The Best Ipe Decking in Lincoln

In Lincoln, Rhode Island, where the Ipe will be shipped, there’s a distinct advantage of choosing Ipe over composite decking or pressure-treated lumber. Unlike composite decking, which combines wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, contributing to environmental pollution, Ipe stands out as a greener option. It’s a natural material that can be repurposed and is biodegradable, without generating harmful byproducts. Moreover, unlike pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber filled with toxic chemicals, Ipe is free from such substances and plastics, offering the purity of real wood. This aligns well with Lincoln, Rhode Island’s environmental consciousness, promoting the preference for natural decking materials.

With its Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, placing it among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, Ipe significantly surpasses Oak, which boasts a rating of approximately 1,200. The density and hardness of Ipe, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes are particularly crucial in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where unpredictable weather conditions can challenge construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to substantial expansion and contraction leading to cell structure damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, presenting a notable advantage for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Lincoln, Rhode Island’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials may 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 Lincoln, Rhode Island’s climate.

The remarkable durability of Ipe, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions for decades, is especially well-suited to Lincoln, Rhode Island’s climate. Its density and hardness play significant roles in this longevity. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Lincoln, Rhode Island’s humid climate. Hailing from rainforests experiencing annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, significantly more than typical U.S. climates, Ipe has naturally evolved to resist water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent characteristics render it an excellent choice for enduring Lincoln, Rhode Island’s distinct weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods exhibit a natural resistance to insects, a characteristic particularly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Lincoln, 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 have honed their ability to bore into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience also extends to the insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe an excellent choice for regions like Lincoln, Rhode Island, where durability against natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a common attribute shared by most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as many states in the southwestern United States and major commercial projects in urban areas, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in such environments due to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the few materials, alongside steel and concrete, consistently earning 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 entail higher costs than alternatives in the long run. 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 ranging from 40 to 75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended durability renders Ipe a more economically sound choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of one Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and even lower than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper initially, the need for frequent replacement ultimately makes Ipe a more cost-effective option in the long term. This underscores its status as a financially prudent choice for decking needs in Lincoln, Rhode Island, both in the short and long term.