Welcome to Ipe Woods USA
At Ipe Woods USA, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch natural hardwood decking solutions, with a special focus on the exceptional qualities of Ipe wood. While acknowledging modern alternatives like composite decking, it’s essential to understand their shortcomings compared to the natural durability, elegance, and long-lasting beauty of Ipe hardwood. Here’s a detailed comparison based on industry insights:
Color Fading
Composite decking is prone to color fading when exposed to sunlight over the years. Although some high-end brands offer fade-resistant options and warranties, none can match the enduring beauty of Ipe wood. Ipe’s rich color can gracefully silver with age or maintain its luster with appropriate treatment, offering a timeless appeal that composites can’t replicate.
Scratch Resistance
Everyday activities can leave scratches on composite materials, affecting their appearance over time. In contrast, Ipe wood boasts exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, ensuring that your decking remains pristine and inviting even under the strains of frequent use, heavy furniture, or pet activities.
Stain Resistance
Spills and stains can permanently mar composite decking if not promptly addressed. Ipe wood, on the other hand, offers superior stain resistance. With the right finish and prompt care, Ipe decks can resist common staining agents, and even in the case of a mishap, they can often be sanded and refinished to restore their original beauty.
Heat Absorption
Composite decking, especially in darker hues, can absorb and retain heat, making it uncomfortably warm underfoot in direct sunlight. Ipe wood naturally remains cooler, providing a more pleasant and barefoot-friendly surface even on the hottest days.
Material Integrity
The integrity of composite decking can be compromised when cut, exposing inner materials to moisture and leading to swelling or warping at the ends. Ipe wood, celebrated for its density and natural oils, resists moisture penetration and maintains its form and integrity even when cut, ensuring a consistently beautiful and stable decking surface.
Consider the Source of Your Advice
Sales Incentives and Genuine Advice: When considering your decking options, it’s crucial to be mindful of where your advice is coming from. Companies that sell composite decking often offer bonuses or higher commission rates to their salespeople for selling more products. This incentive can sometimes lead to a bias towards selling you a specific product, rather than guiding you towards the best solution for your needs. At Ipe Woods USA, we believe in honest, customer-centric service, ensuring that you make the best decision for your unique situation without any hidden agendas.
Warping and Weakening
Composite decking is not immune to the forces of nature and usage. Its material composition, while resistant to certain elements, also introduces a set of limitations. One notable issue is the potential for warping and weakening over time. Unlike solid wood, composite requires closer joist spacing to prevent sagging, often necessitating joists to be placed 12’ or less apart, compared to the 16’ spacing viable with hardwood decks like Ipe.
Slippery Surfaces and Heat Retention
The inherent characteristics of composite materials can limit their usability in certain environments. The oil-based nature of the plastics used in composite decking causes water to pool on the surface, leading to a slippery deck, especially around wet areas like pools or docks. Furthermore, composite decking tends to retain heat, making it uncomfortably warm and potentially hazardous for bare feet during hot weather.
Expansion and Contraction: The Hidden Culprit
Composite decking is subject to significant expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, often more so than traditional wood. This movement can lead to splitting, delamination, and peeling. Over time, such fluctuations can cause the decking to shrink, warp, twist, and bend, resulting in unsightly and often unusable decking surfaces. Unfortunately, the replacement costs for damaged composite decking are exacerbated by the fact that most warranties do not cover labor costs, which are typically the most significant part of deck construction.
The Real Cost of Warranties and Litigation
It’s also worth noting that many composite decking brands have been involved in class-action lawsuits. While a warranty might cover the cost of the composite material, it often doesn’t account for the more substantial expense: labor. Winning a legal battle or having a warranty claim accepted may provide some financial relief, but it doesn’t address the labor costs and the inconvenience of replacing or repairing a faulty deck.
At Ipe Woods USA, we believe in the timeless beauty, durability, and reliability of hardwood decking. Ipe decking not only offers a naturally elegant aesthetic but also a structural integrity and usability that composite materials can’t match. For those who value longevity, safety, and true quality, Ipe Woods USA is your trusted partner. We are committed to guiding you through your decking choices, ensuring that you’re informed and confident in your decision-making process.