The Best Ipe Decking in Plymouth

Ipe stands in stark contrast to composite decking and pressure-treated lumber commonly used in Plymouth. While these alternatives pose environmental concerns due to plastic content and toxic chemicals, Ipe offers a greener solution. Being entirely natural, it can be repurposed and is biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. With its chemical-free composition, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood, aligning perfectly with Plymouth’s eco-conscious ethos and promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking options.

Ipe, renowned for its exceptional hardness with a Janka rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200, placing it among the world’s top 10 hardest woods. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resistance to weather, making it an ideal choice for Plymouth, Michigan’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to expansion and contraction, which can compromise integrity and lead to decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents the raised wood grain issue common in softer woods, making it ideal for creating smooth, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Plymouth’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability and suitability for Plymouth’s environmental conditions.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, is well-suited to Plymouth, Michigan’s climate. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Plymouth’s humid conditions. Originating from rainforests experiencing significantly higher rainfall than typical U.S. regions, Ipe has evolved to repel water, mold, and decay. These attributes render it an optimal choice for enduring Plymouth’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining quality and longevity.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods possess a natural resistance to insects, a feature highly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Plymouth, Michigan. Unlike domestic lumber, which necessitates 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 also extends to insects found in the United States, making Ipe an excellent option for regions like Plymouth, where durability against natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a prevalent advantage shared among many tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fire hazards, such as several states in the southwestern United States and significant urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in such contexts due to its outstanding flame resistance. It joins the ranks of steel and concrete as one of the few materials consistently receiving an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended durability makes Ipe a more economically viable option, especially when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of an Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may seem initially cheaper, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe more economical over time, making it a financially prudent choice for decking needs in Plymouth, Michigan, both in the short and long term.