The Best Ipe Decking in Somerville

In contrast to composite decking and treated lumber, Ipe offers Somerville a greener option. Being natural and biodegradable, it’s perfect for eco-conscious projects, aligning with the city’s environmental values. Free from toxins and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood, echoing Somerville’s call to “Go Natural!” for decking solutions.

With a Janka Hardness rating surpassing Oak’s by a large margin, Ipe stands as one of the world’s hardest woods, offering Somerville unmatched durability. Its density and hardness, akin to concrete, ensure stability and longevity, crucial qualities for enduring Somerville’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity over time, avoiding issues like raised wood grain, particularly important for comfortable outdoor surfaces in Somerville. While other materials may sag due to expansion, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its resilience, making it an ideal choice for the city’s weather conditions.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, is tailored for Somerville’s climate. Its density and hardness play key roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Somerville’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally fends off water, mold, and decay, making it an excellent option for enduring Somerville’s distinctive weather without sacrificing quality or longevity.

Somerville’s outdoor spaces benefit from the inherent insect resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments, Ipe naturally repels wood-boring insects. Originating from forests where insects are skilled at boring into wood, Ipe’s tough fibers resist these pests. This resilience extends to insects in the United States, making Ipe ideal for places like Somerville, where durability against natural elements matters. This insect resistance is a shared advantage among most tropical hardwoods.

Given the importance of fire resistance, materials like Ipe become crucial, especially in fire-prone areas and urban projects, including Somerville. Ipe stands out as a top choice for decking due to its exceptional flame resistance, consistently earning an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.

Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Somerville in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity offsets the initial cost, making Ipe more economical than multiple replacements of pressure-treated or composite boards. Though initially comparable to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end ones, Ipe’s durability makes it financially wise for Somerville’s decking needs, ensuring both short and long-term savings.