The Best Ipe Decking in Pittsburgh

In contrast to composite decking and treated lumber, which pose environmental concerns with their non-recyclable components and toxic chemicals, Ipe stands out as a greener option for Pittsburgh. Being entirely natural, it’s easily repurposable and biodegradable, leaving no harmful residues. With its pure wood composition, Ipe aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh’s environmental ethos, promoting the “Go Natural!” mantra in decking decisions.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s rating of about 1,200. Its density and hardness, akin to concrete, ensure dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against Pittsburgh’s varying weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay from expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, a benefit for barefoot-friendly outdoor spaces in Pittsburgh. While composite and plastic decking may sag over time due to movement, Ipe’s minimal expansion underscores its durability, ideal for Pittsburgh’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, proven to last for decades even in harsh weather, makes it a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to its durability. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay matches well with Pittsburgh’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests that experience heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes ensure it thrives in Pittsburgh’s distinct weather, maintaining quality and lifespan without compromise.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Pittsburgh’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments against wood-boring insects, Ipe developed this resistance in its forest origins. With tough wood fibers, Ipe repels pests common in the United States, making it ideal for Pittsburgh’s demanding conditions. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods, ensuring durability against natural elements in Pittsburgh and beyond.

In fire-prone regions across the southwestern United States and urban commercial projects, the selection of construction materials is strongly guided by fire resistance, a factor also relevant to Pittsburgh. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such contexts, boasting remarkable flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, it consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, unlike plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber, which typically rank lower with C Class ratings.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option for Pittsburgh. While pressure-treated lumber lasts about 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity offsets initial costs, especially compared to the expenses of replacing alternative materials multiple times. Ipe’s upfront cost is similar to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s initial affordability, Ipe’s durability makes it the smarter financial choice in the long run for Pittsburgh’s decking needs.