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A Green Ipe Decking Alternative

April 4, 2012 By Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Ipe lumber is highly prized in the decking world. Rising costs and shortages are making this exceptionable wood variety less and less accessible. While lumber suppliers like J. Gibson McIlvain continue to carry large quantities of Ipe lumber in stock there is lingering concern. The South American market is not the most efficiently run and could be shut down by CITES in the future. This would make Ipe impossible to import in any quantity. Thus, the search for a comparable alternative is underway. J. Gibson McIlvain is known for high quality Ipe lumber and expects to find the same quality in an alternative. For instance, consider Ipanema Decking, a beautiful, sustainable alternative with promise for the future.

Sustainable Forestry

The FSC has certified Ipanema Decking, a finished product that is stained and treated for ease of installation and sustainability. Hailing from several different tropical species, Ipanema will prove highly environmentally friendly because it supports eco-forestry. The more species used from a forest, the more valuable the forest becomes. A person will not cut down a tree that is worth something to the lumber industry just to plant a new field. Thus, making more species of trees valuable for export protects a higher percentage of the forest. In addition, this scattered harvesting means a more sustainable product.

Depending on the health of a single species, the price could jump upwards as supply and demand decreases the supply of a certain type of tree. When the demand becomes too high, like Ipe is tending towards, government regulations and CITES could shut down them down. J. Gibson McIlvain believes in sustaining the forests of today, thus they believe in the lasting effects of scattered harvesting.

Ipanema vs. Ipe

Moving to an alternate decking does not mean sacrificing quality. Ipanema decking is produced from tropical hardwood species that are typical in the Amazon basin. These hardwoods are used by the local people to build structures that withstand rain forest conditions. If the lumber can hold up in the constant rainfall and flooding common to the Amazon, it can hold up in the temperate climates of the US market. J. Gibson McIlvain would import single species before adding the Ipanema process with stain and treatment to customer specifications. This process allows J. Gibson McIlvain to insure the quality of the wood they sell is on par with the original Ipe decking.

Avoiding the Rains

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Ipanema Decking is its variety. The ability to scatter harvesting across several species means a constant inflow of lumber regardless the season. The rainy season in South America can be avoided by moving from forest to forest away from the rains. Thus, a more consistent import market is available all year around.

Ipanema Decking comes in four distinct stains, offering consistency and durability for years to come. Do your checkbook and the rain forest a favor by considering the alternative to Ipe Decking. With J. Gibson McIlvain, you will not be disappointed.

Want to learn more about lumber?

  • A greener, cheaper decking material
  • Ipe lumber quality control by an industry leader
  • Does FSC certification mean it’s legal?

Filed Under: Construction, Lumber

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