The Best Ipe Decking in New Bedford

Ipe, in contrast to composite decking and treated lumber, offers a greener option for New Bedford. It’s entirely natural, biodegradable, and easily repurposed. Free from harmful chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood. This resonates with New Bedford’s eco-friendly ethos, promoting natural decking choices.

Ipe, with its remarkable Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200, placing it among the world’s hardest woods. Its density and durability, akin to concrete, ensure dimensional stability, longevity, and resistance to weather — qualities crucial in New Bedford’s varied climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay from weather-induced expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains its structure. This stability also avoids the raised wood grain issue, ideal for comfortable outdoor surfaces in New Bedford. While composite and plastic decking materials weaken over time due to movement, Ipe’s minimal expansion underscores its resilience and suitability for New Bedford’s environment.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring for decades even in harsh weather, is well-suited to New Bedford’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly aligns with New Bedford’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests with heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, making it an ideal choice for enduring New Bedford’s distinct weather without sacrificing quality or lifespan.

Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for New Bedford’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in its native forests, where insects are adept at boring into wood. Its tough fibers repel pests, including those in the United States, making it ideal for New Bedford’s climate. This insect resilience is a shared trait among tropical hardwoods.

In areas prone to fires, such as parts of the southwestern United States and urban projects, the selection of construction materials is crucial. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, it consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, plastics, composites, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class. This makes Ipe a preferred choice, even for large commercial projects in New Bedford, where fire resistance is paramount.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for New Bedford. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity offsets its initial cost, comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Although pressure-treated lumber seems cheaper upfront, frequent replacements make Ipe more economical in the long run. It’s a financially savvy option for New Bedford’s decking needs, offering both short and long-term benefits.