Is ipe decking worth the cost?

Is ipe decking worth the cost?

Ipe is more expensive than many woods. On average, ipe costs $3.50 to $5 per square foot “and the cost of labor will increase the total price to around $20 per square foot,” according to Improvenet.Apr 9, 2021

Should I use ipe decking?

In conclusion, Ipe is a great choice for decking. The upfront costs are similar to other options, but it's longevity and durability makes the long term costs far lower than anything else. The maintenance for Ipe Decking can either be low or none.

Is Trex better than ipe?

In both cases, Trex and ipe decking materials are more insect-resistant than many natural and composite woods. Trex is sold as insect-resistant and ipe is noted for being insect-resistant. Because Trex boards are a combo of wood and plastic, they are less than appealing to the bugs that chomp on wood.Jun 17, 2019

Does ipe wood crack?

Ipe Decking dries and contracts, leaving tiny cracks in the face or at the ends of the boards. These tiny cracks are known as checks. Face checking is a very normal and is very difficult to see. It does not affect the durability, longevity or water-resistant benefits.

Is Ipe illegal?

However, because ipe is an imported tropical wood, it has a much higher transporting carbon footprint than hardwoods from temperate forests in the US. The widespread poaching in Brazil and other South American countries means you risk buying ipe timber from illegal, thus highly unsustainable, sources.

Is Ipe endangered?

Now don't panic: Ipe is not endangered, nor is it illegal to import. Ipe is still coming into North America, and it will still be available for your decking projects this season. But for the first time in many years, we are seeing a flaw in the armor of the world's most popular tropical decking.Mar 7, 2014

What tree does Ipe come from?

Tabebuia Tree

Is Ipe good for ground contact?

This wood resists insects, rot and mildew, and it can be used in ground contact without preservatives or additional treatments. Testing by the US Navy in a 1962 Panama Canal study showed Ipe to be one of the top performers in resistance to decay, termites, and borers.

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one?

The cost of building a pergola is cheaper than buying a pre-fabricated one or hiring a professional to construct one. However, you will need the tools, expertise, and time to properly execute the project to ensure that it lasts and adds maximal value.Sep 26, 2021

How Much Does wood for a pergola cost?

Material Average Costs for a Prefab Pergola (Material Only) Average Costs for a Custom-Built Pergola (Material Only) --------- -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- Metal $500 - $3,000 N/A Wood $500 - $10,000 $500 - $9,000 Alumawood $1,500 - $3,000 N/A Composite $1,500 - $3,000 N/A

How much does a 10x10 pergola cost?

The estimated cost for materials and labor to install a 10x10 foot pergola is around $3,600. Pergola costs can range from as little as $1,000 for a small prefab vinyl or PVC kit on the low end to $9,000 to design and install sprawling custom patio covers and structures made out of high-end materials like teak wood.Jul 8, 2020

How do you protect ipe wood?

If you love the color of your new deck and want to preserve those hues, you'll need to use a sealer on your ipe every year or two. Consider Hardwood Decking's Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish & UV Protector. This product protects and preserves the beauty of your ipe deck.Sep 3, 2019

Does IPE need to be finished?

Does Ipe need to be sealed? Ipe does not need any “sealer” in fact the wood is dense, that it doesn't really take sealer anyways. ... It is the sunlight that turns Ipe grey, and using these products can help protect against that. However, we do recommend sealing the ends of the boards.