The Best Ipe Decking in Johnston

In contrast to composite decking comprised of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, which contributes to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber infused with toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more sustainable option for Johnston, Rhode Island. Being a completely natural material, Ipe is ideal for repurposing and is biodegradable, thus avoiding the generation of harmful byproducts. Devoid of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of authentic wood, resonating with Johnston, Rhode Island’s environmental ethos and promoting the embrace of 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 resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in Johnston, Rhode Island, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to building materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to substantial expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and hastened decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, providing a notable advantage for creating comfortable, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Johnston, Rhode Island’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time due to fluctuations in temperature, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for the climate of Johnston, Rhode Island.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring for decades even in harsh weather conditions, is particularly well-suited to Johnston, Rhode Island’s climate. Its exceptional density and hardness significantly contribute to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s inherent resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly aligns with Johnston, Rhode Island’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests accustomed to receiving 100-400 inches of rainfall annually, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe has naturally evolved to resist water penetration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an optimal choice for withstanding Johnston, Rhode Island’s distinct weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

The natural resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods to insects is a valuable attribute for outdoor spaces in Johnston, Rhode Island. Unlike domestic lumber, which often requires chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects possess a high aptitude for boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to such pests. This resilience also extends to insects found in the United States, making Ipe a highly suitable option for regions like Johnston, Rhode Island, where durability against natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a commonly shared advantage among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas such as many states in the southwestern United States and large commercial projects in urban settings, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in such contexts owing 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, categorized as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not prove more expensive than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deterioration sets in, 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 longevity renders Ipe a more cost-effective choice, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times over the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe decking aligns with mid-grade composites and falls below that of high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may present a cheaper upfront cost, the frequent need for replacement makes Ipe the more economical option in the long term, demonstrating its financial prudence for decking needs in Johnston, Rhode Island, both in immediate and long-term perspectives.