IPE or Other Sustainably Harvested Wood For Deck

14 years ago

I've nixed anything pvc or even the plastic recycled lumber material for a deck and want good old fashioned wood. Even the new ACQ (which replaced CCA) doesn't thrill me. I want to go as green as I can and as I can afford. So I'm looking into truly sustainable and least maintenance decking. (Operable word there being "least" because anyone knows that no material is maintenance free).

So far I'm considering one of the IPE hardwoods (guaranteed sustainably harvested by stamp on material), mahogany, even teak, maaaaybe redwood or true heartwood red cedar - again, only sustainably harvested stuff. Some are more rot resistant than others and some are almost completely insect-damage resistant.

Any suggestions? Opinions. Anything?

Thanks.

Jef

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Comments (4)

lovingstuff
14 years ago
Jef, We just installed Ipe decking from East Teak (thanks George!). It looks great! Tons of compliments already and we have not stained it yet. I will post pics soon.
weedyacres
14 years ago
I just built a large garapa deck (cheaper than ipe but similar characteristics) and love it. Come on over to the decks and porches forum and we'll be able to help you out some more.

Here is a link that might be useful: My garapa deck
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bigkahuna
14 years ago
We used Ipe and are almost done.. putting the handrail /cable rail system today and finishing it Friday I hope. The stain /uv protection will go on in spring. Heres a link to some pics on the porch and decks forum where I suggest you do more research. Lots of threads on many different materials.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/porch/msg1110331628764.html?7
jef1
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the links to all your photos. Wow! to you all! Sorry I posted this here, didn't know there was a specific porch & deck forum. That's definitely the place I should be.
Deck's still in planning stage. Not proceeding till spring. Give me time to chose wood and peruse all the pertinent posts over at P&D forum. Thanks again. jef