Ipe wood is renowned for its ability to withstand the elements, its rot resistance, and its hardness. This Brazilian hardwood is durable enough to last for years even in harsh outdoor conditions. That’s why it has gained a reputation as the king of genuine hardwood decking … [Read more...]
What Size Ipe Lumber Should I Buy?
Smart Lumber Buying: Determining the Right Size Ipe To Buy Perhaps you’re likely to balk at the price of Ipe and are having a hard time deciding whether it’s worthwhile to spring for Ipe. Even so, there’s really no debate when it comes to the fact that Ipe is the most durable … [Read more...]
Why We Love Ipe Decking
Ipe decking is a wonderful choice if you're creating a wood deck and want something that will look good and last a long time. Ipe (pronounced "ee-pay") is a dense hardwood native to South American rainforests that makes for a long-lasting decking alternative. Because of the … [Read more...]
Finishing Your New Ipe Deck, Part 3
There’s certainly more to installing your new tropical hardwood deck than simply giving your boards time to come to an equilibrium with their new environment, planning for proper spacing, and accommodating the species-specific issues that can arise. But those things are … [Read more...]
Finishing Your New Ipe Deck, Part 2
Perhaps you were disappointed to learn that your Ipe decking boards — for which you paid a pretty penny, no doubt — are not finished products. Sorry about that. But since it’s the case, it really is better that you know. In our first post in this series, we traced the journey of … [Read more...]
Finishing Your New Ipe Deck, Part 1
Did you know that once you install an Ipe deck, it’s still not a finished product? Tropical hardwood decking boards — whether they’re made of Ipe or another premium species — are already planed and have sharp corners eased (S4S, E4E). They may also have been milled to accommodate … [Read more...]
Responding to Pandemic-Related Lumber Supply Chain Issues, Part 4
In our first 3 posts in this series (see Parts 1, 2 & 3), we looked at the importance of communication with your lumber supplier and value engineering. While those concepts are not new, they are increasingly significant in light of pandemic-related supply chain limitations. … [Read more...]
Tropical Decking Recommendations from J. Gibson McIlvain
Both the commercial and the residential markets for tropical hardwood decking are exploding in today’s economy! Why? Tropical decking lasts, requires very little maintenance, and provides an attractive addition to any property. J. Gibson McIlvain maintains an inventory of decking … [Read more...]
How Long to Wait Before Installing Decking Boards? It Depends. Part 2
In our first article in this series, we looked at how the board fastening method can influence the amount of time you need to wait before you install it. We also discussed that whether or not the wood was finished and when the finish was applied can make a difference in your wait … [Read more...]
How Long to Wait Before Installing Decking Boards? It Depends. Part 1
If you’ve ever embarked on a project involving flooring or decking boards, you’ve probably heard that you’re supposed to wait for a while before installing them. After all, the boards need to acclimate to their new surroundings to prevent complications such as warping and cupping … [Read more...]
