There are many reasons to choose Ipe wood tile for your home, from durability to eco-friendliness and insect resistance. However, you should know a few things before making your final choice. Here are some of the main benefits of this natural material. Ipe wood tile is ideal for any home weighing in at just under four pounds per square foot. Some homeowners say they are surprised that it has such a low price!
Durability
Ipe wood tile is highly durable. Its bending strength is over twenty-three thousand pounds per square inch, and it shows very little flex while walking. Its natural oils are naturally resistant to moisture and insects, and the wood ages gracefully to a silver-gray color. Unlike some other woods, Ipe is harvested from protected forests. As a result, its price is comparatively low. You can purchase a square foot of Ipe wood for about three to five dollars.
It is also resistant to rot, allowing it to be used for various projects around the home. Ipe wood tiles can be installed as a permanent or temporary wood surface, and they can be easily re-sealed if necessary. These tiles will age gracefully and wear slightly with proper care and maintenance. In addition, they are naturally stain-resistant and can be cleaned with a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner.
Cost-Effectiveness
If you’re considering installing Ipe wood tile in your home, you probably wonder about its cost-effectiveness. This type of flooring is exceptionally durable, but it does have its drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that Ipe can be pretty warm under the sun. However, it doesn’t retain heat, and it never becomes too hot to walk on. Also, Ipe is more expensive than many other types of wood.
Unlike most other wood flooring materials, Ipe wood is known for its durability. Its natural properties help it last for years without requiring replacement. It’s also resistant to rots, insects, and fire. This material is unique to South America and is becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious designers. However, it has been harvested so extensively that Ipe has become a rare resource.
Eco-Friendliness
The Eco-Friendliness of ipe products largely depends on the forest management practices and the mode of transportation used. Sustainable harvesting practices are possible if Ipe is grown in the native tropical forest. In addition, this hardwood is very durable, lasting longer than most other materials. However, obtaining a new Ipe requires clearing acres of other trees. Furthermore, Ipe is often illegally harvested, and the forest is destroyed to get this wood. Fortunately, Water Reclaimed Ipe has a much lower carbon footprint than the new Ipe, which means less carbon footprint.
Ipe, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is a dense wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Its characteristics make it exceptionally durable, yet it also looks stunning. For example, the Coney Island boardwalks were built from Ipe wood, and they lasted for 25 years despite heavy traffic, garbage trucks, and more. As a result, Ipe is an excellent choice for outdoor applications.
Resistant to insect damage
Insects have evolved the ability to develop resistance to certain types of crops and genetically engineered plants. These plant-made defenses are either chemical or biological agents transferred from one crop species to another using traditional plant-breeding techniques or recombinant DNA technology. The process of introducing resistance-producing genes into cotton crops requires extensive laboratory testing. The Bt toxins cause the plant to produce a protein that destroys the digestive systems of caterpillar pests. The result is that the plants die, and the insects can no longer feed on them.
The effectiveness of this plant resistance strategy varies depending on the plant’s location. For example, the potato beetle is a different species in Colorado than in Wisconsin. Therefore, the plant resistances will be different, but the overall effect of each method is beneficial. For example, if you have a resistant plant to the Colorado potato beetle, it will not be susceptible to the Wisconsin potato beetle.
Cost
The cost of Ipe wood tile for homes is comparable to other hardwoods. Ipe tile is backed with wood and is secured with stainless steel screws. Ipe tile for homes will be between $3.50 and $5 per square foot. However, you must consider the benefits of this natural flooring. It looks beautiful and feels sturdy, but it is also more durable than most other woods.
The price of ipe wood tile for homes varies based on the species and the type of finish. It can be found in varying widths, starting at two-and-a-half inches and going up to eight inches. The price of unfinished Ipe is higher than that of prefinished and engineered versions. Prefinished Ipe wood tile for homes comes in three-inch and five-inch widths and is available in two stain colors. Wood flooring is a sustainable product certified by the National Wood Flooring Association.