The Best Ipe Decking in Long Beach

Ipe stands out in Long Beach against composite and pressure-treated decking. Unlike these options, which harm the environment with non-recyclable materials and toxic chemicals, Ipe is completely natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful byproducts. Its purity as 100% real wood resonates with Long Beach’s environmental values, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking.

Ipe’s exceptional hardness, rated at 3,680 on the Janka scale, surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200, making it one of the world’s toughest woods. Its density, often compared to concrete, ensures dimensional stability and weather resistance, crucial qualities for Long Beach’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay from weather-induced expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains its integrity over time. Its stability also eliminates the raised wood grain issue, ensuring smooth surfaces ideal for Long Beach’s outdoor areas. While composite decking materials may sag over time due to expansion and contraction, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability, perfect for Long Beach’s conditions.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding extreme weather for decades, fits perfectly with Long Beach’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to its longevity. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay matches Long Beach’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests that experience heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally wards off water penetration, mold, and decay. These characteristics ensure it thrives in Long Beach’s distinct weather patterns, maintaining quality and lifespan.

Tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer natural insect resistance, a valuable trait for Long Beach’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments, Ipe naturally repels wood-boring insects. Evolving in forests where insects are adept at boring, Ipe’s tough fibers resist pests effectively. This durability extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for Long Beach’s climate. Such insect resistance is typical among tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas, including parts of the southwestern United States and urban commercial projects, material choice is crucial for safety. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material due to its remarkable flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, it consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Long Beach, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber lasts about 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes it more economical, considering the expenses of multiple replacements with other materials. Though initial costs may be comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end ones, Ipe’s durability proves financially savvy in the long run. This makes it an ideal option for Long Beach’s decking needs, offering both short and long-term savings.