects. High-profile ipe wood projects include boardwalks in Duluth, Minnesota and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Other applications include porch railings, indoor and outdoor rustic furniture, playground equipment, marine applications, fences, and wooden gates.
Ipe’s natural color is dark brown, similar to mahogany or teak. Untreated, it fades in the sun to a silvery gray. Most dealers recommend not using sealant on ipe wood. The material is so dense that the sealant resists soaking in, instead staying on the surface and becoming sticky. In areas of strong sunlight, or if you want to preserve the original brown color, a UV resistant coating can be applied. If you go this route, brush on a very thin layer at a time. Untreated ipe fences and gates can easily last 25 years, or more.
Sustainability is big issue with any rain forest grown lumber. A reputable dealer will be up front about the origins of its product. Ipe is grown sustainably in Brazil by cultivating healthy forests and harvesting only a few trees per acre every year. Done right, a good ipe woodlot actually prevents rainforest deforestation by providing local residents a means of earning a living without resorting to slash-and-burn farming.
Unlike ipe decking, ipe fences and gates don’t have significant problems with shrinkage and warping. Since their surfaces are all vertical, they get plenty of ventilation and allow water to run off without pooling.
Choose this elegant, high-demand wood for your fencing and gate needs and enjoy its beauty and durability for years to come.