| When it comes to decking, both cedar decking and | | | | have to consider the future. Cedar can often turn |
| ipe wood are very popular choices. However, when it | | | | from that welcoming and rustic red-reddish-brown to |
| comes to long term sustainability, appeal, and value, | | | | a grayish and sometimes darker look. On the |
| nothing compares to ipe decking. | | | | contrary, ipe wood, if left untreated will age |
| The reasons for this can be found in the hardwood | | | | gracefully to a silver-like patina. Another reason why |
| themselves. Ipe lumber is denser than Cedar decking. | | | | ipe decks are a better choice is because, when it |
| This density is very important to take note of. | | | | comes to insect and decay resistance, by far, ipe is |
| Because ipe wood is extremely dense, an ipe deck | | | | vastly superior. Mold, mildew, and insects like termites |
| will be more resistant to mold, mildew, rot and decay. | | | | have a much easier time thriving on cedar sapwood |
| On the other hand, cedar wood is much softer than | | | | and some less than acceptable heartwood. However, |
| ipe. To prove this, all you have to do is compare the | | | | due to the natural oils and dense nature of this |
| Janka Hardness scale. Basically the Janka Hardness | | | | premium hardwood, an ipe deck more naturally |
| measures the force that is necessary to penetrate a | | | | resistant to those common decking problems. |
| piece of wood decking. When comparing cedar to | | | | Ultimately, for many people, the bottom line is |
| ipe, you will find that the Janka Hardness of Cedar is | | | | important. Yes, cedar is generally cheaper than ipe. |
| significantly lower than that of ipe. This is important | | | | But, as the old saying goes, "You get what you pay |
| because your deck ages, gets used, and is subject | | | | for." Over time, the return on investment of cedar |
| to the elements, a cedar deck will show more wear | | | | deteriorates just like the wood does. Ipe decking on |
| than an ipe deck. | | | | the other hand has a much greater return on your |
| You should also know that cedar can show knots, | | | | investment because of less maintenance and |
| imperfections, and without proper maintenance will | | | | treatments. Also, the likelihood that you'll have to |
| perform poorly over time. However, ipe wood, | | | | significantly repair or totally replace a cedar deck is |
| thanks again to its extreme density look better and | | | | much greater than if you spent the time to invest in |
| less worn over time. Of course, it's a good idea to | | | | ipe decking. |
| use proper decking oil for the first and second year | | | | By far, when you take into consideration the facts, |
| and, depending on the environment, you may be able | | | | ipe wood is better than cedar wood. Of course, you |
| to treat your ipe deck every other year. Cedar, on | | | | must always work with a professional deck builder |
| the other hand requires increased maintenance and | | | | and lumber company before you move ahead with |
| more attention because it is softer and subject to | | | | your deck building plans. Best of luck building the deck |
| common problems found with mediocre decking. | | | | of your dreams! |
| When you compare the look of ipe to cedar, you | | | | |