Ipe FAQs - Page 3
(continued from page
2)
Question:
Can anyone use this Ipe service and get competitive Ipe bids from several
Ipe suppliers?
Answer:
You better believe it. We work a lot with Ipe builders, architects, project
managers, and contractors as well as home owners and DIYer Ipe installers.
Just email or call me with your list and I'll publish
it on my site and email our Ipe suppliers. You will receive every
one of their Ipe bids so you can select the one you want and rest assured
you are getting a VERY good price. Depending on the size of their order,
we are seeing folks save literally thousands of dollars. It is a super
service that everyone loves.
Question:
Are any special "Ipe tools" required to install
Ipe?
Answer:
A standard circular saw with carbide tipped blades is the most useful
Ipe tool. You will want to pre-drill the decking (use carbide tipped bits)
and use stainless steel nails. Hidden
fasteners can also be used.
Question:
How heavy is Ipe?
Answer:
Ipe is double the weight of oak. In fact, it is so dense that it will
sink in water.
Question:
I suppose it doesn't burn easily either?
Answer:
Ipe has the the N.F.P.A Code fire rating "Class A" which is
the same fire rating of metal and concrete.
Question:
Are there various grades of Ipe?
Answer:
Yes, there are two basic grades. "Select" contains sapwood which
is lighter in color (cream to yellow), has less tight grain and is secondary
to CAH. "Clear All Heart" is darker (typically various shades
of a rich brown) and has a tighter grain. Both are hard, dense, and resistant
to decay and insects. Before you place your order, be sure to ask your
supplier what grade you are receiving... and ask if you will get it in
writing on your order.
Question:
Anything else I should look out for?
Answer: There are
also different geographic areas that yield varying qualities of Ipe. Experts
generally believe that Ipe from northern Brazil is the highest quality.
Before you place your order, be sure to ask your supplier where it was
harvested from. Incidentally, if you ask your Ipe builder
to use my competive Ipe bidding service, you can rest
assured that my network
of Ipe suppliers harvest from South America (not Central America where
the Ipe trees are smaller) and sell "Clear All Heart" (CAH)
which is the highest quality Ipe wood unless otherwise specified.
Question:
I
have heard that Ipe wood can "move". What does that mean exactly
and is it bad?
|
