Replies

1. 
   IanDG | Aug 09, 2002 04:19am | #1

   George,

   There should be no trouble at all with using it as an internal floor.
   Of course, you'll check moisture content and acclimatise it for at least 10 days before laying.
   Here's a 'How To' on sanding and coating that Splintie and I made some time ago that might be of use.

   
   

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   Edited 8/8/2002 9:22:49 PM ET by IanDG

2. 
   KyleZ | Aug 09, 2002 03:03pm | #2

   George,

   I worked with Ipe for a deck once.  As I recall, the sawdust from cutting, etc. was quite irritating to my nose and throat.  I would take extra precaution to keep the dust from traveling throughout the house.  I would also encourage the customer to be gone for a few days while you are doing it.  It could be a nightmare for you if they inhaled  much of that dust.  Along the same lines (I'm sure that I'm preaching to the choir here) be sure to wear your respirator at all times.

   By the way, I don't mean to discourage you.  It could make for a beautiful floor.

   Kyle 

   
   

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   Edited 8/9/2002 8:06:03 AM ET by Kyle

3. 
   floman47 | Aug 10, 2002 12:35am | #3

   I don’t thank It would make a good floor a little to unstable.   I know my wholesalers don’t carry it so you would have to mill it.   I would try to talk them into Jatoba (Brazilan Cherry).  It’s better looking, it’s hard, more stable and its cheep!

    Hard wood floor man for 18 years

   Jeff  in so cal 

4. 
   wop | Aug 10, 2002 03:03am | #4

    Ipe exists here as flooring in 22mm to be nailed down and in 15mm to be glued down. Glued is O.K. not great. Nailed is unstable , it moves alot (compared to oak) and tends to contract and expand with humidity leaving gaps between boards in some seasons. It is recomended to leave atleast 5mm gap at the wall under the base board to avoid expansion pushing on the wall and causing bowing. It does have exceptional wear , but overall I don't think much of it, there are a lot of woods available that are better for flooring at the same cost as such I never specify it. Also beware of tropical woods darkening with age I.E. if you place a carpet on a wood floor after a year if you move the carpet to a different position you see a distinct color diference where it covered before.It is best to warn customers of this befoe hand so as not to get ugly phone calls after a year or so.

                                                                                             Philip