The Best Ipe Decking in Strongsville

Unlike composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, or pressure-treated and reclaimed lumber laden with toxic chemicals, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for Strongsville. It’s a wholly natural material, ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful residues. Chemical and plastic-free, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood, resonating with Strongsville’s eco-conscious ethos and promoting the ethos of “Go Natural!” when it comes to decking alternatives.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its concrete-like hardness and density ensure dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against weather – crucial attributes for Strongsville’s varied climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to significant expansion and contraction, causing structural damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity. This stability also avoids the raised wood grain issue common in softer woods, making it ideal for barefoot-friendly surfaces in Strongsville’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability and suitability for Strongsville’s weather conditions.

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of enduring for decades even in harsh weather, is exceptionally fitting for Strongsville’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Strongsville’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These qualities render it an ideal option for enduring Strongsville’s distinct weather patterns while maintaining quality and longevity.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer innate insect resistance, a valuable trait for Strongsville’s outdoor environments. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments to repel wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed natural resistance. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s tough fibers are highly resistant to pests. This resilience extends to insects in the United States, making Ipe an ideal choice for areas like Strongsville, where durability against natural elements is vital. This insect resistance is a shared advantage among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone areas like parts of the southwestern United States and large urban projects, the selection of construction materials is greatly shaped by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such contexts due to its outstanding flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, Ipe consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, falling into the C Class category. This distinction underscores Ipe’s suitability for Strongsville, Ohio, where fire safety is paramount.

Ipe decking proves to be a financially savvy option for Strongsville’s decking needs, both in the short and long term. Despite common assumptions, Ipe is not more expensive than alternatives over time. While pressure-treated lumber lasts about 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This extended durability makes Ipe a cost-effective choice, especially when considering the expenses of replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times. Initially, Ipe’s cost is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s seeming affordability upfront, the frequent replacements required render Ipe the more economical option in the long run.