The Best Ipe Decking in Lake in the Hills

Ipe stands out in Lake in the Hills as an eco-friendly alternative amidst decking options like composite materials and chemically treated lumber. Unlike its counterparts, Ipe is entirely natural, easily repurposable, and biodegradable, leaving no harmful residues. With its 100% wood composition, Ipe fits seamlessly into Lake in the Hills’s commitment to environmental sustainability, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking solutions.

In Lake in the Hills, Illinois, Ipe’s exceptional hardness, with a Janka rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200, making it one of the toughest woods globally. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resistance to weather, crucial qualities for the area’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated lumber prone to damage and decay from weather-induced expansion, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding raised wood grain issues. This stability is advantageous for creating smooth, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Lake in the Hills’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic materials may lose rigidity over time, leading to sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability, ideal for Lake in the Hills’s conditions.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding extreme weather for decades, is well-suited to Lake in the Hills’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly complements the humid environment of Lake in the Hills. Adapted to rainforests receiving extensive rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, making it an excellent choice for enduring the area’s distinct weather patterns without sacrificing longevity or quality.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods possess a natural resistance to insects, a feature particularly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Lake in the Hills. Unlike domestic lumber, which relies on chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed innate resistance. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience extends to insects found in the United States, making Ipe a top choice for areas like Lake in the Hills, where durability against the elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas like many states in the southwestern United States and large urban projects, the selection of construction materials is greatly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these situations, 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 organizations. In contrast, materials such as plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, falling into the C Class category.

Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option for Lake in the Hills, Illinois, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended longevity offsets the initial investment, making Ipe more economical over time, especially when factoring in the costs of multiple replacements for pressure-treated or composite boards. Initially comparable to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end options, Ipe emerges as a financially wise choice for Lake in the Hills, ensuring both short and long-term savings.