Compared to its softwood counterparts, hardwood decking offers much better durability. But knowing exactly which type of wood to choose can be a challenge. We recommend using one of the most popular premium outdoor hardwood flooring options: Ipe wood decking. From long-lasting durability to a beautiful and warm aesthetic are the top reasons why this Brazilian material might be worth considering for your spaces.
1. Exceptional Durability and Lifespan
The number one reason homeowners choose Ipe decking is because of its dense fibers, which lend it incredible strength and durability. You can see the numbers for yourself across multiple scales and metrics:
- Janka Hardness Scale: This scale measures a wood’s resistance to denting and wear by measuring the pounds of pressure it can withstand. Ipe comes in at 3,680 pounds, meaning it can stand up to heavy foot traffic, falling objects, scratching, pitting, and denting.
- Strength: The strength of wood refers to its maximum load capacity, or how much weight it can safely hold before breaking. Ipe isn’t at the top of the list, but it still ranks at a strong 25,400 pounds per square inch (psi.) You won’t have to worry about it breaking under the weight of people and furniture.
- Stiffness: Stiffness refers to a wood’s elasticity and resistance to bending, and it’s often measured alongside strength. Ipe is extremely elastic and has a high score of 3,140 psi.
Ipe’s durability gives it a long 50-year lifespan with proper installation and maintenance. If you plan to make heavy use of your deck or if you live in an area with frequent hail, the added durability could save you money in the long run.
2. Class A Fire Rating
Flammability is another top concern for homeowners looking to build or upgrade their decks. For a long time, wood has had the reputation of being an unsafe, highly flammable material. However, that isn’t always the case.
Ipe wood boasts a Class A Fire Rating according to ASTM International’s E84 standard. In testing, it had a smaller flame spread than other wood and took longer to catch on fire. That helps it meet code requirements in many West Coast states, where superior ratings are often mandatory due to wildfire risk.
3. High Sustainability
If you’re one of the growing number of eco-conscious homeowners, you’ll want a sustainably sourced decking material. Ipe wood is imported in compliance with the U.S. Lacey Act and harvested according to strict laws set by South American governments.
Ipe manufacturers and exporters must also follow selective logging practices. That means only a small number of trees per acre are actually cut down so that forests can regenerate naturally over time.
4. Low Maintenance
Surprisingly, hardwoods can be low-maintenance products, and Ipe wood is no different. All you need to do to keep it looking great is sweep away debris and clean it with soap and water.
If you want to keep the deck’s original color, plan to apply a UV-resistant stain every few years. However, with Ipe’s natural durability, this is usually a design choice rather than a practical need.Â
5. Natural Water, Rot, and Insect Resistance
Compared to other woods, Ipe is naturally water-resistant and works great in wet and humid climates. It won’t rot, decay, or develop harmful fungi due to water exposure. Ipe’s dense, hard structure and natural oils also give it high insect resistance. Termites and other wood-boring insects will find it hard to eat away at your decking.
6. Beautiful Color
Beyond its practical benefits, Ipe’s characteristic grain offers a classic, versatile, and beautiful look. It comes in a range of shades from lighter colors to darker olive-browns. You can also find it mixed with contrasting yellow-grays or gray-browns for added dimension.
You’ll need to keep staining your Ipe deck every few years to keep the natural color. Otherwise, it will gradually age to an equally beautiful silver color.
7. Worthwhile Long-Term Investment
It’s true that Ipe wood is generally more expensive than pressure-treated lumber or composite decking materials. However, thanks to its low maintenance needs, natural durability, and longevity, you can offset the cost of Ipe over time. If you’re looking to boost your property value, an Ipe deck is an easy way to go, especially to replace existing materials.
