Quality Timber Decking Co. Ltd.

Ipe (pronounced eepay) (Tabebuia) Also known in the commercial market as Ironwood. This species of tree grows in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Ipe can typically grow to heights of 85’ and in some regions well in excess of 100’, with a trunk diameter of around 3’. The sapwood is clearly distinct from the heartwood being yellow to white while the heartwood is generally an olive-brown colour which can be darker with slightly lighter streaks. The pores appear as fine yellow dots or veins which is the Lapachol powder. Ipe is a very strong, dense and heavy wood, being 3 times harder than Oak. It is rated very high in all the strength categories aswell as stability, durability with a natural resistance to insect and decay. Ipe also carries a Class A fire rating which is same as given to concrete. Ipe is not easy to work using hand tools. It is difficult to saw and therefore requires high quality carbide blades and drill bits, with pre-drilling before screwing essential. Ipe is typically used in Naval architecture, bridge building, marine and exterior construction, decking, cabinetmaking, residential and commercial flooring, archery bows and truck bodies. Ipe and the Environment
QTD are FSC and PEFC Certified and are dedicated to ensuring that its Ipe and other hardwoods are sourced from mills that also adhere to responsible forestry management laid down by IBAMA (The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources). IBAMA’s key responsibility is to police the environmental impact on logging. Only approved sawmills are issued with harvesting permits allowing them to mill selected hardwood species. If they do not follow the strict controls and procedures laid down by the permit then the mill is forced to shut down. At least 13 sawmills have been forced to close so far.