The Best Ipe Decking in Milwaukee

Ipe offers a sustainable alternative to composite decking and pressure-treated lumber in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unlike composite materials, which contain non-recyclable plastic, and pressure-treated lumber, which is filled with toxic chemicals, Ipe is entirely natural and biodegradable. It does not produce harmful byproducts, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Free from chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood. This resonates with Milwaukee’s commitment to environmental awareness, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking options.

With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, Ipe ranks among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, far surpassing 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 importance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to building materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction, resulting in structural damage and rapid deterioration, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, providing an advantage for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Milwaukee’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time due to temperature fluctuations, leading to sagging, Ipe demonstrates minimal movement under similar conditions, underscoring its resilience and suitability for Milwaukee’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of lasting for decades even in harsh weather, is well-suited to Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s climate. Its density and hardness significantly contribute to this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly matches Milwaukee’s humid conditions. Originating from rainforests with annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally resist water penetration, mold, and decay. These characteristics make it an excellent option for enduring Milwaukee’s distinct weather patterns without sacrificing durability or longevity.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer a natural resistance to insects, a feature highly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unlike domestic lumber, which often necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed this resistance organically. Emerging from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are exceptionally resistant to these pests. This resilience also applies to the insects prevalent in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like Milwaukee, where durability against environmental factors is essential. This insect resistance is a prevalent advantage shared among most tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fire incidents, such as several states in the southwestern United States and major urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in such environments due to its remarkable resistance to flames. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently achieve 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 incur higher costs than alternatives in the long run. 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 offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent on environmental conditions. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more cost-effective option, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites. Though pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper initially, the frequent need for replacement makes Ipe the more economical choice in the long term, demonstrating its financial prudence for decking needs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, both in the short and long term.