The Best Ipe Decking in Shelbyville

In contrast to composite decking comprised of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastics, which contribute to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals detrimental to plant and animal life, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for Shelbyville, Tennessee. Being entirely natural, Ipe is ideal for repurposing and biodegrades without generating harmful byproducts. With no chemicals or plastics involved, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Shelbyville, Tennessee’s commitment to environmental awareness, further advocating for “Go Natural!” in decking selections.

Ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, Ipe boasts a remarkable Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, often likened to concrete, contribute significantly to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and ability to withstand various weather conditions. These attributes hold particular relevance for Shelbyville, Tennessee, where fluctuating weather can pose challenges to building materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, offering a distinct advantage for creating comfortable, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Shelbyville, Tennessee’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for the climate of Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, renowned for enduring for decades even in harsh weather conditions, is particularly well-suited to the climate of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this exceptional durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay align seamlessly with the humid environment of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Originating from rainforests experiencing 100-400 inches of annual rainfall, significantly more than typical U.S. climates, Ipe has naturally evolved to withstand water penetration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an optimal choice for withstanding Shelbyville, Tennessee’s distinctive weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods possess a natural resistance to insects, a quality that proves particularly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Shelbyville, Tennessee. In contrast to domestic lumber, which often requires chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Hailing from forests where insects are adept at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers offer near imperviousness to these pests. This resilience extends to the insect species found in the United States, making Ipe a superb choice for regions like Shelbyville, Tennessee, where resilience against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a common benefit shared among most tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fires, such as many states in the southwestern United States and extensive 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 owing to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently attain an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, falling under the C Class classification.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher long-term costs compared to alternatives. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental conditions. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more financially prudent choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of one Ipe installation. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear cheaper upfront, the need for frequent replacement ultimately makes Ipe a more economical choice in the long run. This underscores its status as a financially astute option for addressing Shelbyville, Tennessee’s decking requirements, both in the immediate and extended future.