The Best Ipe Decking in Sandusky

Ipe, unlike composite decking or pressure-treated lumber, provides a greener option for Sandusky. It’s natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals and plastics. Sandusky’s environmental focus is complemented by Ipe’s purity, promoting a “Go Natural!” ethos in decking decisions.

Ipe, with its remarkable Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200, making it one of the world’s toughest woods. Its density and hardness, akin to concrete, ensure dimensional stability and longevity, crucial traits in Sandusky’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay from weather fluctuations, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods, ideal for Sandusky’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability in Sandusky’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, is well-matched to Sandusky’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Sandusky’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes ensure it thrives in Sandusky’s distinct weather, maintaining both quality and lifespan.

Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Sandusky’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in its native forests, where insects excel at wood boring. Its robust fibers thwart pests, including those in the United States, making it ideal for Sandusky’s durability needs against the elements. This insect resistance is typical among tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas like parts of the southwestern United States and urban projects, the choice of construction materials heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance, consistently earning an A Class rating alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, 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 Sandusky’s needs, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber lasts around 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it financially advantageous. Despite comparable initial costs to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end ones, Ipe’s longevity outweighs the frequent replacements needed for pressure-treated or composite boards. In both the short and long term, Ipe emerges as a financially prudent option for Sandusky’s decking requirements.