The Best Ipe Decking in Schererville

Unlike composite decking or pressure-treated lumber, which pose environmental concerns with their non-recyclable materials and toxic chemicals, Ipe stands out as a green option for Schererville. Its natural composition makes it easily repurposable and biodegradable, without generating harmful byproducts. Ipe, being entirely chemical and plastic-free, embodies the purity of real wood. This resonates with Schererville’s eco-conscious ethos, promoting the ethos of “Go Natural!” in decking selections.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s rating of around 1,200. Its density and hardness, often likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular relevance in Schererville, where fluctuating weather can challenge construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is prone to significant expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity. This stability also addresses the issue of raised wood grain common in softer woods, providing smoother surfaces ideal for barefoot enjoyment in Schererville’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose their rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Schererville’s climate.

Schererville’s climate is well-matched to Ipe’s impressive longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes perfectly with Schererville’s humid conditions. Hailing from rainforests accustomed to annual rainfall of 100-400 inches, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes render it an excellent option for enduring Schererville’s distinct weather patterns while maintaining quality and lifespan.

Schererville benefits from Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods’ innate resistance to insects, crucial for outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments against wood-boring insects, Ipe has naturally developed this resistance. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s tough wood fibers are nearly impervious to pests. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for areas like Schererville, prioritizing durability against natural elements. Insect resistance is a common advantage of most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as the southwestern United States and urban projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly shaped by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these contexts due to its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class. This consideration holds relevance for areas like Schererville, where fire safety is paramount, making Ipe a prudent choice for decking projects.

Ipe decking proves to be a financially savvy option for Schererville’s needs, despite common assumptions about its cost. While pressure-treated lumber lasts approximately 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended durability makes Ipe more cost-effective, considering the expenses associated with multiple replacements of pressure-treated or composite boards over one Ipe installation’s lifespan. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper upfront, the frequent replacements make Ipe a more economical choice in the long run, proving its financial value for Schererville’s decking needs in both the short and long term.