The Best Ipe Decking in Washington

In contrast to composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, contributing to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals harmful to plant and animal life, Ipe stands out as a more environmentally friendly option for Washington, Rutland. It’s a completely natural material, ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, without generating harmful byproducts. Chemical-free and devoid of plastics, Ipe epitomizes the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Washington, Rutland’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the preference for natural decking options.

Ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, Ipe boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far 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 resistance to weather conditions. These attributes hold particular significance in Washington, Rutland, where fluctuating weather can pose challenges to construction materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to significant expansion and contraction, leading to cell structure damage and hastened decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain common in softer woods, offering an advantage for creating comfortable, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Washington, Rutland’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to 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 the climate of Washington, Rutland.

The remarkable longevity of Ipe, known to withstand decades even in harsh weather conditions, is especially well-suited to the climate of Washington, Rutland. Its density and hardness significantly contribute to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s inherent resistance to water, rot, and decay is well-aligned with the humid environment of Washington, Rutland. Originating from rainforests experiencing 100-400 inches of annual rainfall, much higher than typical climates in the U.S., Ipe has evolved to naturally resist water penetration, mold, and decay. These characteristics make it an excellent option for enduring the distinctive weather patterns of Washington, Rutland without compromising on quality or lifespan.

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods possess a natural resistance to insects, a characteristic that proves particularly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Washington, Rutland. Unlike domestic lumber, which often requires chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has naturally evolved this resistance. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience also applies to the insects found in the United States, rendering Ipe an excellent choice for regions like Washington, Rutland, where durability against natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a prevalent benefit shared by many tropical hardwoods.

In regions prone to wildfires, such as many states in the southwestern United States and significant commercial projects in urban settings, the selection of construction materials is greatly influenced by their fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier choice for decking material in such circumstances owing 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. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking does not incur higher costs than alternatives over the long term. 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 substantially longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental factors. This extended durability renders Ipe a more cost-efficient choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than that of high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper at first, the frequent need for replacement makes Ipe more financially viable in the long run, establishing it as a prudent option for decking needs in Washington, Rutland, both in the short and long term.