Wood siding is a naturally beautiful exterior siding material and vertical wood siding creates a unique look for any home or structure. Whether you choose to install your wood siding horizontally, diagonally or vertically, all options create clean directional architectural lines for your design. Vertical wood siding can transform an ordinary looking wood siding installation into an extraordinary focal point of natural warmth and beauty.
Ipe rainscreen wood siding project using vertical wood siding and horizontal wood siding.
Many wood siding species are suitable for vertical wood siding applications. Ipe wood siding, Cumaru wood siding, Garapa wood siding and Machiche wood siding are all high density hardwood siding materials that will hold up extremely well even in harsh climates and conditions. These hardwood siding materials are particularly well suited to rainscreen vertical wood siding projects.
Garapa vertical wood siding Ipe rainscreen vertical wood siding Cumaru vertical wood siding
The Climate-Shield Rainscreen Wood Siding System was used in the photo of the Garapa vertical wood siding above. In the center photo above, 1x4 Ipe siding was alternated with 1x6 Ipe siding for an Arts and Crafts style of vertical wood siding installation. The Cumaru vertical wood siding installation feaures 1x6 Cumaru siding installed vertically and a 1x6 Cumaru "waterboard" for a starter course architectural feature.
More information about Climate-Shield Rainscreen vertical wood siding.
For a wealth of valuable information about sustainable rainscreen wood siding systems, download the FREE whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Rain Screen Wood Siding".
If you don't think that wood decking can be a low maintenance decking material, please read on. Wood decking is an all natural, renewable resource and some species can definitely be a low maintenance real wood decking option. The top surface of all wood decking material oxidizes when exposed to direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays from the sun cause chemical reactions in the woods that start the natural "graying process" that all wood decking materials experience. The same ultraviolet rays cause synthetic decking surfaces (composite decking and palastic decking) to fade out and become chalky and dull in appearance.
If you are a naturalist and simply love the charm and beauty of real wood products, there are low maintenance wood decking materials available to you. Softwood decking materials (such as fir decking, cedar decking, treated pine decking) have a tendency to split, check and crack and require annual or biannual painting, sealing or staining to keep them in good repair and prevent them from rotting. Compare low maintenance Cumaru hardwood to other wood decking materials
High density hardwood decking can be a true low maintenance wood decking material. The same natural characteristics that make high density hardwood decking long lasting, stable and incredibly strong protect the surface from deterioration. With high density hardwood decking materials, the oxidation (natural silvering) is only "skin deep". To minimize this appearance, a penetrating oil can be applied to the surface of the deck boards every year or two to keep the hardwood deck looking like furniture. If you like the look of the natural silvery patina, then simply allow the high density decking to develop this mellow appearance. More information about the low maintenance hardwood decking option.
If you have a problem with your decking such as a pet scratches or furniture gouges or
oxidation or a cigar or cigarette burn, high density hardwood decking can be sanded to a "like new" finish. You just have to learn to live with these imperfections with a composite decking or plastic decking material. Many consumers are hypnotized by the "low maintenance, low fade" advertising claims of many of the composite decking material manufacturers. Please read the fine print of the limited warranties of the various brands of composite decking before making your final decision about decking material. Compare low maintenance Garapa hardwood decking to composite decking. Compare low maintenance Cumaru hardwood decking to synthetic decking.
Please don't let anyone tell you otherwise...All decking materials require some maintenance. As a bare minimum, all decking materials should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every year, or more often if needed. While there may be no "perfect decking material", there certainly are decking materials that are lower maintenance than others. High density hardwood decking species are the low maintenance wood decking materials of choice. The best high density hardwood decking materials available are Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Garapa decking and Machiche decking.
If you would like to learn a little more about decking material options click the link- more information about choosing the right decking materials.
For a comprehensive whitepaper about selecting the decking material that is just right for you, please download "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".
High density hardwood decking outlasts and outperforms all other decking materials. Of the myriad of decking material options available, only high density hardwood decking can stand the test of time, naturally and beautifully. High density hardwood decking is a renewable resource and is harvested by sustainable yield forestry methods including FSC Certification. The most respected hardwood decking species include Ipe hardwood decking, Cumaru hardwood decking, Garapa hardwood decking and 100% Pure FSC Machiche hardwood decking materials.
Barefootin' - Hardwood decking is so strong and splinter resistant it is used on boardwalks
Hardwood decking outperforms all synthetic and composite decking materials in terms of strength and span capacity. Unlike composite decking, the natural strength of the wood fibers in hardwood decking allow it to span greater distances with minimal deflection. Hardwood decking does not bend when it gets hot out like plastic decking. If your kids or pets get too frisky and accidentally scratch your deck surface, high density hardwood decking can be easily sanded. You can't do that with composite decking or plastic decking.
Some species of high density hardwood decking such as Ipe hardwood decking and Cumaru hardwood decking possess natural fire resistant qualities. Both of these hardwood decking materials are Class A fire rated. You definitely don't want to see what happens to plastic and composite decking in the event of a fire or even cigar or cigarette burns. High density hardwood decking can withstand all sorts of punishment.
For lots of information about hardwood decking and other decking material option, download the FREE comprehensive whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Materials".
High density hardwood decking Photo Gallery
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Ipe lumber comes in all shapes and sizes. Ipe lumber is available in 
sizes as small as 2x2 Ipe and 1x4 Ipe to 4x12 Ipe timbers and 6x6 Ipe posts. Ipe lumber can be used for a wide variety of interior and exterior projects. Ipe lumber is so durable it is often the material of choice for outdoor projects from Ipe decks, Ipe docks, Ipe boardwalks, Ipe pergolas, Ipe gazebos, Ipe bridges, Ipe furniture and lots more. Ipe lumber is always in the conversation whenever natural beauty, strength, sustainability and durability are important design criteria.
Smaller sizes of Ipe lumber, such as 1x4 Ipe, 1x6 Ipe, 5/4x4 Ipe and 5/4x6 Ipe are outstanding as Ipe deck boards. When Ipe lumber is milled into 1x4 Tongue and Groove material it makes an excellent Ipe porch flooring material. 2x2 Ipe lumber is terrific for Ipe railing balusters and decorative Ipe framing for projects such as Ipe screening and Ipe panels.
Dimensional sizes of Ipe lumber, such as 2x4 Ipe lumber, 2x6 Ipe lumber, 2x8 Ipe lumber , 2x10 Ipe lumber and 2x12 Ipe lumber are prized as Ipe framing materials due to their incredible strength and span capacity. Several sizes of Ipe dimensional lumber, such as 2x4 Ipe lumber and 2x6 Ipe lumber have also been used as Ipe decking on boardwalks such as the famous Coney Island boardwalk. Ipe pergolas, Ipe gazebos and Ipe bridges are a few great project ideas for Ipe lumber.
Larger dimensions of Ipe lumber, such as 3x4 Ipe lumber, 3x6 Ipe lumber, 3x8 Ipe lumber, 3x10 Ipe lumber and 3x12 Ipe lumber are outstanding materials for Ipe posts, Ipe beams and Ipe timbers for a variety of different exterior Ipe lumber projects. 4x4 Ipe lumber is often used for posts on Ipe decks while 4x6 Ipe lumber, 4x8 Ipe lumber and 4x12 Ipe lumber have incredible strength and span capacity as structural Ipe components such as Ipe beams.
Ipe Project Ideas
Ipe Lumber Stock List
Learn more about Ipe Lumber and Ipe Decking
For a wealth of information about selecting the right material for outdoor projects, please download the FREE authorative whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Sustainable Decking Materials".
Sonoma, California- Ipe outdoor furniture comes in all 
shapes and sizes. Don & Bob Pettit owners of WNT Design, Inc. in Cotati, CA contracted with Rams Gate Winery in Sonoma, CA to design and build several exterior Ipe benches, an exterior Ipe picnic table, and an interior Ipe dining table. The owners of Rams Gate Winery had seen and liked Ipe, and wanted something unique. The stunning results look like something from a movie set.
WNT Design set to work with high quality Mataverde Ipe boards, Ipe dimensional lumber and Ipe timbers. Great care was taken in planning the design and layout of the Ipe furniture and the extreme lengths the Ipe tables and Ipe benches would be spanning. The Ipe benches and Ipe picnic table were constructed with Mataverde 4x8 Ipe timbers and 4x6 Ipe timbers.
Several smaller Ipe outdoor tables were also made
using 1x6 Mataverde Ipe boards and 5/4x8 Ipe boards. These Ipe tables were then inset with marble inlay tops.
An Ipe Dining table was designed for private parties and is located in the “Barrel Tasting Room”. This enormous Ipe table measures 38" wide, is 18 feet long and weighs over 1,900 lbs.
The Ipe table is constructed with Ipe boards, Ipe 
timbers, two iron framed pedestals and a hydraulic lift, with four wheels in each. The pedestals are wrapped with 5/4 x 6 Ipe, the Ipe table top is made from 4x6 Mataverde Ipe timbers and 5/4x6 Ipe boards with marble inlays. When the hydraulic lift is activated, lifting the weight onto the wheels, the table can easily be moved with one hand.
Ipe Outdoor Furniture
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Ipe Decking, Ipe Lumber and Ipe Timber Stock List
Ipe Lumber Project Ideas
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Pre-Grooved Decking is a beautiful way to give your deck a clean and unencumbered decking appearance. With pre-grooved decking there are no deck screw heads visible. A hidden fastener system such as Eb-Ty hidden deck fasteners slide into the groove of pre-grooved decking materials for a beautiful deck with no deck screw heads or deck fasteners to be seen. The decking surface is unblemished when you choose the pre-grooved decking option.
High density hardwood decking materials are an excellent pre-grooved decking option. The
great strength of high density hardwood decking materials such as Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Garapa decking and Machiche decking make these decking species nearly perfect as pre-grooved decking materials. Unlike pre-grooved composite decking and pre-grooved plastic decking, high density hardwood pre-grooved decking has minimal expansion and contraction in heat and cold. High density hardwood pre-grooved decking also has great rigidity so you don't have to worry about sagging deck boards.
Installing pre-grooved decking such as the Pre-grooved Ipe Decking pictured on the left is very simple when using a hidden fastener such as Eb-Ty. The Eb-Ty fastener is placed in the kerf of the pre-grooved decking and screwed in at a 45 degree angle through the bottom flange of the pre-grooved decking board into the deck joist below. The screw holds the pre-grooved decking securely in place below the deck surface. This creates a hidden fastening system for the pre-grooved decking.
You can make your own pre-grooved decking by using a biscuit cutter or a router to cut your own slots in a standard decking board. The main advantage of buying pre-grooved decking are the time savings for deck installation. Pre-grooved decking allows you to position each deck board wherever you would like it to along each deck joist.
Ipe Pre-Grooved Decking Detail
More information about installing pre-grooved decking with Eb-Ty hidden deck fasteners
Ipe pre-grooved decking
Cumaru pre-grooved decking
Garapa pre-grooved decking
FSC Machiche pre-grooved decking
Complete Decking material stock list including pre-grooved decking
For a wealth of valuable information about choosing decking materials that are just right for you, please download the FREE authorative whitepaper titled, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".
Ipe (pronounced E'-pay) is an amazing wood species. Ipe is also known as Lapacho, Bethabara, Tabebuia spp, Ironwood, Pau Lope and other trade names. Ipe is one of the hardest species of wood on earth. There are over 30 subspecies of Ipe that grow from Central America through South America.
While a
ll the subspecies of Ipe are extremely strong, hard and dense, the best Ipe subspecies are native to Northern Brazil. In this fast growing tropical climate, the Ipe tree reaches full maturity in about 30 to 35 years. The Ipe tree can grow from 140 to 150 ft in height with trunk diameters up to 6 ft. In northern Brazil, Ipe is harvested by sustainable yield forestry methods including IBAMA/SEMA and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
Ipe wood is extremely tough and highly durable. Ipe is a very high density tropical hardwood. Ipe is so dense it will actually sink in water. The US Forest Products Laboratory has performed extensive testing of Ipe. The USFPL has found Ipe to be very resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites. The United States Navy also conducted extensive research on Ipe and hundreds of other tropical wood species to see which woods performed best against fungis and insect attacks. Ipe tested so highly the US Navy selected Ipe wood to construct the locks in the Panama Canal.
Ipe has a fiber bending strength that is so high, it takes 25,360 pounds of pressure per square inch to break an Ipe board! Ipe is known to dry rapidly with little shrinkage and minimal checking. Ipe is also very stable after drying. Ipe wood is so hard that carbide tipped wood working tools work best.
Ipe lumber is available in a wide variety of sizes and usages including Ipe Timbers, Ipe posts, Ipe dimensional lumber, Ipe boards, Ipe decking, Ipe porch flooring, Ipe railing, Ipe stair parts, Ipe furniture, Ipe flooring, Ipe siding and more. Ipe is so strong and durable it is also used for railroad ties, tool handles, shipbuilding, bridges, stakes, posts, truck flooring, container flooring and other uses.
From a cost and value perspective, Ipe is affordable. Ipe is stronger than teak and Ipe costs about 75% less than teak. Ipe outlasts virtually every other wood species in an outdoor environment. Ipe also has a Class A Fire Rating making Ipe an excellent option in projects where safety and fire resistance are a concern. In life cycle cost analyses, Ipe ranks at the top of the list making it a very good (and sustainable) return on investment.
See how Ipe decking compares to other deck materials.
Learn more about Ipe Decking and Ipe Lumber.
Check out Ipe Project ideas.
To learn lots more about Ipe and outdoor decking material options, download the comprehensive whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Sustainable Decking Material"
When you are dealing with high density hardwood decking materials such as Ipe decking, you need to be aware of their special deck fastening requirements. Ipe decking is so hard and so strong it requires special Ipe deck fasteners. To ensure that your Ipe deck fasteners last as long as your Ipe decking, special care must be taken when selecting your deck fasteners.
Here are three commonly used Ipe deck fasteners:
- Stainless steel decking screws (pre-drill the holes)
- Stainless steel Ejector decking screws (no pre-drilling required)
- Hidden Ipe deck fasteners such as Eb-Ty deck fasteners
The strongest Ipe deck fastener method is a direct screw down application. The sleekest looking Ipe deck fastener is the Eb-Ty hidden deck fastener. The most labor intensive Ipe deck fastener is pre-drilling a stainless steel screw. Each type of Ipe deck fastener has its own particular application and uses.
A few things to keep in mind when selecting an Ipe deck fastener are:
1.) How high above the ground is your Ipe deck?
a. If the Ipe deck is more than 30" above the ground with adequate ventilation under the deck, hidden fasteners or stainless steel screws are all good options as Ipe deck fasteners.
b. If the Ipe deck is less than 30" above the ground or has less than ideal ventilation under the deck, the holding power of a stainless steel screw is the preferred Ipe deck fastener.
Stainless Steel Ejector Screw saves time and labor as an Ipe deck fastener
2.) How thick is your Ipe decking board?
For thinner Ipe deck boards (such as 1x4 Ipe decking or 1x6 Ipe decking), we recommend to use a stainless steel ipe deck screw for a deck fastener. We believe at this thickness, especially when located close to the ground (moisture) that a stainless steel deck screw has stronger holding power as an Ipe deck fastener.
Stainless steel deck screw is a powerful Ipe deck fastener
3.) How wide is your Ipe decking board?
In most residential Ipe deck installations that have adequate ventilation under the deck, the real question becomes, "Which ipe deck fastener will look best and work best for my Ipe deck?"
a.) If you are using a narrow Ipe deck board (1/4 Ipe decking, 5/
4x4 Ipe decking), a hidden Ipe deck fastener looks great for sleek, uninterrupted visual lines. A stainless steel decking screw with a small head also looks great in this application. The Ejector decking screw is also an Ipe deck fastener option but visually, the exposed screw head may look a little disproportionately large with a narrow decking board.
b.) If you are using a wider Ipe decking board (1x6 Ipe decking, 5/4x6 Ipe decking), the Ejector screw is a terrific Ipe deck fastener. The Ejector Screw Ipe deck fastener has superior holding power, minimal labor costs and the exposed screw head looks more proportional with a wider Ipe deck board. A stainless steel deck screw is also a good Ipe deck fastener option with a wider Ipe deck board. The holding power of the stainless steel screw is very powerful and the smaller head is less visible. For a nearly invisible hidden deck fastener appearance, the Eb-Ty Ipe deck fastener is a beautiful option.
Get more information about Ipe Deck Fasteners
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Learn more about Ipe Decking
For a FREE whitepaper with lots of information about finding the right decking material for you, download "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".
New York, NY- Cumaru decking is making another long term appearance in New York City. In conjunction with SHoP Architects and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Turner Construction is nearing completion of another stunning landmark project beautifying the New York waterfront. Pier 15 is located on the East River directly between the Maritime Pavilion and the South Street Seaport. This beautiful structure features recycled plastic lumber (RPL) in non-structural areas and FSC Cumaru decking material where there will be a lot of foot traffic.
Recycled plastic lumber at ground level soffits Cumaru Decking and Railings at upper level
The FSC Cumaru decking was selected for its natural beauty, high density, strength and remarkable toughness. Cumaru decking is known to be an extremely strong and durable hardwood decking species. Cumaru decking's ability to withstand the foot traffic generated by millions of pepole per year is already well documented at the Coney Island boardwalk. Cumaru decking is harvested by sust
ainable yield forestry practices. The Cumaru decking selected for this project was also FSC Certified decking material. The Cumaru lumber used to make the handrails was also FSC Certified Cumaru.
For much more information, please Download a comprehensive whitepaper titled, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Sustainable Decking Material".
There are so many questions to consider when selecting decking materials. Do I use a synthetic decking material? Will the colors fade out over time? Should I use real wood decking material? What about composite decking material? Will they fall apart on me? If I choose softwood decking material will I get splinters? Will it rot? What about hardwood decking materials? Are they as good as I keep hearing? Yes, there are a lot of questions to ask when getting to the truth about decking materials.
The ultimate question you would like to answer is, "What is the right decking material for me?". This article is designed to point you in the right direction for the answers to all your questions about decking materials. When making an investment into your peace of mind in a backyard deck, you might as well learn as much as you can about the right decking materials so you can make an informed decision.
I believe it is better to learn a little more than you need to know
about decking materials than not having enough information. Making the right decision about decking materials can easily be the difference between long term satisfaction and long term remorse and expenses. Here is a list of questions you may want answers to before making your final decision about your decking material:
1.) How long do I want my decking materials to last? (See the Mataverde high density hardwood decking material 25 year limited warranty.)
2.) How much should I pay for decking materials? (Check out comparative decking materials prices.)
3.) Should I just read the glitzy ads about synthetic decking materials or should I do a little research on my own? (Compare Cumaru hardwood decking material to synthetic decking material)
4.) Is it true there have been a long list of problems with composite decking materials? (View a short comparison of decking material options)
5.) Are high density hardwood decking materials really that much better than other wood decking materials? (Compare Garapa hardwood decking material to other wood decking materials)
If you are still hungry for additional information it would probably be worth your while to download the FREE whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".
It's no secret that Ipe decking is considered the best natural decking material in the world. But Ipe siding...are you serious? Absolutely! Ipe siding is every bit as long lasting an all natural wood siding as it is for a decking material. The same natural strength, beauty and durability characteristics that have made Ipe decking the best decking material in the world don't change just because you've decided to put Ipe siding on your home or building. Why not let Ipe siding be the best natural siding material on earth...and on your home?
All natural wood siding isn't for everyone...there are lots of vinyl siding options available at a variety of price points and quality levels. But for the purist who loves the warmth and rich natural beauty of real wood, why not consider the possibilities of real wood Ipe siding?
Ipe siding can be selected in a wide variety of different profiles and patterns. From classic shiplap and V-groove patterns to a host of rain screen siding profiles, Ipe siding can add a handsome facade to your home or structure. If you can imagine a wood siding profile...we can probably make it into an Ipe siding reality for you.
If you are thinking about Ipe siding or other hardwood siding options for your home or structure, you may want to consider an Ipe rain screen siding system. Rain screen wood siding has been used successfully for over 800 years (several are still standing). Ipe siding can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally in a rain screen design.
See Ipe siding and other hardwood siding options.
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