Architectural rendering of Ipe deck on Providence Pedestrian Bridge

Ipe Lumber is Ideal for Outdoor Projects

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Ipe lumber is naturally beautiful and is a great option for a wide variety of exterior projects. Ipe lumber is so durable it is often the material of choice for outdoor designs. Ipe lumber is ideal for so many uses. Consider Ipe hardwood for decks, docks, piers, boardwalks, pergolas, gazebos, bridges, railings, benches, furniture and lots more.

ipe_dock_and_furniture-829802-edited 

Ipe hardwood lumber works great for decks and docks - and so much more

 

Ipe lumber comes in many shapes and sizes.  Mataverde Ipe is available in sizes as small as 2x2 and 1x4 Ipe. And larger sizes up to 4x12 Ipe timbers and 6x6 posts.  The incredibly fiber strength of Ipe hardwood makes it ideal for projects where traditional wood species won't work. Ipe lumber is always in the conversation whenever natural beauty, strength, sustainability and durability are important design criteria.  

 

Large Ipe Posts, Beams and  Timbers (3x and 4x nominal Ipe) Have Tremendous Natural Span Capacity

Larger dimensions of Ipe lumber, such as 3x4, 3x6, 3x8 and 3x12 Ipe lumber are outstanding materials for Ipe posts, Ipe beams and Ipe timbers for a variety of different exterior Ipe lumber projects.  They selected 3x6 Ipe timbers for decking on the Providence Pedestrian Bridge because of its exceptional strength and span capacity. This high span rating allowed the design team to save money by using less steel framing for the bridge's superstructure.

Architectural rendering of Ipe deck on Providence Pedestrian Bridge3x6 Ipe timber decking on Providence Pedestrian Bridge

4x4 Ipe lumber is often used for deck posts. Larger 4x6, 4x8 and 4x12 Ipe lumber have incredible strength and span capacity as structural Ipe components such as beams and lintels. Heavy Ipe timbers are often substituted for steel framing. And let's face it, natural wood is far more beautiful than a steel beam. They specified larger Ipe timbers for benches in Boston because a massive timber look matched the design scheme.

 

Ipe benches at granite walkway and steps 4x12 Ipe timber benches create natural look on granite bases at MBTA in Boston

 

Dimensional Ipe Lumber (2x nominal Ipe) has Lots of Uses

Dimensional sizes of Ipe, such as 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 and 2x12 Ipe, make terrific framing materials. Especially because of its strength and span capacity. Dimensional Ipe works in places where standard woods simply won't cut it. Ipe 2x lumber works well for rafters on overhead designs such as pergolas and trellises. Ipe dimensional wood is reliable as a strong and stable framing member.

FSC Certified Ipe rooftop deck columns and pergolaDimensional Ipe featured in overhead design element on rooftop deck

Several sizes of Ipe dimensional lumber, such as 2x4 and 2x6 Ipe have also been used as decking on famous boardwalks such as Coney Island and Atlantic City. Ipe pergolas, Ipe gazebos and Ipe bridges are a few great project ideas for Ipe lumber. Dimensional Ipe makes a fine choice for railings, too. 2x2 Ipe is a good option for deck railing balusters.

file-60707254Ipe 2x4 decking on boardwalk in New York

 

Smaller Sizes of Ipe Lumber Create Other Design Elements

Smaller sizes of Ipe hardwood, such as 1x4, 1x6, 5/4x4 and 5/4x6 Ipe are outstanding for deck boards on backyard decks and rooftop decks.  Or, if you prefer hidden fasteners for your Ipe deck project, pre-grooved Ipe decking works fantastic. Because Ipe has natural slip resistance, it is frequently specified for docks, piers and boardwalks.

Ipe decking 5/4x6 with 2x6 Ipe railings and 4x4 posts

For wood siding, 1x6 and 1x4 Ipe is a long-lasting beauty.  Ipe hardwood siding is the material of choice for rainscreen designs. No matter what your exterior project needs, consider Ipe hardwood for natural beauty and high performance.

1x6 Ipe rain screen siding and horizontal outside cornersIpe 1x6 rainscreen wood siding

We hope you enjoyed this article. For additional information about Ipe, please visit the rest of our website:

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