The Best Ipe Decking in Fort Walton Beach

In contrast to composite decking, which combines wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing harmful chemicals, Ipe offers a more environmentally friendly option for Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Being a natural material, it is easily repurposable and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. Ipe, devoid of chemicals and plastics, embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Fort Walton Beach’s environmental awareness, advocating for natural decking alternatives.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its exceptional hardness and density, often likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes are particularly crucial in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 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 rapid deterioration, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, offering a smoother surface conducive to barefoot walking in Fort Walton Beach’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose their rigidity over time due to repeated expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Fort Walton Beach’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather conditions, is exceptionally well-suited to Fort Walton Beach, Florida’s climate. Its density and hardness play significant roles in ensuring its durability over time. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly align with the humid environment of Fort Walton Beach. Originating from rainforests accustomed to annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe has naturally evolved to resist water penetration, mold, and decay. These inherent characteristics render it an ideal choice for enduring Fort Walton Beach’s distinct weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

In fire-prone regions such as several states in the southwestern United States and major commercial projects in urban environments, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by fire resistance considerations. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these contexts due to its remarkable flame resistance. It is among the select 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 exhibit 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 approximately 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 factors. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more cost-efficient 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. The initial expense of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites. Though pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper initially, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe more economical in the long term, establishing it as a financially prudent choice for decking needs in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, both in the short and long term.