Learning Why Ipe Decking is Good

Home Improvement

Ipe is a kind of hard wood from the tropics that people like more and more for their outdoor decks. Here are some of the advantages of using ipe on your patio:

 Durability

The durability of ipe decking Florida makes it the number-one choice for so many people. On average, if well installed and with minimal maintenance required, Ipe decking will last 40 years or more. The wood also does not splinter easily, warp, or crack. After years of facing harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic, an ipe deck will still be functional and attractive. The lifespan is 4-5 times longer than most pressure-treated woods.

Low maintenance

Ipe requires little care throughout its lifespan because of its hardness and density. A light sanding occasionally combined with re-oiling  is enough to keep the color bright and the surface smooth. Caring for Ipe is easy and cost-effective compared to other deck woods, which may need more frequent staining, sealing, replacing boards, and other repairs. The savings on upkeep over years of use make it worth the higher initial investment.

 Beauty

The wood is known for its beauty in natural form because each piece has unique patterns ranging from reddish-brown to blackish-brown hues. Also, it has a tight, straight grain with no knots or defects in its way. The intense coloration and deeply grained texture give any ipe deck an elegant luxury that can’t be matched by other decking woods commonly used today. As time passes, ipe only looks better by turning into a stately silver-gray patina when exposed to elements for extended periods.

Eco-friendliness  

Ipe decks are considered eco-friendly due to several reasons. The material for making Ipe deck boards is from abundant forests they manage. Saplings can regenerate since only the mature heartwood from its inner part is used. Moreover, Ipe lasts much longer than most of the other woods, which means it puts less strain on forests over many decades until the replacement time. Unlike pine, which is pressure-treated with chemicals, ipe is not a toxic plant and, thus, is more suitable for green projects.

Safety

Ipe does not splinter; hence, it’s an excellent choice for poolside areas, play zones, and high-traffic locations where you walk barefoot.  It differs from some pressure-treated deck woods, which have been known to cause health problems as they are impregnated with some chemicals over many years, unlike untreated Ipe, which has been enjoyed safely in the past years or so alone, even though it lasts longer than this before being replaced.

Summary

With its exceptional longevity, beauty, strength, and durability, tropical hardwood decking, particularly Ipe, provides unparalleled value and enjoyment over a sustained period. Once you have experienced it, you may never want anything else again.