Well maybe if it came from Krypton, along with Superman, and he had a flare for horticulture . . . but that’s just a little too crazy. So the answer is, not really.
However, when it comes to fire resistance, not all woods are created equal. Especially when it comes to wood you’re using for decking, siding and fencing. Now, we all know that when it comes to hardcore wildfires, no matter how fire resistant wood is, when a firestorm is bearing down on your place, all bets are off. But in normal circ*mstances, naturally fire resistant wood is a smart and sound investment.
The King of Fire-resistant Wood
When it comes to fire-resistant wood, the king is Ipe wood; of course, as we’ve said before, they call it ironwood for a reason.
If you have been through a fire and are in the process of rebuilding, there are many solid reasons to consider using Ipe wood as siding, decking, and fencing.
Just like everything else on the planet these days, there are tests to see just how well wood stands up to a fire. And when it comes to Ipe, nothing touches it. Essentially how they do it is they install and 20’x25’ sample as the ceiling of a test chamber, and then see how fast the fire spreads. Of all the woods, Ipe came out on top. It has been given up an A rating for fire resistance. That means it’s the best.
Ipe lumber is so naturally dense that it resists fungus, rot, and termites. It even sinks in water.
Accidents Happen
Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable, as we have unfortunately seen these past months with all the wildfires around the country. Fortunately, most of us will never have to worry about losing our homes to one.
However, accidents happen, and that’s when using Ipe lumber for your decking and siding, and fencing really comes in handy.
Imagine you’re hosting a barbeque on your deck with friends and neighbors there. You’ve got the barbeque going, and next thing you know, someone’s knocked over a grill filled with white-hot briquettes. Or maybe it’s a tiki torch that was knocked over. It can be any one of a half-dozen unexpected things.
If your deck is made of pine, or redwood, or oak–FOOM!–everything goes up in a flash. You barely have time to look for the fire extinguisher before things get out of control.
If you’ve used Ipe wood for your deck, you’re able to get things under control before the point of no return. The dense ironwood takes so long to ignite, that life can be a little calmer when an accident happens.
Fences Make Good Neighbors
When it comes to neighbors, sometimes a fence can help keep the peace. Unfortunately, sometimes fires have been known to jump and ignite the house next door.
Using Ipe fencing can help keep the neighbors happy.
A fence made of Ipe lumber can slow the spread of a fire to the point of helping to keep it contained.
An Ounce of Prevention . . .
For all these reasons, Ipe Woods USA suggests you keep Ipe wood in mind when planning to add a deck, build a fence, or put on siding. The high fire resistance of Ipe wood helps prevent the flames from gaining a toehold and doing more damage. No organic product is fireproof, but Ipe is a close second.
FAQs
Fire resistant coatings are becoming more and more advanced and offer a reliable solution for increasing the fire rating on wood. Intumescent coatings are often regarded as a smart and effective approach to fireproofing substrates including wood. Fire retardants are similarly a valid option.
Can any wood be used for fire? ›
First understand that all types of wood will burn, but not all wood will start a fire easily. Some kinds of fireplace wood and logs will produce more creosote than others. We can actually make our fireplace and chimney prone to flue fires by burning the wrong kind of wood!
Is wood very flammable? ›
Here's a quick and dirty explanation of wood's Pyrolysis: Wood itself isn't flammable, but when exposed to high enough temperatures it gives off flammable resin vapors. Those vapors burn. Meanwhile the structure of the wood itself “decomposes” into simpler compounds.
Can you burn wood to make it fire-resistant? ›
Cellulose is the first part of wood to catch fire and it burns quickly, leaving behind charcoal, which takes higher temperatures and more time to burn. By burning off the cellulose layer and leaving the char through the shou sugi ban method, wood becomes naturally more fire resistant, just like charcoal.
Is there fire rated wood? ›
Pyro-Guard interior fire retardant treated wood has a low rate of fuel contribution and heat release, and it maintains structural integrity longer than other building materials such as steel. Consequently, fire damages and repair costs are minimized, resulting in reduced insurance rates.
What wood Cannot be burned? ›
Wood from toxic trees and woody shrubs - some trees and shrubs are just not meant to be burned (e.g., cherry, elder, horse chestnut, laburnum, oleander, rhododendron, and yew, etc.,) Wood with vines or ivy - these plants are toxic, and burning them is a bad idea.
What is the perfect wood for fire? ›
Most types of hardwood, for instance Ash (generally regarded as the best), Birch, Beech, Oak and Elm can be used. However, avoid burning woods with a high resin content. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the wood, then the greater the heat output and the longer burn time – the time between refills.
Does a rubber tree make good firewood? ›
Sure, it can be used to heat the home as firewood, but rubberwood has other practical applications. It is durable and flexible, and resistant to bacteria, fungus or mold. Working with it is easy, and it can be used with most strong adhesives.
What wood is the most fire-resistant? ›
Both Ipe and Cumaru hardwoods are rated for fire-resistance, but their Batu wood decking stands out from the rest due to its Class A fire rating. The Batu fire-retardant rating also exceeds that of other softwoods as much as five times over, making it an incredibly durable option.
Can wood burn at 200 degrees? ›
Wood normally begins to burn at about 400 degrees to 600 degrees F. However, when it's continually exposed to temperatures between 150 degrees and 250 degrees F., its ignition temperature can become as low as 200 degrees F.
What Is the Ignition Temperature of Wood? Wood placed in an oven at 700°F. catches fire almost immediately. At oven temperatures of 450°-500°F., the wood gradually chars and usually ignites after several hours.
Does fireproof wood exist? ›
Fire-retardant wood goes through a special treatment process to withstand heat and reduce the spread of flames. All fire-retardant wood starts out as kiln-dried, untreated plywood. Then, the manufacturer uses a pressurized system to infuse the wood with fire-resistant chemicals.
Is it possible to make wood fire-resistant? ›
Fire retardants are available in various forms, including sprays, paints, and coatings. Choose a product that suits your needs and the type of wood you treat. Look for fire retardants that comply with safety standards and regulations.
Can you get fireproof wood? ›
It's essential to note that wood can't become fireproof. Basically, if an organic substance is heated past its flash point, it will burn. Having said that, the appropriate products will provide it enough protection to enable you to extinguish any fires swiftly before they spread.
Can wood catch fire from heat? ›
What Is the Ignition Temperature of Wood? Wood placed in an oven at 700°F. catches fire almost immediately. At oven temperatures of 450°-500°F., the wood gradually chars and usually ignites after several hours.
Is wood fire safe? ›
Wood-Burning Emissions Threaten Lung Health
Many of these pollutants can worsen air quality indoors and outdoors. Particle pollution. In some places, wood-burning is the major source of particle pollution. Carbon monoxide.
How do you keep a fire burning with wood? ›
Make sure there is enough space between the logs to allow for sufficient oxygen flow and heat circulation. Place smaller pieces of wood on top of larger ones so that they burn quickly and thoroughly. Regularly add more kindling or tinder to help keep your flames burning longer and hotter.
