The Best Ipe Decking in Medford

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 detrimental to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more eco-friendly option for Medford, Rhode Island. As a completely natural material, it’s ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. With its absence of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Medford, Rhode Island’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the imperative to “Go Natural!” when selecting decking materials.

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 hardness and density, often likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in Medford, Rhode Island, where fluctuating weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to considerable expansion and contraction leading to damage to its cell structure and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, offering a notable advantage for creating foot-friendly surfaces in Medford, Rhode Island’s outdoor environments. 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 Medford, Rhode Island’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather conditions, is well-suited to Medford, Rhode Island’s climate. Its density and hardness play significant roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay resonates with Medford, Rhode Island’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests experiencing annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, significantly more than typical climates in the U.S., Ipe has evolved to naturally resist water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an ideal choice for enduring Medford, Rhode Island’s distinctive weather patterns without compromising on quality or longevity.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods possess an inherent resistance to insects, a feature particularly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Medford, Rhode Island. Unlike domestic lumber, which necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has naturally developed this resistance. Originating from forests where insects possess a high level of proficiency in boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are nearly impervious to these pests. This resilience extends to the insects found in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for areas like Medford, Rhode Island, where durability against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a common benefit shared among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas such as many states in the southwestern United States and large-scale commercial projects in urban settings, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in such contexts, owing to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently attain an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher costs than alternatives over the long haul. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts approximately 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan ranging from 40 to 75 years, contingent upon environmental factors. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more economically viable 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 upfront, the frequent need for replacement makes Ipe the more financially prudent option in the long run, establishing it as a savvy choice for Medford, Rhode Island’s decking requirements, both in terms of immediate and long-term investment.