The Best Ipe Decking in North Chicago

In contrast to composite decking’s environmental drawbacks and the toxicity of pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber, Ipe emerges as a greener option for North Chicago. Its natural composition allows for easy repurposing and biodegradability, without harmful byproducts. Free from chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of authentic wood, resonating with North Chicago’s environmental ethos and advocating for natural decking choices.

Ipe’s remarkable Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, placing it among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, far surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, akin to concrete, ensure dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in North Chicago, where fluctuating weather demands robust building materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood susceptible to expansion and contraction, which compromises its structure and hastens decay, Ipe maintains its strength. This stability also mitigates the raised wood grain issue common in softer woods, making it ideal for comfortable outdoor surfaces in North Chicago. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability, perfect for North Chicago’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding decades of extreme weather, finds perfect harmony with North Chicago’s climate. Its density and hardness are pivotal to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay complements North Chicago’s humid conditions. Sourced from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe’s natural adaptation ensures it repels water, mold, and decay effectively. These attributes position it as the ideal choice for enduring North Chicago’s distinct weather patterns while maintaining longevity and quality.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods feature natural insect resistance, a valuable trait for North Chicago’s outdoor environments. Unlike domestic lumber, which relies on chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Hailing from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers offer near imperviousness to these pests. This resilience extends to insects in the United States, making Ipe an ideal option for locales like North Chicago, where durability against the elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among many tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fires, such as parts of the southwestern United States and urban areas with large commercial projects, the selection of construction materials is greatly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these situations, thanks to its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete, distinguishing it from materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber, which typically have lower flame spread ratings categorized as C Class.

While initial assumptions might suggest otherwise, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option over the long haul. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, which deteriorates in 5-7 years, or plastic and composite boards that degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended longevity translates to lower long-term costs, especially when compared to the expenses of replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking is similar to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper upfront, the need for frequent replacement makes Ipe a more economical choice in the long run, making it a financially prudent option for North Chicago’s decking needs, both in the short and long term.