Is beautiful Ipe decking the right choice for your backyard?
Ipe is a Brazilian hardwood that also goes by the names Brazilian Walnut, Pau Lope, and Diamond Decking. It has eight times the hardiness of Redwood cedar and is known for its beautiful deep color. Ipe, pronounced “ee-pay,” is one of the favorite lumbers used for residential decks. What are the pros and cons of Ipe decking? Is it right for your Maryland home?
Pros of Ipe Decking
Ipe decking is known for its beautiful color. It has a dark, rich wood color with reddish tones. Its color adds significant warmth to any outdoor living space without feeling heavy. Homeowners can either stain the wood regularly to maintain its natural color or let it weather into a silvery gray.
Ipe, like other exotic hardwoods, is also very dense, which gives it its strength. Even when it is cut, it will still be practically impervious to insects and moisture. It will also resist warping, cracking, and rotting, and can handle force.
Its strength will help it last a very long time. You can expect Ipe decks to last for decades, and you won’t have to worry about repairing and replacing parts as much as other types of wood decks. For the cost, an Ipe deck can be a great deal.
Cons of Ipe Decking
Ipe decking is very dense, which is both a pro and a con. Its density makes it more difficult to install, which increases labor costs. Speaking of costs, Ipe is also the most expensive compared to cedar or pressure-treated pine decks. The material and labor cost of Ipe can be off-putting to some people.
Ipe is also not the easiest lumber to find for wood decks. If you really want an Ipe deck, it might be harder to find a contractor who installs Ipe decks. If that’s you and you live in central Maryland, you don’t have to worry. Freedom Fence and Deck can be your reliable Ipe deck contractor!
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right fence for your home, visit us online. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.