The Best Ipe Decking in Atlanta

In contrast to composite decking containing non-recyclable plastic and wood pulp, and treated or reclaimed lumber filled with harmful chemicals, Ipe emerges as a greener option for Atlanta. Being entirely natural, Ipe is easily repurposable and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful residues. With its chemical-free and plastic-free composition, Ipe embodies the authenticity of real wood. This resonates with Atlanta’s environmental ethos, emphasizing the preference for natural decking materials.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200. Its density, likened to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against Atlanta’s variable weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to expansion and contraction, leading to structural damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity over time. This stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, ideal for creating smooth, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Atlanta’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials may sag due to prolonged exposure, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability, making it a fitting choice for Atlanta’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, proven to last for decades even in harsh weather, makes it an excellent fit for Atlanta’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Atlanta’s humid conditions. Adapted to rainforests with high rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes render it an ideal option for withstanding Atlanta’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining quality and longevity.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a valuable trait for Atlanta’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Growing in forests where insects are proficient at boring into wood, Ipe’s tough fibers are highly resistant. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe a top choice for places like Atlanta, where durability against the elements is vital. Insect resistance is a shared advantage among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas like parts of the southwestern United States and large urban projects, the selection of construction materials is heavily guided by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in such cases due to its outstanding flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, Ipe consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. Conversely, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice over the long term. While pressure-treated lumber may last around 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards often degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This longevity makes Ipe a financially savvy option, especially when considering the expenses of replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times. Though the initial cost of Ipe is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites, its durability makes it more economical in the long run. This makes Ipe a wise investment for Atlanta’s decking needs, both in the short and long term.