The Best Ipe Decking in Racine

In contrast to composite decking composed of non-recyclable plastic and wood pulp, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing harmful chemicals, Ipe stands as a more environmentally friendly option for Racine, Wisconsin. Being entirely natural, Ipe is easily repurposable and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. With its absence of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonance with Racine’s environmental awareness further emphasizes the preference for natural decking solutions.

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 likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resilience against weather elements. These attributes hold particular importance in Racine, Wisconsin, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, prone to significant expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and rapid decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, providing an advantage for creating comfortable outdoor surfaces in Racine. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging over time, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Racine’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather conditions, is especially well-suited to Racine, Wisconsin’s climate. Its density and hardness significantly contribute to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay resonates with Racine’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests experiencing annual rainfall of 100-400 inches, far surpassing typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally repel water, mold, and decay. These attributes position it as an optimal choice for enduring Racine’s distinct weather patterns while maintaining quality and longevity.

Tropical hardwoods like Ipe possess a natural resistance to insects, a characteristic that proves advantageous for outdoor spaces in Racine, Wisconsin. In contrast to domestic lumber, which often requires chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed this resistance organically. Originating from forests where insects are adept at burrowing into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers provide significant resistance to these pests. This resilience extends to insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe a preferred option for regions like Racine, where durability against natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among most tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fires, such as several states in the southwestern United States and major urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is greatly influenced by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these situations due to its remarkable resistance to flames. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently achieve an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, often classified as C Class.

Ipe decking, contrary to common assumptions, does not incur higher costs compared to alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts approximately 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan ranging from 40-75 years, contingent on environmental factors. This extended durability renders Ipe a more cost-efficient choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. The initial expense of Ipe decking is akin to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may initially appear more affordable, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe a more economically sound choice in the long term. This underscores its status as a financially prudent option for decking needs in Racine, Wisconsin, both in the short and long term.