Brazilian hardwoods are renowned for their beauty and incredible strength, making them an ideal choice for decking. Ipe Brazilian hardwood, for example, registers a remarkable 3680lb on the Janka hardness scale, proving its superior durability compared to even the hardest North American woods.
But how does Brazilian ipe handle different climates? Temperature and humidity can significantly affect both the lifespan and appearance of any wood deck and play a role in its maintenance demands. In this blog post, we’ll explore how climate impacts Brazilian hardwood decking in particular so you can understand what’s required to keep your deck looking its best for decades.
How humidity and temperature affect Brazilian hardwoods
Firstly, let’s find out how species like Ipe Brazilian hardwood behave when exposed to various humidity levels and temperatures.
Do Brazilian hardwoods contract and expand with temperature changes?
Wood contracts and expands as the surrounding temperature changes, and exotic hardwoods like Brazilian Ipe are no different. The good news is that Brazilian hardwoods are extremely durable and won’t easily succumb to weather changes. That said, they will still be susceptible to damage when used in extreme climate conditions.
Acclimatizing Brazilian hardwood decking
Before building your deck, let the Ipe Brazilian hardwood acclimatize for 14 to 21 days. Do this where you will install your deck, away from direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated location.
During this period, the wood may expand or contract by up to ¼”. Proper acclimatization will prevent structural damage, dimensional distortion, shrinkage, and excessive expansion after your deck is built.
Brazilian hardwoods vs. the weather
Ipe Brazilian hardwood (along with other durable hardwoods like Cumaru, Garapa, and Tigerwood) can withstand the elements without significant structural issues. However, the sun will naturally weather the wood and cause its original color to gradually develop a beautiful silver patina. If you prefer to preserve the original color, you have to periodically apply a UV finisher to your deck.
Proper installation will protect your investment.
Building a deck closer to the ground? Make sure that there’s adequate airflow around the decking boards, especially if you’re using Brazilian ipe. This helps the wood withstand temperature fluctuations without problems. Good airflow also prevents cupping and bending as the wood acclimates to your location. Plus, in humid climates, it helps keep the wood dry and less prone to mold.
Proper airflow is key even in drier areas as it prevents the wood from drying out and cracking. Good air circulation allows the Brazilian ipe to naturally adjust to any weather and keep your deck strong and beautiful for years to come.
Apply a sealant
Sealing will prevent the Ipe Brazilian hardwood from splitting at the ends. Be sure to use a high-quality sealant to protect the wood from too much moisture, which can lead to too much wear and tear over time.
Maintain your Brazilian hardwood deck.
Using Brazilian ipe is the best way to build a durable deck, but you still need to regularly maintain your deck to keep it in top shape. This means regularly cleaning the surface to remove debris and dirt that can damage your deck over time. While cleaning, take the time to check for splits, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear and repair them right away.
Build your deck with Brazilian hardwood.
ABS Wood will supply sustainably sourced and high-quality Ipe Brazilian hardwood for your project. Check out our carefully curated range of Brazilian Ipe decking options, accessories, and other hardwoods, and create an attractive and functional deck. Contact us here for a quote, or call 549-4840 or 352-508-4990.