IPE Hardwood Flooring
Ipe hardwood flooring is possible one of the best in the industry because of its extreme density,durability and rich colors. With a Janka rating of over 3600, this wood is one of the densest currently available on the market. Because of this, beside residential use it is often installed in industrial settings and factories or other rooms with heavy traffic. We carry a range of affordable Ipe options for your home or business, available in both engineered and solid hardwood. Ipe also comes in a variety of colors, including Brazilian Walnut Chocolate, Ebony and Cinnamon.
Origin and Appearance
The origin of Ipe comes from Brazil and throughout continental tropical America as well as in parts of the Lesser Antilles . Ipe Hardwood Flooring is referred to by many names depending on the country of origin and who is making the flooring. Brand names like Ironwood and Pau Lope are common as are "consumer names" like Brazilian Walnut. The heartwood of Ipe ranges from olive brown to blackish, though it can have lighter or darker striping that is sharply demarcated from the whitish or yellowish sapwood. Ipe is a low-luster wood with an oily appearance, a fine-to-medium texture, and a grain that ranges from straight to very irregular. Because of its density, Ipe hardwood is best when bought prefinished. Its chemical makeup interferes with the drying, adhesion and absorption of wood stains and top coats. Therefore, it takes a lot of experience and knowledge to properly finish an Ipe hardwood floor.
Properties
Along with its beauty, extreme hardness, strength, weight, density, and durability, Ipe is also one of the most stable woods available. However, it is important to "over-dry" the wood in a kiln to avoid excessive shrinkage when installing. As a flooring option, Ipe is an incredibly hard and durable wood species. It is over ninety-one percent harder than Merbau, is roughly one hundred and twenty-six percent harder than Wenge, and over two thirds harder than Santos Mahogany's ranking of 2200. Given its hardness, Ipe is moderately difficult to work, especially with hand tools, and it has a blunting effect on most cutting edges. Pre-drilling is required when nailing the wood. Because of its extreme density, Ipe flooring has a tendency to split under low humidity and is not recommended for very dry climates.
Benefits and Uses
As Ipe is currently one of the densest woods available on the market, it is ideal for wood flooring where durability and high shock resistance are needed, such as in industrial environments, decking or furniture. It is also used in railroad crossties, heavy construction, tool handles, and decorative veneers. Because of its high density, Ipe will not need to be refinished as often as its weaker competitors. An Ipe floor will maintain its beauty and stay free from, dents and other damaging factors for a long time.
