The Best Ipe Decking in Oak Park

In contrast to composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, which contributes to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for Oak Park, Michigan. Being entirely natural, Ipe is ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, without generating harmful byproducts. Devoid of chemicals and plastics, Ipe epitomizes the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Oak Park’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the preference for “Going Natural!” when it comes to decking selections.

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 exceptional hardness and density, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in Oak Park, Michigan, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to building materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction leading to cell structure damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, a significant advantage for creating smooth and safe surfaces in Oak Park’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose stiffness over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Oak Park’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of lasting for decades even in harsh weather conditions, is well-matched to Oak Park, Michigan’s climate. Its density and hardness play crucial roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly complements Oak Park’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 characteristics position it as the perfect option for withstanding Oak Park’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining both quality and longevity.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods exhibit a natural resistance to insects, a characteristic especially advantageous for Oak Park’s outdoor environments. Unlike domestic lumber, which necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has naturally acquired this resistance. Originating from forests where insects possess a high proficiency in boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This durability extends to the insects found in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like Oak Park, where resilience against environmental factors is paramount. This insect resistance is a prevalent benefit shared by many tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as many states in the southwestern United States and major commercial projects in urban areas, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in such environments 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 rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher costs than alternatives in the long run. 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 offers a significantly longer lifespan ranging from 40 to 75 years, depending on environmental conditions. This extended durability renders Ipe a more financially prudent choice, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper initially, the frequent replacements required make Ipe more cost-effective in the long term, demonstrating its value as a financially savvy option for Oak Park’s decking requirements, both in the short and long term.