The Best Ipe Decking in Beverly

For Beverly, Ipe stands out as an eco-friendly alternative to composite decking and treated lumber. Unlike plastic-filled composites and chemical-laden wood, Ipe is natural, biodegradable, and safe for the environment. Its 100% real wood composition resonates with Beverly’s commitment to sustainability, promoting a “Go Natural!” ethos in decking decisions.

Ipe, with its remarkable Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200, making it one of the world’s hardest woods. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and weather resistance, crucial qualities for Beverly’s varied climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its structure over time. Its stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, ideal for Beverly’s outdoor spaces. While composites and plastics may sag with time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability in Beverly’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, lasting for decades even in harsh weather, fits perfectly with Beverly’s climate. Its density and hardness play key roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay suits Beverly’s humid environment. Adapted from rainforests with heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally fends off water damage, mold, and decay. These attributes ensure it thrives in Beverly’s weather, maintaining quality and longevity.

Beverly benefits from Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods’ natural resistance to insects, crucial for its outdoor spaces. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe naturally repels wood-boring insects. Originating from forests with adept wood-borers, Ipe’s tough fibers resist pests, extending to those in the United States. This durability against natural elements is vital for areas like Beverly. Insect resistance is a shared advantage of tropical hardwoods.

In Beverly, where fire safety is crucial, Ipe stands out as the top decking choice due to its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastics, composites, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower ratings, classified as C Class.

In Beverly, Ipe decking proves to be a financially savvy choice over the long term. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity outweighs initial costs, especially compared to frequent replacements needed with other materials. Initial Ipe costs are comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s seeming affordability, Ipe’s durability makes it more cost-effective, aligning with Beverly’s decking needs in both short and long terms.