The Best Ipe Decking in State College

Ipe stands out as an eco-friendly alternative in State College, Pennsylvania, unlike composite decking or pressure-treated lumber. While composite decking involves wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, contributing to pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber contains toxic chemicals harmful to the environment, Ipe offers a greener solution. Being completely natural, it’s ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. Chemical and plastic-free, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with State College’s environmentally conscious community, advocating for natural decking options.

Ipe, with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, ranks among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, surpassing Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its exceptional hardness and density, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and ability to withstand various weather conditions. These attributes hold particular significance in State College, Pennsylvania, where fluctuating weather patterns can pose challenges to construction materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction, leading to structural damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, making it an advantageous choice for creating barefoot-friendly surfaces in State College’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose rigidity due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe exhibits minimal movement under similar conditions, demonstrating its durability and suitability for State College’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions for decades, is highly compatible with the climate of State College, Pennsylvania. Its density and hardness significantly contribute to this durability. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes perfectly with the humid environment of State College. Hailing from rainforests receiving annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, significantly more than typical climates in the U.S., Ipe has evolved natural defenses against water penetration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an optimal choice for enduring State College’s distinctive weather patterns without compromising on quality or lifespan.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer a natural resistance to insects, a quality especially advantageous for outdoor spaces in State College, Pennsylvania. Unlike domestic lumber that often necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects are skilled at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to such pests. This resilience also applies to insects found in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like State College, where resilience against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among many tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions such as many states in the southwestern United States and expansive urban projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such environments due to its outstanding flame resistance. It joins the ranks of steel and concrete as one of the few materials consistently awarded an A Class rating by engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, often classified as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher costs than alternatives in the long run. 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, depending on environmental factors. This extended durability renders Ipe a more cost-effective 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. The initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper initially, the need for frequent replacements makes Ipe more economically viable in the long term, establishing it as a financially prudent option for decking needs in State College, both in the short and long term.