If You Think Composite Decks are Low Maintenance, I Have A Unicorn to Sell You

There’s no such thing as stain-free, or maintenance free man-made decking. Period. End of story.

The only thing in flux is “resistance.” How does a decking material resist getting mold damage? What about excessive heat? Bitter cold? Everything on this Earth has to contend with the elements. So, if you’re considering replacing your deck, or building a new one from scratch, look past the fancy words and pictures and ask yourself:

1. Is the decking I want proven to last?
2. Is it worth your money to buy the “latest and greatest decking” when its long term performance is yet to be determined?
3. What do other people who own similar materials saying online?
4. Are the warranties worth the paper they’re printed on?

If you find you can answer these questions positively, then you can move forward with confidence.

What has your experience been with you deck? We want to know! Leave a comment below.

Whenever we get people who ask us about how Cumaru compares to Ipe, we give two analogies.

• Which is the better sports car? A Ferrari, or a Lamborghini?
• Who was a better boxer? Muhammad Ali, or Mike Tyson?

In terms of performance, both Cumaru and Ipe hold their own against the elements. A surprising fact about Cumaru is just how popular it is around the world. In its country of origin, Brazil, Cumaru is showcased in some of the country’s most exclusive hotels and residences.

As you’ll see below in our comparison chart, the major difference between these two exceptional hardwoods is their color and price. It’s all a matter of what you want your deck to look like. If you really want to dark robust color of Ipe, then it’s worth the price to you. If you want to have all the strength of Ipe and are more budget conscious, then Cumaru is your best bet. If money is no object, but you want a lighter deck with more color variations, then Cumaru, once again, is your best bet.

Cumaru Decking VS Ipe Decking

Gorgeous display of reddish brown to golden brown. A more distinguished grain pattern gives you a more diverse looking deck. Appearance Varies from dark brown to a brown color. Some boards have red accents or thin yellow streaks and a more subtle grain pattern. 3540 lbs Janka Hardness 3680 lbs 50+ years with deck oil applications / 25+yrs without treatments Lifespan 50+ years with deck oil applications / 25+yrs without treatments Excellent resistance to mold, termites & decay. Great for pool decks and safe for bare feet with scratch & slip resistance. Durability Strong scratch resistant surface. Reliable resistance to fungus, rot, and decay. Known to last in extreme conditions. More budget friendly than Ipe Cost With Ipe prices steadily rising due to increased demand, Cumaru becomes even more attractive. *SAVE UP TO 25% WHEN YOU CHOOSE CUMARU OVER IPE*

Cumaru Decking VS Composite Decking

Gorgeous display of reddish brown to golden brown. Distinguished grain pattern gives you a more diverse looking deck. Appearance Varies per brand. An array of color options are available from weathered gray to artificial tropical looks. 3540 lbs Janka Hardness Unavailable (varies by manufacturer) 50+ years with deck oil applications / 25+yrs without treatments. Can last in any climate regardless of humidity levels. Lifespan Depends on the type of plastic used and the wood-to-plastic ratio. Lifespan can be greater in drier climates, less in humid climates. Excellent resistance to mold, termites & decay. Great for pool decks and safe for bare feet with scratch & slip resistance. Durability Reported problems include mold, decay, and delamination (plastic surface peeling) Significant price savings over composite decking with a greater return on investment. Cost Cumaru Decking costs less than composite deck materials *SAVE OVER 30% OVER MAJOR BRANDS OF COMPOSITE DECKING*

Cumaru Decking VS Teak Decking

Reddish brown with some golden colored boards with a more distinguished grain pattern Appearance Uniform tan to brown without markings. Grain is absent of markings & straight to slightly wavy. 3540 lbs Janka Hardness 1050 lbs 25+yrs with no chemical treatment Lifespan 15 years without chemical treatment Strong scratch resistant surface Durability Medium durability. Weathers fast, but is known to last in varying climates. Cumaru Decking costs less per lineal foot, is stronger, with a greater return on investment. Cost At least 25% higher cost per lineal foot. Only 1×4 and 1×6 material is usually available. *SAVE UP TO 25% WHEN YOU CHOOSE CUMARU OVER TEAK*

We recently received video of some composite decks in Florida. The decking problems here are numerous. Twisting and warping is just the tip of the iceberg. Mold, rot, decay. You’ll even see how excessive heat can cause significant damage. Check it out for yourself:

Plastic decking made to look like weathered wood.

I have seen the future of decking….and it is not plastic.

From looking over many of the exhibits at the International Builders Show in Orlando, FL, it was apparent there are a ton of composite decking companies there. There were the familiar names and a bunch from overseas countries like China. Despite the elaborate displays and fancy marketing materials, I can’t tell you how many times I overheard people going up to various reps and asking the same questions:

• How does this compare to real hardwood like Ipe?
• I heard about recalls due to mold, peeling and cracking? Why is your stuff different?
• What chemicals do you use to ensure this stuff doesn’t fade like you claim?

Clearly, people have been doing their homework on these decking materials. With the shaky record composites have, it’s understandable that people are growing more skeptical about the claims of low maintenance.

Left to mature gracefully, this ipe deck hasn't checked, split, or warped.

Each time, I overheard rep after rep stumbling through the exact same answers. Saying that a product is “just better” because it’s recycled isn’t a real answer. Similarly, saying that you can’t disclose what chemicals are used within the plastic just doesn’t fly especially when you remember all the news of recalls and tainting that are currently plaguing many foreign made building products. However, the most glaring problem about these options is the plain and simple fact that composite and PVC decking looks plastic. There’s no mistaking it.

Despite the many attempts to mimic the look of authentic wood decking one thing is clear, you can’t fool the eye. And, if you’re going to claim that your product improves on mother nature, you better be sure it can handle whatever mother nature throws at it! As you can see from the picture about, that ipe deck lining the beach has been in place for years. It withstands the daily pressures of sun, rain, daily traffic, wind, sand, and every conceivable element you can think of. As you can see, it’s been holding up nicely. Contrast that with the composite decking reviews you read online and the pictures to back it up. Given the past performance of composite decking, the future doesn’t look too promising.

Have you replaced your composite deck? Are you considering building a new deck in the future? What are you looking for out of a deck material? Tell us your thoughts below…

Is the new composite decking option right for you?

You might have heard about the latest type of composite decking. There are multiple decking brands using what’s known in the plastic industry as “capstock.”

What is Capstock decking? Basically, Capstock is a new kind of composite decking material that combines composites (plastic and wood fiber core) with a “durable” exterior layer of vinyl (PVC). Think of it as a composite and PVC deck hybrid.

Like with most new products in the decking market, the companies that sell this kind of synthetic decking are doing their best by spending millions of dollars  to convince you that, FINALLY, this is a composite wood product you can trust. These brands are also trying their best to convince you and deck builders across the country that it is “as good as, or better” than natural hardwood decking in terms of durability and looks.

They even offer a 25-year warranty on their product. However, if you’ve done research, you will learn that, for many, composite decking warranties aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Many people complain and have sued these artificial decking companies for not complying with the terms of their warranties. Ironically, even a reputable publication like Professional Deck Builder says about the latest trend in capstock composite decking, “The lengthy warranties – most up to 25 years – indicate that manufacturers stand behind these products (though perhaps you’ve heard that before).” That’s a direct quote, folks. Even the home-building press is skeptical about these products and for good reason.

Another interesting fact that arose out of our research is the resistance of all composite decking companies to disclose the chemical makeup of their new decking materials. In fact, when FineHomebuilding Magazine was conducting their own research into these products for their article entitled “In Pursuit of the Perfect Plank” the author noted, “None of the manufacturers I spoke with would reveal what was in their proprietary polymer.” Why is that?

One thing we do know is that, as previously mentioned,  these new hybrid composite decking options are using PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). According to a report by the Healthy Building Network, “PVC is the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, posing major hazards in its manufacture, product life and disposal.” It makes sense that these companies refuse to disclose the chemicals in this kind of decking.

It’s like they’re telling you, “Trust us. It’s better you don’t know. Just sit back, relax and spend your hard earned money on our latest concoction.”

Also, while they say that this new kind of decking is mold-resistant, let’s not forget that the primary way many decks are built is with top-down screw installation. Water does and always will seep into any crevice, no matter how small. And, over time, as that water seeps into the decking, it’s safe to assume that the soft wood fibers within the deck board itself will soak up that material and start to produce mold. Since some of these brands only cover the top and sides of the decking with the PVC-based polymer shell, the underside of those boards could very well start to rot from below.

Think about it…Your decking might look fine from the top. You’ll walk on it. Kids might play and run across the decking. But, the bottom of the decking is starting to degrade? I’d imagine you’d have a hard time calling that kind of decking maintenance free, or safe. What exactly are you paying for?

Speaking of money…

Currently, you can buy this kind of decking for between $3 – 4 a lineal foot. That’s pretty expensive for an unproven product that fuses two already suspect materials.

Does it make sense to take a chance and hope that a warranty will cover the problems that might also arise out of this hybrid decking?

Obviously, we’re a hardwood decking company. We don’t sell composite decking. Nor will we ever sell those product for those very reasons. We’ve worked hard to bring high-quality, reliable decking materials to our customers for close to 20 years. We know that both families who are saving to build a deck, or homeowners looking to remodel on a whim want the same thing. A beautiful, reliable, outdoor retreat that they can enjoy, and not have to fuss, or worry over. When all is said and done it’s important to realize two things:

• When you buy hardwood decking you’re paying for a proven product.
• When you pay for these new, hybrid product, you’re paying for their marketing budget.

What choice makes sense to you?

Exotic woods like Cumaru are great for pool decking.

If you’re looking for pool decking, hardwoods offer excellent benefits that will keep you, your guests, and children safe.

Many times, people who settle for plastic decking have to pay extra attention to the decking that surrounds their pool. It’s not hard to imagine that wet plastic composite decking could act more like a “slip and slide” than a safe-to-grip surface you can depend on. Even pressure treated decking is a inferior option. When you factor in the chemicals used to make the material, plus the fact that splits and cracks are fast to appear on the surface, softer woods like pressure treated pine are not the best for families.

So, what makes exotic wood decking a better option?

Hardwoods like Cumaru (pictured above) and Tigerwood are reliable hardwoods to put around your pool for a number of factors:

1. They are dense materials that are sturdy enough to handle being exposed to pool water
2. Fast-drying material that is also naturally slip resistant
3. Resistance to mold, decay extends the look and life of the hardwood pool deck
4. Durable decking materials also resist checks and splits
5. When treated with a deck oil like Ipe Oil™ or Messmers, you get added water repellency

NOTE: Be sure to allow your wood decking to acclimate to your local climate prior to installation. Once your material has settled and is at the appropriate moisture content, you can proceed with installation.

If you want to learn more about what exotic hardwoods like Cumaru and Tigerwood have to offer, feel free to give us a call:

2 year old composite decking with visible green mold.

Although Advantage Trim & Lumber refuses to sell, recommend, or have anything to do with composite decking products we often receive calls from composite deck owners who are having maintenance issues. Surprisingly, they call us for composite deck maintenance advice after they spoke with the manufacturer or the store where they purchased it.

A question that we sometimes get asked is, “I have composite decking that is starting to mold and don’t want to spend the money to replace it. Can’t I just flip over the deck board?

Our answer is always the same. Flipping deck boards is a waste of time and energy. The reason for this is that if your composite deck boards are rotting on the surface chances are its even worse on the underside of the board. “Why?”

Such little light penetrates your deck’s surface gaps that the underside of  any deck board will inevitably be more damp. Even if you decide to take a chance and flip over those parts of your composite deck that are rotting, keep in mind that when you flip the boards you will not be able to screw in the same holes.

You will have to drill new holes, which, let’s face it will make your deck look even worse. You will not only have screws showing but will also have un-used holes from the previous installation.

This begs the question, if flipping composite boards is out of the question, what can you do?

If you’re in the position of having to replace your composite deck, call us. Tell us your horror story and send us pictures of your deck, and we will work out a deal with you to replace your composite deck with some of our hardwood decking.

Genuine wood decking produces spectacular structures you can depend on.

Wood decking is the best material to use for garden and outdoor decks. Period. Case closed…

Not buying it, are you? Are you still thinking that composite decking is a viable and better choice? After all, it IS “eco-friendly” and “maintenance free”, right? What makes wood decking any better?

Here are 10 Reasons why Wood Decking species like Tigerwood, Cumaru, Garapa and Ipe are better choices for your deck:

1. Why settle for the “look of real wood” when you can get the real thing? Nothing beats the feeling of knowing that your real wood deck is 100% genuine. Most species have such a distinct look that you now see composites coming out with “tropical looking” decks. If you wanted to buy a Mercedes and the dealer showed you something that looked like a Mercedes, would you buy the imitation? Probably not.
2. A better overall value. When you consider the long-term maintenance and possible replacement cost of a composite deck to the performance of woods like ipe, it makes sense to go with decking that is proven. For those still on the fence and still comparing composite materials to wood decking, then take a look at the litany of complaints, lawsuits and even government recalls that plague plastic decking products. It’s clear that there are just way too many variables and potential problems that you could face…is it really worth it to take a chance and spend money on an unproven product?
3. When it rains, it doesn’t disintegrate. Exotics like Tigerwood and Cumaru are dense materials that dry quickly and repel water. This raises the natural resistance to mold and mildew. Composite materials end up actually soaking in water which leads to internal rot and many headaches.
4. Eco-friendly decking comes from renewable resources and sustainable forestry. Every species we offer you comes from regulated forests and are 100% LACEY Act compliant. Even the non-FSC material we sell originates from managed forests that we personally inspect throughout North and South America. These mills and managed forests are in place to ensure that the every rule and regulation is followed.
5. The Composite Decking life cycle is not eco-friendly. Petroleum/oil turned into plastic. Plastics get recycled and fused with wood fibers to form composite decking. The more wood fibers are used the more porous the material. The more plastic is used the more artificial the look and delamination is possible. The result? Non-recyclable deck boards are tossed into landfills because a great majority of recycling facilities are ill-equipped to separate the wood fibers from the plastic. Ergo, composite decking is a recycled plastic product that can’t be recycled. When you factor in the recent oil spills and high price per barrel, it just doesn’t seem right to call composite decking eco-friendly, does it?
6. The stuff just lasts! You can find stories online about ipe wood being REUSED close to a century after it was installed. Recently, some Coney Island boardwalk made of ipe was refurbished into upscale furniture. The toughness of exotic wood decking cannot be denied.
7. Safety comes naturally. Have kids who like to run around barefoot? Do you have a pool near your deck? Tigerwood, Cumaru, Ipe or Garapa are scratch and sliver resistant materials that dry fast and are safe even for bare feet. Composite deck boards can be slippery, delaminate and decay to create a unsuitable surface that you have to be mindful of. Point blank, if you have to think about gingerly walking on your deck, you are using the wrong material.

Yes, you are reading this list from a wood decking supplier. So, we encourage you to do your own research. Search for composite decking lawsuits, recalls, and complaints. See the evidence for yourself.

If you have a composite decking story to share, send us pictures. Likewise, if you are an Advantage customer and want to show off your wood decking, contact us and we’ll be happy to feature your home in our Deck Design feature.

The research this homeowner did prior to buying Tigerwood has paid off.

It’s almost Summer and thousands of homeowners across the country are getting ready to start working on their deck. Some will be remodeling and many will be building a deck for the first time. But, before hammer goes to nail, the question you must answer is, “What kind of material is best for decking?”

Should you go with real wood decking, or composite “wood” decking? Regular readers of this blog already know the limitations and problems that plague composite deck materials. Let’s face it; if plastic decking were so good, wood decking would be obsolete. But, because of the documented issues that both composite and PVC decking face, many people are opting for real wood deck materials.

So, let’s say that you chose to buy wood decking. What material should you choose, and what pitfalls are to be avoided when buying decking?

Here are 5 Ways to Save Money When You Buy Decking:

1. Don’t settle for chemically treated and cheap decking materials. This is the “You get what you pay for” rule of shopping for anything. If you are on a tight budget, it pays not to settle for pressure treated decking. Yes, it’s cheaper than hardwood, but when you read about the chemicals used to treat the pine wood, and see how pressure treated wood decking looks in such a short amount of time, does it really benefit you to sacrifice your long term enjoyment? If you are on a tight budget, there are still some wonderful hardwoods out there that might cost a bit more, but will give you years of worry-free use. For instance Tigerwood and Garapa are very affordable. They are also great looking and naturally durable, without all the problems that treated decking has.
2. Price is not as important as you think. Of course, you want to get the most for your money. We all do. But, when it comes to buying lumber, it’s easy to order something and not know what you’re really getting until the truck arrives at your job site. If you’re shopping online, check to see if the supplier is FSC certified, been around for at least a decade and, at the very least, willing to share some testimonials or pictures of jobs that have been completed with their products. I know what you’re saying, “Ok, that’s all well and good…that still doesn’t clear up how to buy wood decking!” Let me address that by saying…
3. Lumber grade is more important than price. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s true. Some suppliers don’t want you to know the difference so they put up pretty pictures that they’ve doctored to cover up the flaws in their material. They also put up a very low price. This combination has led to many frustrated homeowners trying to get their money back in vain. So, with this in mind? It pays in the short and long run to ask up front about the grade of lumber BEFORE you buy. Here is a description of lumber grades to help you:
   • Common/Select Grade – Common grade can be poorly milled and come with unappealing color variances. It often contains sapwood, visible knots & worm holes.
   • Premium/Clear – This is the best grade and is all heartwood. There should be no knots, or worm holes. Premium grade wood is carefully milled material that truly reflects the colors and natural accents of the wood.
4. Convert square footage to lineal feet. Ah, math. The bane of many children and of people who are building a 500 square foot deck and order 500 lineal feet. Sure. you’ll get your wood, but you’ll have just enough to build half of your deck! An error like this means paying TWICE for shipping. You can avoid this pitfall and keep more of your money by using our Square Foot to Lineal Foot Calculator.
5. Buy Random Lengths. When it comes to buying hardwood decking, you save more money when you specify a range of lengths.  Many suppliers will charge you more if you demand one specific length. Why? It’s a simple matter of cost, inventory, and waste. With a majority of product originating in domestic and South American mills, suppliers buy a range of lengths of 8’ through 20’.  Selling within this range is the norm. There’s also the matter of waste. If a supplier has a greater inventory of 15′ decking and you order 13′ boards, there’s the cost to mill and dispose of all that waste. Besides, most deck builders will almost always use a range of lengths depending on both your home’s and the deck’s design.

These tips will save you hundreds of dollars and increase the chances that you will enjoy your new wood deck for a very long time.

Questions? Leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

This Tigerwood deck was built to code, has a strong support, & is durable enough to last over 40 years. Its striking looks & function also add to the home's selling appeal.

Are you in the market for a home and coming across properties that have a deck previously installed?

Don’t be shy about asking these questions. You will save yourself valuable time, money, and future headaches. You also give the current owner a chance to explain the history of the deck. After all, you wouldn’t dream of walking into a used car lot and buy a car, no questions asked. Likewise, when buying a home with a deck, you need to know its history.

Here are The 5 Most Important Things to Know Before You Buy a Home with a Deck:

1. What is the age of the deck? Obviously, the older the deck, the closer you want it inspected. Older decks deserve more scrutiny because of structural issues. Be sure to ask if it was every subject to insect attack. You’d also want to know if any part of the deck had been replaced.
2. What is deck’s overall condition? Is it still structurally stable? Don’t just look at the deck’s surface to gauge its health. Take a good look “under the hood.” You or your home inspector should look under the deck and check out the condition of the joists and other support components. Are things starting to rot or rust? Is decay visible? Hopefully, the posts are also in good condition.
3. Does it meet current building codes? This one is very important and can bite you in the you know where if you ever try to sell a home with a deck that isn’t up to code. The last thing you want also is to pay a fine, or have difficulty selling your home in the future.  You might want to look at an up-to-date survey, too.
4. What kind of deck is it? If you’re looking at an old pressure treated deck, then you will have to be aware of the many chemicals and other problems that plague pressure-treated decking. Are you looking at a composite deck? Older composite decking may not be the best, or have that much longer of a lifespan. As for wood decking, they have been proven to be more dependable, but you should still be diligent.
5. I love the home…but is the deck worth keeping / maintaining? If you found the home of your dreams, but the deck needs some work or repairs, seek a professional contractor’s advice to see how much it would cost to tear down and/or replace the deck. You might want to keep looking if you

All these question will help determine how much longer the deck will last, how much work will go in to getting it where you want, or if your better off starting over.

The point is, don’t just give those decks a passing glance. If you have to, jump up and down on the decking. If by looking at it, you’d rather NOT do that, then you might want to keep looking at other homes.

If you have any other questions you feel should be asked, or your own deck stories to tell, please comment below. Your experience can help other people.

Genuine wood decking creates a sanctuary you won't soon forget.

If you found this blog post searching for “Decking Reviews”, congratulations! You’re right to do your research. You might have even read some negative feedback or heard a lot of marketing hype from both hardwood and composite decking companies. Hopefully, this post clears the confusion about which direction to go in and what material to choose for your specific project.

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “You get what you pay for” then you understand that when people cut corners, focus on buying cheap materials, and fall for that marketing hype, disappointment, regret, and frustration set in. We’ve received a ton of phone calls from people who were tricked into buying “Tropical” materials that composite decking companies sell. We’ve even received calls from people who bought their decking from a different supplier only to be disappointed to find that their material was not premium grade, or was handled incorrectly.

Many of the problems you might hear when it comes to hardwood decking could have and should have been prevented.

• Was an end grain sealant used to protect the boards from drying out too quickly and checking?
• Were the boards allowed to properly acclimate to the surrounding climate for the recommended 3-5 days?
• If using dense materials like cumaru or ipe, were the deck boards pre-drilled prior to fastening?
• Seeking the advice of the company who supplied the material is also highly recommended.
• Also it helps to chose to work with a reputable contractor in your area who understands multiple materials and how best to install them.

With regards to composite decking materials, we strongly advise against them for many practical reasons:

1. It’s more expensive than real wood decking
2. The benefits (or lack thereof) don’t justify the high cost
3. There are too many composite recalls and lawsuits and general complaints to count
4. Mold, mildew, decomposition, and discoloration are common complaints
5. Composite deck boards cannot be recycled by a majority of local recycling plants

Let’s be honest, if composite decking were so great, we’d be selling it. However, with these facts in mind, we can’t in all good faith, offer products we know to be inferior to genuine hardwood.

Ultimately, what you need to consider is not how the material will look 1-2 years after it’s installed, but what the material will look like and be able to handle in 10-15 years…that’s the benchmark.

Discover more about real wood decking from Advantage Trim & Lumber.

Once again, while searching for composite decking reviews, I was once again struck by how many people regret spending their hard earned money on an expensive, yet inferior product. It’s no secret that I am not a fan of composite decking. However, my reasons are not because I think the decking is ugly or that the cost is too high. On the contrary, I hate to see people save, plan, and then build a deck, only to have it crumble or worse, transform before their eyes. What do I mean? Well, just take a look at these pictures:

Composite Decking Pictures:

Composite Deck Problems

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Need further proof that composite decking is not all that it’s cracked up to be? I’ve posted these before, but it’s worth noting again that the US Government has already warned consumers about plastic decking. All of these issues, problems and composite decking complaints make you wonder…is composite decking the next asbestos?

Composite Decking Recall #1

Composite Decking Recall #2
Oh, and here’s some info on a pending composite decking lawsuit too.

Using hardwood once again is the best option for all your decking needs.

If you read this blog on a regular basis, you know that I am not a fan of composite decking. After all, there’s a good reason why this blog is called the “Ipe Decking Blog”!

However, despite my own personal reasons, if you conduct your own research into composite decking comparisons and composite decking reviews, you will run across countless complaints and maintenance issues. These complaints are coming from hard-working people like you who have invested their hard-earned time and, above all else, money, building what they thought would be a beautiful addition to their home. If you put yourself in their shoes wouldn’t you want to make sure that no one else goes through what they just went through?

If those composite deck reviews and complaints aren’t enough to prove that composite decking problems can’t be ignored, then would information on composite decking recall notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission be of any interest?

Composite Decking Recall #1

Composite Decking Recall #2

If you want to build a deck, or replace your composite deck with decking that will last, then choose a hardwood such as ipe decking. If you look through the other posts on this blog, you will see that ipe decks are vastly superior to composite decks and can even be cheaper to build too!

Last, but certainly not least, if you’re convinced that using ipe hardwood decking is the right way to go, call us at Advantage Trim & Lumber Company. We’d be honored to help you build the deck of your dreams and avoid the nightmare of dealing with fixing your composite deck.

Great news! Ipe price comparisons are showing that, due to the volatile cost of oil, ipe prices are now more affordable than most composite decking and other synthetic decking materials.

How did ipe prices get this competitive?

It’s simple math. Composite decking uses polyurethane as a core ingredient. Polyurethane is a plastic derived from oil. And, due to the rapid overall rise of a barrel of oil, plastics and all other oil-based products have also risen. So, when you go to a large retailer and they tell you that composite decking is cheaper than ipe decking, you can tell them that is not the case any longer!

Ipe decking prices are not only better than most composite decking, but ipe decking in itself is also leagues better in terms of quality, health, and overall enjoyment!

Why?

• Ipe is 100% natural
• Ipe decking can last for decades with no treatment and still be as durable (composite decking just can’t say the same thing!)
• Ipe is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and insects like termites
• Ipe is 100% biodegradable.
• Ipe is eco-friendly
• And now, ipe prices are cheaper than most composite decking

Contact Advantage Trim & Lumber today to get the very latest ipe decking prices. We would be honored to help you with your order and ship your affordable ipe to your home in just a few days!

Now more than ever, homeowners are looking at their home and thinking,

“With the housing market the way it is, we may be at this home for much longer than we thought. Is now the time to build a deck or do a room addition?”

In short, the answer may be “Yes!”

After all, if you are choosing rethink the length in which you and your family will occupy their home, then why not make the most of your time there?

There are many practical factors that you may not be aware which will make the decision to build a deck much easier…

1. The fact is, professional labor costs are much cheaper now than in years past. Simply put, it is in a deck builders best interest to build a deck for less AND well so that you can refer them more business in the future.
2. Ipe decking is now cheaper than most composite decking! Due to the high price of oil (a key ingredient in the making of the plastic that composite decking needs), composite decking is now MORE expensive than ipe decking. Now is the time to take advantage of the low price of ipe decking. If you need more reasons to choose ipe over composite decking, check out some of the other posts I’ve done which highlight the harmful side effects that composite decking can have on the phycial and monetary health of you and your family!
3. Building a deck helps the overall community and our economy. When you build a deck for your home, you’re not only employing the services of a labor company and their workers, you’re helping the livelihood of the the truck driver who shipped the wood to your home, the person who took your order, the person who initially cut your ipe decking…on and on. When you step onto your finished deck, you will be rest assured that many people also benefited from your choice to build a deck for your home

At Advantage Trim & Lumber Company, it would be an honor to be chosen by you for your decking needs. It is our goal to ensure that the hardwood that you choose for your deck suits your needs both now and into the future.

GREAT NEWS! Ipe decking is now more affordable than most composite decking. For a while, this was not the case. However, since the price of oil is so volatile, the cost of composite decking materials have risen substantially.

Why is this the case?

Because composite decking uses polyethylene and polyethylene is made from oil. So, there’s no getting around it, because composite decking has a core ingredient that is tied to such a volatile commodity, anyone looking to build a deck with composite decking may have to spend a lot more than their budget calls for. A lot more!

What do you do now?

It’s time to consider ipe decking. Simply put, when you do a apples to apples comparison, ipe is far superior to composite decking.

Here are the facts to consider when comparing ipe to composite decking:

1. Ipe decking comes from is 100% natural wood. Composite decking is made of synthetic plastic that is tied to the high price of oil.
2. The price of ipe has remained steady due to the managed forestry practices that industry leaders like Advantage Trim & Lumber have embraced and promoted
3. Ipe is going to last decades due to its natural density and resistance to mold, mildew, fungus, and insects. Composite decking companies cannot make this claim with a straight face.

Moreover, ipe is a renewable resource and is 100% biodegradable. This is an important distinction to make because composite decking is made from non-renewable resources such as petroleum. Many homeowners with composite decks are now learning the hard way because their composite decking ends up in a landfill because it fails to stand up as promised. Doesn’t it make sense to choose a decking material that is proven to stand the test of time and is also less expensive?

When you choose Advantage Trim & Lumber Company for your ipe decking needs, you also have the option of purchasing a whole host of decking supplies and accesories to make building an ipe deck simple and easy.

For more information and to see our list of ipe price list, check out our Ipe Decking Prices page.

Responsible and savvy homeowners are doing their research when it comes to composite decking problems and drawbacks. Composite decking reviews all over the internet show that there is a clear distinction between composite decking and other hardwood decking materials. Although composite decking materials are heavily marketed and popular due its low cost, the fact of the matter is that composite decking cannot compare to hardwoods like ipe . But, what about the long term costs? To put it simply, those that say that composite wood is a viable and more eco-friendly alternative wood are not seeing the bigger picture. Composite wood is detrimental to the environment due to the ingredients used to create it. In addition, the cost to constantly maintain, repair, and in many instances replace a composite deck means that your return on investment is actually worse than if you went ahead and installed an ipe deck instead.

When you do research on composite decking reviews, you are certain to find the following complaints:

• Absorbs water like a sponge
• Composite materials are made of oil based products like polyethylene
• Susceptible to mold, mildew, and fungi
• Photodegradation – composite decks degrade due to UV exposure rapidly
• The more plastic used in the composite decking, the more likely it is to warp
• The less plastic used in the composite decking, the faster it rots
• Termites and other insects feast on composite deck materials
• Due to substandard construction process, planks and sometimes the whole deck needs to be replaced
• Many lawsuits have been filed because of injuries
• Use of resin may lead to the release of formaldehyde in the finished product

While it would be nice to say to your neighbors that you saved money with your brand new composite deck. I highly doubt you would be gloating if, after a couple of years your deck looked like the picture above. In fact, I’d bet that you’d even stop inviting the neighbors over at all because you’d be worried about what people would think. Or worse, that someone would get injured on your property. The savings are short term, yet long regretted. When it comes to composite decking, the saying is definitely true, “You get what you pay for.”

Many people settle for composite decking due to the fact that composite wood and materials are cheaper than more high-quality exotic hardwoods like ipe. However, while the cost may be appealing, the long term viability of the materials is suspect at best. If you do a simple Google search for “composite decking complaints” or “composite decking lawsuit” you will see that, while people and businesses may have saved some money initially, they took a great risk in choosing an inferior product.

Here’s a simple ipe decking versus composite decking comparison chart:

You may be asking yourself, “Sure ipe decking is better, but it’s still more expensive!” You’re right. Being a high-quality premium exotic wood does come with a price. However, have you considered the overall return on investment? Take a moment to review the comparison chart once more. Ask yourself what it would cost you in medical bills if someone got hurt from a broken piece of composite decking? What if that person sued you? Sure, maybe your insurance would take care of it, but what would happen to your insurance cost after the fact? In this instance, isn’t it better to look at the long term advantage of building an ipe deck?