Ipe wood, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is an exotic hardwood notoriously known for its durability and strength. In this article, we will explore the history, properties, alternate names, applications and uses, grading, color and color variations, drying methods, and installation of Ipe wood. Ipe lumber can be purchased from J Gibson McIlvain Lumber Company. […]
Flooring
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 3
Ipe faces a number of difficulties, starting with considerable seasonal variations in supply and cost linked to its inherent availability constraints as a result of the Brazilian wet season (see Part 1). Add to this the fact that several of Ipe’s most desired qualities also make working with it challenging in some particular ways (see […]
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 2
Ipe is unquestionably unique among tropical hardwood decking species. Ipe stands head and shoulders above other decking species with a number of desirable qualities such exceptional hardness, density, and dimensional stability. You might begin to comprehend why Ipe is so well-liked if you take into account its 40-year lifespan and class A fire rating. However, […]
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 1
What do Walnut, Ipe, Teak and Spanish Cedar have in common? They are all distinguished from other species of lumber by a number of unique traits. Simply put, you’ll be in for a surprise if you anticipate their costs, availability, grading, or overall qualities to be comparable to those of any other (read: typical) lumber […]
Should You Apply Ice Melt to Your Concrete Surfaces?
If you live in an area that experiences snow and ice, you may wonder which de-icing product you should use on your commercial property’s outdoor concrete surfaces. The answer to this question is straightforward: do not use de-icing products on concrete at all. In spite of it being a common practice, de-icing your concrete surfaces […]
Concrete Sealer: What You Need to Know, Part 5
If you choose to apply a sealer to your commercial property’s concrete (see Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4), there are some techniques you’ll want to keep in mind. Following this advice will help the sealer to go on smoothly and provide long-lasting protection. First, make sure the entire concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned and […]
Luxury Pool Decking Options: Wood and Stone
While turf and concrete probably aren’t the first options that come to mind for luxury pool decking surfaces, they certainly can be part of the equation. Natural elements such as wood and stone are also lovely options, and each distinct choice has its own set of benefits and downsides. Wood Decking and Wood Tiles When […]
Luxury Pool Decking Options: Turf and Concrete
The world is such a colorful and interesting place, precisely because no two trees and no two mountains are exactly the same. The same is true, of course, for individual people as well. Each adds his or her own unique background and giftedness to any given project, including indoor and outdoor design. If a dozen […]
Be in the Know About Trending Pool Floor & Finish Options, Part 2
While you can wait to add many pool enhancements at a later date, there are a few considerations you really need to solidify before your swimming pool is installed. One of them is the floor or finish type. In our previous post, we looked at both state-of-the-art movable flooring as well as the general tile […]
Be in the Know About Trending Pool Floor & Finish Options, Part 1
So many aspects of your outdoor space can be developed well after the pool itself has been installed, adding to the design motif and ambiance you’re after and equipping your outdoor space well for the kinds of entertainment possibilities for which you plan to use it. As you aim to create a cohesive look throughout […]