Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) is the best hardwood for exterior structures. It is the most resistant hardwood for decking. Grown in the Amazon forest, the ipe tree has evolved to withstand heat, sun, humidity, and insects. It naturally protects itself through its denseness, which means that when Ipe is completely natural and presents very low health risks since it is weather resistant without the use of heavy chemicals that must be infused in other woods to make them rot resistant. Ipe can be used for any outdoor structure, such as decks, docks, pergolas, siding, ceilings and soffits, outdoor kitchens, boardwalks, gates, gate doors, and more.