The Best Ipe Decking in Eau Claire

Ipe offers a sustainable alternative in Eau Claire, Wisconsin compared to composite decking and pressure-treated lumber. Unlike composite decking, which combines wood pulp and non-recyclable plastics, and pressure-treated lumber filled with harmful chemicals, Ipe is a natural material that is both biodegradable and recyclable. With its chemical-free composition, Ipe embodies the essence of real wood, aligning perfectly with Eau Claire’s environmental ethos and promoting eco-conscious decking options.

With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, Ipe ranks among the world’s hardest woods, surpassing Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its exceptional hardness and density, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes are particularly valuable in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where fluctuating weather conditions can pose challenges to building materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and premature decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. Additionally, its stability helps prevent the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, making it ideal for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Eau Claire’s climate. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose their rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe demonstrates minimal movement under similar conditions, underscoring its resilience and suitability for Eau Claire’s environment.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of lasting for decades even in harsh weather conditions, is especially fitting for Eau Claire, Wisconsin’s climate. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly complements Eau Claire’s humid climate. Hailing from rainforests that experience annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, significantly more than typical climates in the U.S., Ipe has evolved to naturally withstand water penetration, mold, and decay. These characteristics position it as an ideal option for enduring Eau Claire’s distinct weather patterns while maintaining both quality and longevity.

The natural resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods to insects is especially advantageous for outdoor spaces in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Unlike domestic lumber, which often needs chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe possesses innate resistance. Evolving in forests where insects are adept at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience extends to insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe a reliable option for regions like Eau Claire, where durability against natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as several states in the southwestern United States and significant commercial projects in urban areas, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these situations due 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 have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking does not incur higher costs than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts only 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often start fading and degrading within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan ranging from 40 to 75 years, contingent on environmental conditions. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more financially viable option, 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 aligns with mid-grade composites and is lower than high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber seeming cheaper upfront, the frequent need for replacement makes Ipe the more economical choice in the long term, establishing it as a financially prudent option for decking needs in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, both in the immediate and distant future.