The Best Ipe Decking in Bedford

In comparison to composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, which adds to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for Bedford, Michigan. It stands as a wholly natural material, ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, without generating harmful byproducts. Devoid of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Bedford, Michigan’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the encouragement to “Go Natural!” when selecting decking materials.

With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, placing it among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, Ipe significantly surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its remarkable hardness and density, often likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance for Bedford, Michigan, where fluctuating weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction leading to cellular damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, offering a distinct advantage for creating comfortable, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Bedford, Michigan’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials typically experience loss of rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe demonstrates minimal movement under similar conditions, underscoring its durability and suitability for Bedford, Michigan’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring for decades even in harsh weather conditions, is highly suitable for Bedford, Michigan’s climate. Its density and hardness play crucial roles in this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay is well-aligned with Bedford, Michigan’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests receiving 100-400 inches of rainfall annually, far surpassing typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved naturally to resist water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an excellent option for withstanding Bedford, Michigan’s distinct weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

In regions prone to fires, such as several states in the southwestern United States and major commercial projects in urban environments, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in these situations owing to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently earn an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher costs than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental conditions. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more financially prudent choice, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of one Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Though pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper initially, the frequent replacements required make Ipe more cost-effective in the long term, establishing it as a financially wise option for Bedford, Michigan’s decking requirements, both in the short and long term.