The Best Ipe Decking in Waukesha

In contrast to composite decking composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastic, as well as pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for Waukesha, Wisconsin. Being a completely natural material, Ipe is ideal for repurposing and is biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful byproducts. Devoid of chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Waukesha’s environmental awareness, echoing the imperative to embrace natural decking alternatives.

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 remarkable hardness and density, often compared to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resistance to weathering. These attributes hold particular significance in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where varying weather conditions can pose challenges to construction materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is susceptible to substantial expansion and contraction, resulting in structural damage and rapid deterioration, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. This stability also prevents the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, offering a notable advantage for creating comfortable, barefoot-friendly surfaces in Waukesha’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials tend to lose their rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, leading to sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Waukesha’s climate.

The remarkable resilience of Ipe, capable of lasting for decades even in harsh weather conditions, is especially well-suited to the climate of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Its density and hardness play significant roles in this enduring quality. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay is perfectly aligned with Waukesha’s humid climate. Originating from rainforests that receive annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 400 inches, significantly more than the average in the U.S., Ipe has naturally evolved to repel water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent characteristics render it an optimal choice for withstanding Waukesha’s distinct weather patterns without compromising on quality or longevity.

Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods possess a natural resistance to insects, a characteristic that proves highly advantageous for outdoor spaces in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Unlike domestic lumber, which often requires chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience extends to insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe a superb option for regions like Waukesha, 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 significant urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is greatly impacted by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material in these situations owing to its remarkable resistance to flames. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, to consistently earn 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 in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber may endure approximately 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a considerably longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent upon environmental factors. This extended durability renders Ipe a more financially prudent 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 expense of Ipe decking aligns with mid-grade composites and falls below that of high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper initially, the frequent need for replacement renders Ipe more economical over time, establishing it as a financially wise option for decking needs in Waukesha, Wisconsin, both in the short and long term.