The Best Ipe Decking in Green Bay

In contrast to composite decking comprised of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, which adds to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals harmful to ecosystems, Ipe emerges as a more eco-friendly option for Green Bay, Wisconsin. Being entirely natural, it lends itself well to repurposing and biodegradation, without generating harmful byproducts. Devoid of chemicals and synthetic materials, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Green Bay’s environmental awareness, strengthening the advocacy for embracing natural decking alternatives.

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 remarkable hardness and density, often likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resilience against varying weather conditions. These attributes hold particular significance in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where fluctuating weather patterns can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, susceptible to significant expansion and contraction leading to cell structure damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, a notable advantage for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Green Bay’s climate. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Green Bay’s environmental conditions.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, renowned for lasting for decades even in harsh weather conditions, finds particular relevance in Green Bay, Wisconsin’s climate. Its density and hardness significantly contribute to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s inherent resistance to water, rot, and decay is well-suited to Green Bay’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests experiencing 100-400 inches of annual rainfall, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe has naturally evolved to withstand water penetration, mold, and decay. These characteristics position it as an excellent option for withstanding Green Bay’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining both quality and longevity.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods feature a natural resistance to insects, a quality highly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Unlike domestic lumber, which necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Hailing from forests where insects are proficient at boring into wood, Ipe’s sturdy wood fibers are nearly impervious to these pests. This resilience also applies to insects found in the United States, rendering Ipe a superb choice for regions like Green Bay, where durability against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance represents a shared advantage among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as several states in the southwestern United States and extensive commercial projects in urban areas, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by fire resistance considerations. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in such environments owing to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, consistently receiving an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. Conversely, 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 entail higher costs than alternatives over the long haul. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental conditions. This extended durability 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. The initial cost of Ipe decking aligns with mid-grade composites and is lower than high-end composites. Though pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper upfront, the frequent need for replacement makes Ipe the more economical choice in the long run, establishing it as a financially prudent option for Green Bay’s decking requirements, both immediate and enduring.