The Best Ipe Decking in Tallahassee

In contrast to composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, which contributes to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber laden with toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe stands out as a more eco-friendly option for Tallahassee. It’s a fully natural material, ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, without generating harmful byproducts. Being free from chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Tallahassee’s environmental awareness, further emphasizing the preference for natural decking solutions.

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, significantly surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its hardness and density, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weather. These attributes hold particular significance for Tallahassee, where fluctuating weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, prone to substantial expansion and contraction leading to cell structure damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain common in softer woods, providing an advantage for comfortable outdoor surfaces in Tallahassee’s climate. While composite and plastic decking materials may 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 Tallahassee’s environment.

Tallahassee’s climate benefits from the impressive longevity of Ipe, renowned for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions for decades. Its density and hardness play pivotal roles in this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Tallahassee’s humid environment. Hailing from rainforests accustomed to receiving 100-400 inches of rain annually, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally repel water infiltration, mold, and decay. These characteristics render it a prime option for enduring Tallahassee’s distinct weather patterns while maintaining both quality and longevity.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods exhibit a natural resistance to insects, which is advantageous for outdoor spaces in Tallahassee. Unlike domestic lumber, which often necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance organically. Originating from forests where insects possess a high proficiency for boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are nearly impervious to such pests. This resilience extends to insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like Tallahassee, where resilience against natural elements is essential. This resistance to insects is a typical benefit of most tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to fires, such as many states in the southwestern United States and major urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in these circumstances because of its remarkable resistance to flames. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently attain an A Class rating from engineering rating organizations. Conversely, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, 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, contingent on environmental conditions. This extended durability renders Ipe a more economically viable 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 less than high-end composites. Although pressure-treated lumber may seem initially cheaper, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe the more cost-effective option in the long term, establishing it as a financially prudent choice for Tallahassee’s decking requirements, both in the short and long term.