This Pergola made of ipe wood will last for decades and will stand up to the everyday stresses of a hot and humid tropical environment.

Ipe wood can be useful and dependable in many applications. Because this exotic hardwood is so durable it can be used in a wide variety of outdoor applications. With high strength characteristics such as mold, decay, and insect resistance, you can build with confidence and create a truly noteworthy structure of your very own.

Here are the 10 things you can build with Ipe (specifically ipe boards that run from 3′ to 7′):

1. Pergolas (as seen above)
2. Outdoor playground – The frame alone will have structural integrity far better than other woods
3. Outdoor Kitchen
4. Garden Bridge
5. Benches
6. Adirondack furniture
7. Flower boxes
8. Outdoor tables
9. Docks
10. Gazebos (check out this extensive deck photo gallery that includes an ipe gazebo)

Sure, ipe is tough to work with. But, you can’t argue with the results. You can build something pretty remarkable when you use ipe shorts (boards from 1′ to 7′ in length)

If you’d like to build with one of nature’s most enduring and dependable wood’s, you can buy ipe wood online or contact us directly:

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.

Hardwoods like Ipe are grabbing the attention of homeowners and designers throughout the world.

It’s because of this confusion that people are turning back to materials that are proven to stand the test of time. Hardwood decking is, once again, rising in overall popularity and can be seen in many of today’s finest green building projects.

“But, wait just one second! You’re a hardwood decking company! Why should I believe you, over the composite decking that is made of recycled materials? Isn’t that more eco-friendly?”

I hear what you’re saying. However, if you read through this blog, you’ll discover that there are some pretty practical reasons why we sell both domestic and exotic deck materials and stray from composites, PVC and other chemically altered wood materials.

If you do research into “composite decking recalls” you’ll see that there have been a ton of problems related to this relatively new product. The main problem stems from these companies over promising and under delivering.

Hardwood decking on the other hand? It’s been thoroughly tested and scientifically proven to last. There’s a reason why many of the world’s finest resorts, hotels, and boardwalks feature hardwoods like ipe, cumaru, tigerwood, and garapa. They last, look good, and can take a pounding if necessary.

Look, no one expects you to call us right now to order a pallet of ipe decking. But if you’re someone who appreciates the finer things in life, it simply makes no sense to settle for what is on the label instead of taking a good hard look at what’s in the box.

When you’re ready to buy exotic hardwood that is proven to meet your expectations, check out Advantage Trim & Lumber and buy wood decking online. You can shop for hardwood at your convenice, or you can call us directly and order over the phone. Either way, you’ll be working with hardwood decking that will add value to your home and your quality of life.