The Best Ipe Decking in South Milwaukee

In contrast to composite decking composed of non-recyclable plastic and wood pulp, as well as pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing harmful chemicals, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for South Milwaukee. Being a fully natural material, Ipe is easily repurposed and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful residues. Devoid of chemicals and synthetic components, Ipe represents the authenticity of pure wood. This resonates with South Milwaukee’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the importance of choosing natural decking solutions.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its remarkable hardness and density, often likened to concrete, contribute significantly to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in South Milwaukee, where variable weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is prone to substantial expansion and contraction, leading to structural damage and rapid deterioration, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain common in softer woods, making it an ideal choice for creating smooth, barefoot-friendly surfaces in South Milwaukee’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose their rigidity over time due to repeated expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe demonstrates minimal movement under similar conditions, underscoring its durability and suitability for South Milwaukee’s climate.

The exceptional durability of Ipe, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather conditions, is highly compatible with South Milwaukee’s climate. Its dense and hard nature significantly contributes to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits South Milwaukee’s humid environment. Hailing from rainforests that experience annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, far surpassing typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally repel water, mold, and decay. These inherent characteristics render it an excellent option for enduring South Milwaukee’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining its quality and longevity.

Tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a natural resistance to insects, a feature highly advantageous for outdoor environments in South Milwaukee. Unlike domestic lumber, which often relies on chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved to naturally resist these pests. Originating from forests where insects possess a strong ability to bore into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers provide exceptional protection against such infestations. This resilience also extends to the insect species found in the United States, making Ipe an ideal choice for regions like South Milwaukee, where resilience against natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a commonly shared benefit among most tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fires, such as numerous states in the southwestern United States and expansive urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly influenced by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in such environments owing to its remarkable flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, including steel and concrete, to consistently attain an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically exhibit lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not incur higher costs than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts 5-7 years before deterioration, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental factors. This extended durability renders Ipe a more financially prudent choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times over the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking aligns with mid-grade composites and is lower than that of high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear more affordable upfront, the need for frequent replacement ultimately makes Ipe the more cost-effective option over time, demonstrating its financial viability for decking needs in South Milwaukee, both in the short and long term.