The Best Ipe Decking in Cleveland

Ipe stands out as a more environmentally friendly option for Cleveland, Tennessee, in contrast to composite decking and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber. Unlike these alternatives, Ipe is entirely natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals and plastics. Its purity as real wood aligns with Cleveland, Tennessee’s environmentally conscious ethos, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking selections.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, significantly surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance for Cleveland, Tennessee, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and accelerated deterioration, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, offering a distinct advantage for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Cleveland, Tennessee’s landscapes. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose rigidity over time due to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe demonstrates minimal movement under similar conditions, underscoring its resilience and suitability for Cleveland, Tennessee’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions for decades, is exceptionally well-suited to the climate of Cleveland, Tennessee. Its density and hardness are primary contributors to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly complements the humid environment of Cleveland, Tennessee. Originating from rainforests experiencing annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, significantly more than typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally repel water, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an optimal choice for enduring Cleveland, Tennessee’s distinctive weather patterns without compromising on quality or longevity.

The inherent resistance to insects found in Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods proves especially advantageous for outdoor spaces in Cleveland, Tennessee. Unlike domestic lumber, which often necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe possesses a natural resistance developed over time. Originating from forests where wood-boring insects are prevalent, Ipe’s robust wood fibers offer nearly impervious protection against these pests. This resilience extends to insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe a superb choice for regions like Cleveland, Tennessee, where durability against natural elements is paramount. Such insect resistance is a prevalent advantage shared among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as many states in the southwestern United States and large-scale urban projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in these contexts, thanks to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently achieve an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically exhibit lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking does not pose a greater expense than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts only 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental conditions. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more cost-efficient choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper upfront, the necessity for frequent replacement ultimately makes Ipe the more economical choice in the long term. Thus, it proves to be a financially prudent option for addressing Cleveland, Tennessee’s decking requirements, both in the short and long term.