Hardwoods
Ipe
Ipe trees generally grow from 140 to 150 feet, but some can reach heights of 200 feet. Some other common names for the trees from this group include Bethbara and Lapacho, and a host of names used in the countries where the trees grow. The trees are mostly found in Brazil as well as throughout Central and South America and some of the Lesser Antilles. Ipe has strong, tough resilient properties which make it an excellent material and increasingly popular choice for commercial/residential decking and outdoor furniture. Ipe is prized for its stability, durability, strength and natural resistance to decay, wet conditions, and infestation by termites and borers. It is available in long lengths and relatively easy to season. Ipe has a Class A fire rating, the same rating given to concrete and steel.
Balau
Yellow Balau is currently one of the most popluar specie of Hardwood decking sold in the U.K. and is often specified by architects for many applications from gardens or roof terraces through to large scale commercial projects. Yellow Balau is an extremely durable hardwearing timber, if left un-treated it is naturally resistant to weathering and decay. The colour of the timber is golden brown which when exposed to the elements will fade to a silvery grey colour. In order to maintain the initial colour Balau can be treated with a deck oil which will keep the timber supple and enhance the natural beauty of the grain. Yellow Balau can sometimes contain scattered 'pin worm' this attack occours in the forest prior to drying, once the timber is dried prior to machining, any live insects are killed leaving very small pin like holes.