The Best Ipe Decking in Lansing

In contrast to composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, which adds to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more eco-friendly option for Lansing, Michigan. Being entirely natural, it facilitates repurposing and is biodegradable, generating no harmful byproducts. With its chemical-free and plastic-free composition, Ipe embodies the authenticity of pure wood. This resonates with Lansing’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the preference for natural decking solutions.

With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, placing it among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, Ipe significantly surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in Lansing, Michigan, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction, leading to structural damage and accelerated deterioration, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, making it an excellent choice for surfaces in Lansing’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose their rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Lansing’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring for decades even in harsh weather conditions, makes it an excellent fit for Lansing, Michigan’s climate. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay align perfectly with Lansing’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests that experience 100-400 inches of rainfall annually, significantly more than most regions in the U.S., Ipe has evolved to naturally withstand water penetration, mold, and decay. These characteristics render it an optimal selection for withstanding Lansing’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining quality and longevity.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods feature a natural resistance to insects, a quality highly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Lansing, Michigan. Unlike domestic lumber, which necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed this resistance naturally. Hailing from forests where insects possess a high proficiency in boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are nearly impervious to these pests. This resilience extends to the insects prevalent in the United States, making Ipe an outstanding option for regions like Lansing, where durability against environmental elements is paramount. 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 extensive commercial projects in urban environments, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such contexts owing to its remarkable flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, it is among the few materials 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.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not prove more costly than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber may endure approximately 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly extended lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent on environmental conditions. This prolonged durability renders Ipe a more financially prudent 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 expense of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than that of high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear more economical initially, the frequent replacements required make Ipe the more cost-effective option in the long term, showcasing it as a financially astute choice for decking needs in Lansing, Michigan, both in the short and long term.