The Best Ipe Decking in Warwick

In contrast to composite decking, which combines wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing harmful chemicals detrimental to the environment, Ipe stands out as a more eco-friendly option for Warwick, Rhode Island. Being a completely natural material, Ipe is easily repurposable and biodegradable, leaving no harmful byproducts. Its chemical-free and plastic-free composition underscores its authenticity as 100% real wood. This resonates with Warwick’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the preference for natural decking solutions.

Ipe, with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, ranking among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, far surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, often likened to concrete, contribute significantly to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular importance in Warwick, Rhode Island, where varying weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, susceptible to considerable expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and accelerated decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain common in softer woods, making it an advantageous choice for outdoor surfaces conducive to barefoot use in Warwick. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose their rigidity due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Warwick’s climate.

Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather conditions, is especially fitting for Warwick, Rhode Island’s climate. Its density and hardness play crucial roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay complements Warwick’s humid environment perfectly. Originating from rainforests experiencing annual rainfall between 100 and 400 inches, significantly higher than typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved natural defenses against water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent properties render it an optimal selection for enduring Warwick’s distinct weather fluctuations while maintaining both quality and longevity.

The natural resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods to insects is a valuable attribute for outdoor spaces in Warwick, Rhode Island. Unlike domestic lumber that necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects possess a high proficiency in boring into wood, Ipe’s sturdy wood fibers are nearly immune to these pests. This resilience also applies to the insects prevalent in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like Warwick, where durability against environmental elements is essential. This insect resistance is a shared advantage among most tropical hardwoods.

In fire-prone regions, such as several states in the southwestern United States and large urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in these situations due to its outstanding flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, including 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, categorized as C Class.

In contrast to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not incur higher costs than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deterioration, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a significantly longer lifespan ranging from 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more cost-efficient selection, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of one Ipe installation. The initial expense of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper initially, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe a more economical choice in the long term, demonstrating its financial prudence for Warwick, Rhode Island’s decking requirements, both in the short and long term.