Our private boardwalk got a refresh in February of 2016, when it was replaced with Ipe wood. Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) is a smooth, dense and very durable hardwood, also known as Brazilian Walnut. Due to its durability, it is commonly chosen for boardwalks in areas with high traffic or harsh environmental factors, and can last 25-75 years with proper maintenance.
Ipe has a tight grain, and this density makes it incredibly strong and resistant to moisture. It’s so dense that it won’t even float in water! It also has the same fire rating as concrete and steel, meaning it is more flame-resistant than softer woods. Because this wood is so dense, strong and durable, it has been deemed the “blade blunter” meaning that the wood will quickly dull and blunt most saw blades and other blades used for the cutting.
Not only is Ipe wood great to use for durability, it retains less heat than other woods, so it is never too hot to walk barefoot after rinsing your feet off at the beach. Enjoy the beautiful warm mahogany tone and velvety feel of this wood on your way out to the beach.
Old Boardwalk:
Sandpiper’s old boardwalk, remodeled Spring 2016.
New Ipe Boardwalk:
Sandpiper Port Aransas Condos, www.sandpiperportaransas.com
Ipe was also used on the New York City’s Coney Island boardwalk which wasn’t in need of replacing for 25 years! An extremely impressive feat, considering the amount of traffic and environmental stresses placed on the wood throughout the years.
This wood is chosen for boardwalks and decking for the durability of product as well as its strength. Ipe has a fire rating the same as concrete and steel in which both have high melting points meaning that it resists flames much easier than softer woods. The reason for this strength and durability is due to the trees super thick density. It’s so dense that it will not even float in water! Because this wood is incredibly dense, so strong and so durable, it has been deemed the “blade blunter” meaning that the wood will quickly dull and blunt most saw blades and other blades used for the cutting.
Not only is this wood great to use for the practicality of the durability, Ipe is absolutely beautiful and very velvety to the touch.
Sandpiper Port Aransas Condos, www.sandpiperportaransas.com
