Ipê (pronounced ee-pay) is among the World’s strongest hardwoods

Valued for its durability and longevity, this “ironwood” has stood the test of time in the construction and repair of the famed Coney Island and Wildwood, New Jersey boardwalks

Ipê is one of, if not the best hardwood for use in outdoor furniture. It is naturally resistant to rot, insects, ice, salt, abrasion, and splintering. It also has a class-A fire rating, the same as concrete and steel.

In addition to these wonderful characteristics, Ipê is still a natural, organic material and is therefore subject to environmental conditions. The impact of nature’s weathering is most notable in the color change that Ipê experiences when exposed to the sun. Like other natural woods, if left un-oiled, Ipê will gradually age to a silver-gray patina over time. 

That means there is a decision to be made. If you have just invested in Ipê furniture, screens, pergolas, or even decking: Would you rather keep that warm rich natural color of your Ipê, or would you rather see that oxidized grey look?

If the latter is your choice, you are all set, Mother Nature will take it from here.

However, to help prolong the rich-reddish brown natural tones inherent in the wood, your Ipê needs to be maintained bi-annually. This maintenance consists of a thorough cleaning to remove environmental buildup, oxidized oils, and residue. 

Common Name(s): Ipê, Ironwood, Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho

Scientific Name: Handroanthus spp

Distribution: Tropical Americas (Central and South America); also farmed commercially

Tree Size: 100-130 ft tall, 2-4 ft trunk diameter

Janka Hardness: 3,510 lbs  (Northern Red Oak is at 1,290lbs)

However, to help prolong the rich-reddish brown natural tones inherent in the wood, your Ipê needs to be maintained bi-annually. This maintenance consists of a thorough cleaning to remove environmental buildup, oxidized oils, and residue. 

Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, all surfaces must be lightly sanded to further remove oxidization. Now that your Ipê is completely clean and dry, you are ready to apply exterior hardwood oil with UV inhibitors.

If the latter is your choice, you are all set, Mother Nature will take it from here.

However, to help prolong the rich-reddish brown natural tones inherent in the wood, your Ipê needs to be maintained bi-annually. This maintenance consists of a thorough cleaning to remove environmental buildup, oxidized oils, and residue. 

Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, all surfaces must be lightly sanded to further remove oxidization. Now that your Ipê is completely clean and dried you are ready to apply exterior hardwood oil with UV inhibitors. 

Depending on the condition of your Ipê at the start of this maintenance process, it may take several coats of UV Inhibitor to ensure that your furniture maintains its natural color and beauty for years to come. 

Please note that with proper care Ipê can last 25-100 years. It would be a wise choice to spend a little time and resources to maintain your investment every year.

Please contact the professionals at OFS for all of your finishing, refinishing, and wood restoration needs. For the latest information regarding projects at OFS please follow us on our LinkedIn page or visit us at www.ofscorp.com

Testimonials

In order to provide superior property management to our clients, we depend on select, trusted vendors and service providers. It's our reputation that is on the line. OFS has consistently exceeded our expectations with their technical know-how and outstanding service in wood restoration and brass cleaning and maintenance, often in very demanding and very visible applications. Our high-profile clients are thrilled with the results, and that means we are thrilled to partner with OFS.

Peggy McKenzie, Vice President
Servus Management Corporation