The Best Ipe Decking in Romeoville

Unlike composite decking with its mix of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastics or treated lumber loaded with harmful chemicals, Ipe offers Romeoville a greener alternative. It’s natural, biodegradable, and free from toxins and plastics, embodying the purity of real wood. In sync with Romeoville’s eco-conscious ethos, it champions the “Go Natural!” mantra in decking.

Ipe, boasting a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, stands as one of the world’s toughest woods, far surpassing Oak’s rating of around 1,200. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability and durability, crucial traits for Romeoville’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to expansion and decay, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods, ideal for Romeoville’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials may sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability, a perfect fit for Romeoville’s weather challenges.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring decades under harsh weather, makes it a perfect match for Romeoville’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Romeoville’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, ensuring it withstands Romeoville’s weather without compromising quality or lifespan.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer natural resistance to insects, a valuable feature for Romeoville’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects are skilled at boring into wood, Ipe’s sturdy fibers are highly resistant. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for Romeoville’s needs. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas like Romeoville, Illinois, selecting construction materials is crucial. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material due to its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Romeoville, Illinois, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes Ipe more economical, considering the expenses of multiple replacements with other materials. Initially comparable to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end ones, Ipe becomes more cost-effective over time compared to pressure-treated lumber, making it a savvy option for Romeoville’s decking needs.