What is Ipe specifically?
Per Wikipedia; Ipe wood is used for furniture, decking, and other outdoor uses. It has a fire rating of A1 (the highest possible, the same as concrete) [2], and is denser than water (it sinks). It is increasingly popular as a decking material due to its insect resistance and durability. FSC-certified Ipe wood is now (as of 2007) readily available on the market.