Ipe hardwood Maglin uses Brazilian Ipe (”ee-pay”) wood from expertly managed sustained-yield forests. This beautiful and extremely hard and dense wood withstands punishment from both natural elements and people. During the harvest, each tree is hand selected to give adjacent, small trees optimal growing conditions. Entire communities benefit from year-round employment (rather than from agriculture or cattle farming that ravage the land) and because their forests have enduring economic value. Ipe has been approved by the Audubon Society for construction of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Boardwalk. Portions of the Coney Island Boardwalk were constructed using Ipe and withstood over 40 years of use and exposure with no apparent wear. Basically, the tropical jungle has done millions of years of research and development to produce what may be the strongest and most durable wood on the planet. Maglin’s reputable supplier utilizes sustainable forestry practices which promote further development in the Amazon forest and preserve the structure, biodiversity and ecological functions of the tropical rain forest. This wood weathers naturally to a beautiful silver patina. It moves and breathes with the humidity in the air. Therefore, stain, varnish or paint is not recommended for exterior use as any finishing would require constant upkeep.