Ipe decking and redwood decking are two of the most beautiful wood decking species that you will ever see. Both of these beautiful natural decking material options are real wood species, the performance and maintenance of Ipe decking and Redwood decking are at different ends of the spectrum. Ipe decking is a high density hardwood with amazing durability and resistance to the elements while red cedar decking is a softwood species that is not as durable as Ipe.
From an appearance standpoint, Ipe decking and redwood decking are both in the brown color range. Ipe decking has colors ranging from tan and olive browns to very dark almost black tones with lots of many brown tones and shades in between. As a tropical hardwood, Ipe decking shows exotic figuring and interesting graining patterns which add to its natural appearance. Redwood decking also shows full range of colors from almost white to medium reddish brown with very little graining character. Higher grades of all heartwood Redwood decking are very difficult to find and, while beautiful, can be extremely expensive. More commonly, redwood decking has some knots and lighter colored wood (sapwood). The lower the grade of redwood decking, the more sapwood and knots you will find.
COMPARE PHOTOS OF THE DECKING SPECIES
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An annual cleaning is a great idea for any decking material, whether the decking is natural wood or synthetic decking. It is a very good idea to stain, paint or seal redwood decking every year or more if needed. Otherwise, the redwood decking is subject to rotting and deterioration, particularly the sapwood and areas around the knots.
SEE OUR REAL TIME 15-YEAR WEATHERING TEST DONE RIGHT HERE AT OUR CONNECTICUT HQ IN ALL KINDS OF NEW ENGLAND WEATHER. WATCH THIS VIDEO OF IPE VS. OTHER POPULAR DECKING WOOD OPTIONS.
If a silvery gray decking color is your ultimate goal, no sealers or stains are required for Ipe high density lumber or decking. Boardwalks and other high traffic Ipe decking installations have lasted for fifty years and longer with no maintenance at all. Click on the picture to see a 3 minute YouTube video showing Ipe decking, redwood decking and other wood decking after 15 years of actual exposure to the elements.
Ipe decking is a sustainably harvested high density hardwood decking material and is also one of the toughest decking materials on earth. Ipe decking is extremely hard and resistant to scratching and is so strong and dense that it has a Class A fire rating. Conversely, redwood decking is a softwood decking species and is apt to scratch and show abrasion in higher traffic areas or from pets. Ipe decking outperforms all other wood decking materials, including redwood decking, in nearly every measurable mechanical property.
RELATED: Mechanical Properties of Ipe Decking and Redwood Decking
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