IPE Decking
- Written by: NewsServices.com
With an increasingly green society, it makes sense to make your deck choices environmentally friendly. Choosing IPE Decking as your deck choice has become an easy decision due to its sustainability, environmental friendliness, and stylish look. Top 10 reasons why Ipe Decking is earth friendly:
Ipe Decking rivals hardwood decking in terms of durability and the look of natural wood. It is almost exactly the same cost as regular hardwood decking material but is a sustainable natural resource and thus a renewable source. It is also available in a wide range of natural shades, from pale grey to dark brown, giving it an incredible range of uses and looks for any deck. Since it is made of fibre rather than wood pulp, ipe decking doesn't have the problems that can sometimes occur with using real wood. Ipe Decking doesn't rot or mildew, which means it is an environmentally friendly choice for anyone looking for the best decking solution.
The durability of ipe decking materials is another factor for making it the most eco-friendly option available. They are very durable and are used in thousands of buildings across the world. This means that they stand up to the elements and that you will get many years of use from them. They are naturally hard and because they contain no timber or nails, this adds further value to the decking. They don't crack, splinter. Unlike other forms of decking which can begin to wear around the edges after repeated exposure to the elements, ipe decking materials won't crack or splinter and last much longer.
The main benefits to using iPE decking are the beautiful natural look it provides and the environmentally responsible addition it makes to your property. When you use the decking it creates a very pleasant aesthetic. Unlike other composite varieties, such as cedar, bamboo or oak, it provides a totally different look to your home, bringing out its natural beauty and allowing you to highlight your outdoor space. With the decking you can choose all sorts of different woods and blends to suit your personal preference or enhance the existing design of your house.
If you're planning on using the decking in your home then it's very important that you follow the correct deck installation guidelines. One of the best ways to ensure that your deck is sustainable is to ensure that you use lowVOC ipe boards. LowVOC means less than 0.5% concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the composite. This means that it is safe to use, and also ensures that your guests and family don't feel uncomfortable when walking on your deck. You should also make sure that your deck is kept away from areas where there are animal tracks or any areas that could potentially have rodents or insects.
As ipe is an all natural material, there is no need to apply any form of sealant to protect the wood. If however you do decide to apply some type of sealant to protect your the wood, then the recommended type of sealant is cedar sealant. This is because cedar has natural antiseptic properties that will help to prevent the growth of mould. Some manufacturers of IPE decking recommend that you paint your ipe boards yourself. Although painting your ipe decking will be time consuming, it is strongly advised that you take the extra steps to protect your investment and prolong the life of your new deck. By protecting your ipe wood you are also helping to protect the environment by keeping it out of the landfills.
