| There is a lot of misinformation out there about | | | | market an inferior product. |
| composite decking and ipe decking. Composite | | | | Ok, enough about composite decking. What about ipe |
| decking companies pay a ton of money to convince | | | | decking? |
| an unsuspecting public that their product is safe, | | | | Ipe decking has been scientifically proven by the |
| reliable, and a good value. Nothing could be further | | | | Janka Hardness test, the US Naval Laboratory and |
| from the truth. In fact, let’s cut to the chase. | | | | other institutions as a superior hardwood decking |
| Ipe decking is a much better value, is more | | | | material. Here are the facts about ipe decking: |
| eco-friendly and will provide decades of enjoyment | | | | - 100% natural hardwood |
| to you and your family. On the other hand, | | | | - Ipe lasts for over a century with no maintenance |
| composite decking is pretty much going to be the | | | | required |
| exact opposite. It is a worse value, is not | | | | - It is so dense and hard that it naturally resists mold, |
| eco-friendly, and will give you and your family | | | | mildew, fungus, rot and decay |
| headaches. | | | | - Ipe decking can weather to a nice patina grey, or |
| If you need further proof, all you have to do is do | | | | receive minimal treatments to keep its reddish brown |
| an online search for “composite decking | | | | color |
| review,” “composite decking issues,” | | | | - Ipe wood is now more affordable than composite |
| “composite decking problems,” and, worse | | | | decking |
| yet, “composite decking recalls.” You will | | | | Finally, it’s important to touch on the notion that |
| clearly see that there are numerous companies that | | | | composite decking is more eco-friendly than ipe or |
| would rather you part with your money over and | | | | other hardwood decking options. One, plastic, last I |
| over before they put out a truly reliable product free | | | | checked comes from petroleum, which comes from |
| of defects and issues. Since these companies insist | | | | oil. The process of drilling for oil in the water and on |
| on and continue to treat people like statistics, it’s | | | | land is one of the more environmentally destructive |
| time for everyone to know the truth. | | | | industry practices we have. Even if some composite |
| Composite decking is prone to the following: | | | | decking comes from recycled plastic, to use plastic at |
| - Rot | | | | all means that you are saying that those |
| - Decay | | | | non-eco-friendly practices are ok, so long as the |
| - Mildew | | | | plastic ends up getting recycled. As we all know, that |
| - Mold | | | | kind of logic just doesn’t connect, or make |
| - Fungus | | | | sense. What about ipe? Isn’t logging just as |
| - Disintegration | | | | destructive? The fact of the matter is this. Over |
| Why does composite decking have all these | | | | 80% of deforestation in the Amazon comes from |
| problems? Let’s take a look at the ingredients | | | | cattle ranching, not logging. In addition, if you do your |
| that make up this inferior deck material: plastic, wood | | | | research into responsible companies that do practice |
| fibers, and glue. Sure, the plastic used for composites | | | | and promote eco-friendly forestry you will find that |
| are recycled, but the due to the recycling process, | | | | for every tree that is cut down, there are many |
| the plastic becomes weakened. Think about it. How | | | | companies that will plant five new trees. I don’t |
| can composite decking be more reliable when it’s | | | | see oil companies putting back the oil that they |
| made of reduced strength plastics that are exposed | | | | extract. |
| to the elements such as sun, rain, snow, and in | | | | Ultimately, the final pro vs. con that many people like |
| certain environments, hail or extreme heat and | | | | to mention is that composite decking is cheaper than |
| humidity? Also, because of the wood fibers, | | | | ipe decking. This is also not true. Of course, you have |
| composite decking is extremely porous. Simply put, it | | | | to shop around. But, as you do, you will quickly find |
| soaks up water very easily. This sponge effect leads | | | | that because composite decking companies merely |
| to the mold, mildew, and rot issues. Don’t believe | | | | say that their products are eco-friendly, they have |
| it? Just read some of the warranty info on | | | | felt justified in raising their prices. As a result, you can |
| composite decking. There are actually companies out | | | | now build with ipe decking for about the same or |
| there that tell you it’s your responsibility to keep | | | | even less than the cost of a composite deck, |
| your deck dry. So, let’s get this straight. They | | | | without all the problems and future headaches. |
| expect you to stand there at the ready immediately | | | | Hopefully, these facts will help you make your |
| after it rains with some fans and towels to dry your | | | | decision easier. You can now move ahead with |
| deck immediately so that you can avoid mold? If you | | | | confidence and build a deck that will provide you, |
| scoffed when you read that, you’re starting to | | | | your family, and your loved ones with precious |
| understand the unreasonable and unsightly ways that | | | | memories for years to come. |
| composite decking companies go out of their way to | | | | |