The Best Ipe Decking in Newport

Ipe stands in stark contrast to composite decking, which combines wood pulp and non-recyclable plastics, contributing to environmental degradation. Likewise, pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber contains toxic chemicals harmful to ecosystems. In Newport, Rhode Island, opting for Ipe represents a more sustainable choice. Being entirely natural, Ipe is easily repurposed and biodegradable, leaving no harmful residues. Its chemical-free composition aligns with Newport’s environmental ethos, promoting the use of 100% real wood and encouraging a “Go Natural!” approach to decking materials.

Ipe, ranked among the top 10 hardest woods globally with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, comparable to concrete, enhance its dimensional stability, longevity, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in Newport, Rhode Island, where variable weather conditions can challenge construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to significant expansion and contraction, which damages cell structure and accelerates decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents the raised wood grain issue common in softer woods, making it ideal for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Newport, Rhode Island. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability and suitability for Newport, Rhode Island’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring for decades even in harsh weather conditions, makes it an ideal choice for Newport, Rhode Island’s climate. Its density and hardness play pivotal roles in this exceptional durability. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Newport, Rhode Island’s humid climate. Originating from rainforests accustomed to receiving 100-400 inches of rain annually, significantly more than typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally withstand water penetration, mold, and decay. These inherent qualities render it well-suited for enduring Newport, Rhode Island’s distinctive weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods exhibit innate resistance to insects, a quality particularly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Newport, Rhode Island. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects possess adept wood-boring abilities, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to such pests. This resilience extends to insects found in the United States, making Ipe a superb choice for regions like Newport, Rhode Island, where durability against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a prevalent advantage shared by most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as many states in the southwestern United States and large urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such contexts owing to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, including steel and concrete, consistently awarded an A Class rating by engineering organizations. Conversely, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class. This distinction underscores Ipe’s suitability for applications where fire resistance is paramount, including projects in Newport, Rhode Island.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice over the long term compared to alternatives. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often start to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental conditions. This extended durability renders Ipe a more financially viable option, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times over the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking aligns with mid-grade composites and falls below high-end composites. Despite the seemingly lower initial cost of pressure-treated lumber, the need for frequent replacement renders Ipe the more economical choice in the long run, making it a prudent investment for Newport, Rhode Island’s decking requirements, both in terms of short-term and long-term financial considerations.