The Best Ipe Decking in New Smyrna Beach

In comparison to composite decking, composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, contributing to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more sustainable option for New Smyrna Beach, Florida. As a fully natural material, it is ideal for repurposing and biodegrades without generating harmful byproducts. Devoid of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with New Smyrna Beach’s environmental awareness, further promoting the adoption of natural decking alternatives.

The remarkable longevity of Ipe, capable of enduring for decades even in the face of extreme weather conditions, finds an ideal match in New Smyrna Beach, Florida’s climate. Its density and hardness play pivotal roles in this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with New Smyrna Beach’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests accustomed to receiving 100-400 inches of rainfall annually, significantly more than typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally resist water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it a prime choice for withstanding New Smyrna Beach’s distinct weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods possess an intrinsic resistance to insects, a feature especially advantageous for outdoor spaces in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Unlike domestic lumber necessitating chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has naturally evolved this resistance. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This durability extends to insects prevalent in the United States, making Ipe an exceptional option for regions like New Smyrna Beach, where resilience against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a typical benefit of most tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to wildfires, such as many states in the southwestern United States and extensive 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 these contexts owing to its outstanding flame resistance. It ranks among the select 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 receive lower flame spread ratings, falling into the C Class category.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking does not incur higher costs than alternatives over the long haul. 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 boasts a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental factors. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more financially prudent 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 aligns with mid-grade composites and falls below that of high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper initially, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe the more economical option in the long term, establishing it as a financially astute choice for New Smyrna Beach’s decking requirements, both in the immediate and distant future.