We often focus on Ipe Decking for the home because it is a large part of where our products are installed. We wanted to explain why Ipe decking is the best option when it comes to commercial decking. The needs of a commercial deck that has extremely high traffic, high abuse, and specific ROI goals is much different than a residential deck on your vacation home. We wanted to explain why Ipe Decking is so great when it comes to being the commercial decking choice.
Beautiful Appearance
Ipe Decking has a beautiful olive-brown appearance when newly installed and when regularly oiled to keep it’s beautiful color. If you allow the Ipe Decking to silver naturally, then it still keeps it beautiful grain and does not splinter or split like cheaper wood decking. It also does not sag or warp like composite decking does. No matter how you maintain your Ipe Decking, it will be beautiful for years to come.
Able to deal with heavy traffic
Ipe Wood and Ipe Decking is the standard when it comes to public piers, boardwalks, and commercial decking. The reason for that is because it is able to last for 40+ years under extremely heavy usage. The combination of its natural hardness, natural oils, and weight means it will not wear out or show traffic like other less expensive or less proven products. For example, some Atlantic Coast Ipe Boardwalks have lasted 75 years and then been reused in other products.
source: flickr.com / Maria Eklind
Low maintenance
Ipe wood is beautiful, and there are two maintenance options depending on the appearance you want and the amount of maintenance you want to do. The first option is to clean and oil the decking annually to help keep the dark brown color as long as possible. The second easier option is to allow the decking to silver naturally and every few years to clean it properly as needed. With the second option, that is all you have to do have a beautiful wooden deck that last 40+ years as is.
Long Life
Ipe wood’s long life is really it’s biggest advantage for a commercial installation. The ROI can be made back quickly and the savings compared to replacing standard decking every 10 years is significant as time goes on. You also save on wood being sent to the landfills and the impact of cleaning and staining that is needed for lesser woods.
Fire and Insect Resistant
Another reason Ipe is great for commercial is that it is naturally Insect and Fire resistant. Ipe Wood has a fire rating that is the same as steel rebar, so you can rest assured if you will have grilling or smoking sections on your Ipe decking that you will be safe from fire. Also, because of Ipe’s natural hardness and oils, it is resistant to insects which can be a huge cost saver in terms of environment.
If you are looking for the best decking for your entrance, restaurant, bar, store, office building, or apartment complex, I would look no farther than Ipe. If you are looking for a lower cost option, check out Garapa, Massaranduba, and Cumaru. They have differing colors and lower prices but the same great properties as Ipe.
If you have any questions about why Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru, and Massaranduba Decking for commercial use, please contact us.