Natural Wood Decking

Tough-as-steel natural wood decking

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Ipe (ee-pay) is a hard-as-a-rock, stiff-as-steel, nearly rot-proof, gorgeous alternative to treated, cedar or composite decking materials. Ipe is the generic name for a collection of tropical hardwood species that are so dense that they actually sink in water and so hard that you’ll never drive a screw or nail into them without predrilling first. Carbide-tipped cutting tools are recommended.

You’ll pay about $1.60 per linear foot (about the same cost as clear cedar and many composites) for 5/4 x 6 material, the size of ordinary wood decking. Other sizes are available for rails, stairs and furniture.

Decking that looks this good, costs this much and lasts this long (at least 30 years) requires quality fasteners like stainless steel screws or hidden deck fasteners like the EB-TY system. You can special-order Ipe at most lumberyards and many home centers. For more information, contact the companies below.

Banner Elk Trading Co., (877) 909-8575.
bannerelktrading.com

Outback Decking Co., (610) 527-6699.
outbackdecking.com

From The Family Handyman - April 2003
 
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