The Best Ipe Decking in Boardman

In Boardman, Ohio, Ipe stands out as an eco-friendly decking option, contrasting with composite and pressure-treated lumber. It’s entirely natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals or plastics. This resonates with Boardman’s environmental ethos, promoting sustainable choices for decking projects.

Ipe, with its remarkable hardness surpassing Oak’s, ensures durability and stability for Boardman’s varied weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods. Its minimal movement prevents sagging, making it an ideal choice for Boardman’s climate and outdoor spaces.

Ipe’s exceptional durability, capable of withstanding Boardman’s harsh weather for decades, makes it an ideal choice for the area. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this resilience, while its natural resistance to water, rot, and decay align perfectly with Boardman’s humid climate. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe’s ability to resist water penetration, mold, and decay ensures it can endure Boardman’s unique weather patterns without compromise.

Boardman’s outdoor spaces benefit from Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods’ natural resistance to insects. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments, Ipe has developed innate resilience against wood-boring insects. Originating from forests where insects thrive, Ipe’s robust wood fibers resist pests effectively. This durability extends to insects in the United States, making it an ideal choice for Boardman’s environment.

Boardman, Ohio, like other fire-prone areas, values construction materials with excellent fire resistance. Ipe stands out as a top choice for decking due to its exceptional flame resistance, consistently receiving an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Ipe decking, contrary to common assumptions, proves to be a cost-effective option for Boardman’s decking needs. While pressure-treated lumber and plastic/composite boards have shorter lifespans, lasting around 5-7 years and a few years respectively, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes Ipe a more economical choice, considering the expenses of replacing alternative boards multiple times. Initially comparable in cost to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites, Ipe proves financially savvy in the long run, making it a practical choice for Boardman homeowners.