Excellent Reasons Why Ipe Decking Cost Matters

Ipe is a type of tropical hardwood that is often used for outdoor decking. Being highly dense and long-lasting, ipe can endure for decades with minimal maintenance. Nonetheless, all these benefits come at a cost, as ipe decking remains one of the most expensive materials.

Cost of installation

Other than materials, installing ipe decks costs more than using different woods. Ipe is very dense and complex, making cutting, drilling into, or working with more challenging. The wood’s density will quickly dim saw blades. If you need to install ipe as required, then more precision tools are necessary in addition to highly skilled deck builders familiar with its temperamental attributes. It leads to high wages for workers when installing an ipe deck.

Long term value

Sometimes, though more expensive in the short run, a deck made from this wood can save you money compared to other woods. The excellent rot, insect, and water resistance means an ipe deck may persist for 40 years without any maintenance effort. Usually, the continuous refinishing expenses on other wood decks over time exceed the one-time cost difference between a premium quality ipe deck and ordinary ones.

Budget constraints

For many homeowners, the ipe decking cost Florida may still need to be lowered, even considering its long-term benefits. If you have limited finances, choosing standard pressure-treated deck boards or a mid-range wood like cedar might be better than making your budget fit an expensive ipe deck. It is always wise not to overspend beyond what is affordable but rather be realistic about one’s budget constraints, even if it means preceding IPE as the perfect alternative.

Exclusivity perception

Ipe’s pricing at top-tier level has made it seem like a luxurious decking choice for the elite. Being more expensive than regular deck boards gives the impression that it is mainly owned by individuals who can afford such luxury products. For others, being able to buy ipe at a premium price tag means that they own the type of decking material considered exclusive and found in pricier homes or estates only. Buyers consider this attractiveness that comes with higher prices.

Ethical sourcing full attention

The last reason one would want to consider the price of ipe decking is its ethical sourcing due diligence. Illegal logging and poor forest management are thus a problem in some supply chains for this prized tropical species. It means that properly certified sources will inherently carry higher costs than the non-certified or suspiciously sourced ipe types, justifying the premium price.

To sum up

Ipe decking is costly.  Additionally, ipe pricing has to consider budgetary constraints versus environmental sustainability issues that come with managing an over-demanding market.

Treccy Node Author