The Best Ipe Decking in Oak Creek

In contrast 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 Oak Creek, Wisconsin. As a completely natural material, Ipe is ideal for repurposing and is biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. Being devoid of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Oak Creek’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the preference for natural decking alternatives.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, significantly surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its hardness, akin to concrete, and high density contribute to dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weather conditions. These attributes hold particular significance for Oak Creek, Wisconsin, where variable weather poses challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood susceptible to significant expansion and contraction, resulting in structural damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its integrity. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain common in softer woods, offering smoother surfaces conducive to barefoot enjoyment in outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, leading to sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Oak Creek’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather conditions, finds a fitting application in Oak Creek, Wisconsin’s climate. Its density and hardness play pivotal roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Oak Creek’s humid environment. Hailing from rainforests receiving 100-400 inches of rainfall annually, significantly more than standard U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally repel water, mold, and decay. These inherent qualities render it an excellent option for enduring Oak Creek’s distinct weather fluctuations without sacrificing quality or longevity.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods exhibit a natural resistance to insects, a characteristic especially advantageous for outdoor spaces in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Unlike domestic lumber, which relies on chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience extends to insects found in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like Oak Creek, where durability against environmental factors is essential. This insect resistance is a typical benefit of many tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fires, such as many states in the southwestern United States and large urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in such environments due to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, consistently awarded an A Class rating by engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option over the long term in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts about 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often show signs of fading and degradation within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental conditions. This extended durability renders Ipe a more financially viable choice, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Although the initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites, its longevity offsets these upfront expenses. The apparent affordability of pressure-treated lumber diminishes when factoring in the frequent replacements required, making Ipe the financially prudent choice for decking needs in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, both in the short and long term.