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…

Take one look at this deck…

This Amazing Looking Ipe Deck was Constructed by Someone Just Like You

With the right decking, plans, and a heckuva lot of willpower, the owner of this home created one of the nicest decks we’ve seen in a long time.

Using 5/4×6 Ipe decking, this deck has all the features one wants in a deck: Durability, Resilience, Low-Maintenance, and Genuine Beauty. And, with the Holidays just around the corner, this outdoor living area will give this family a relaxing place to watch the snow fall over the mountains near the Uinta National Forest.

Check out more pictures of this featured ipe wood deck.

Our Ipe Wood is the difference between a mediocre deck and a spectacular one.

What’s important to you about owning a deck?

Is it the pristine look? Or, is it the sense of relaxation and comfort you get when spending time outdoors with the people you love?

Does it help when the decking material you chose is something you know you can depend on?

For many Ipe wood deck owners, they achieve that feeling of relaxation and comfort every day. If you want to know what it’s like to own a deck that will make neighbors jealous (especially those composite deck owners battling mold, and other issues), then now’s the time to buy ipe wood decking from Advantage Trim & Lumber.

For instance, our inventory of pregrooved 5/4×6 Ipe wood is ideal for every application, especially those that are low to the ground such as single story above ground decks with small gap spacing. What makes this material a better choice for you? Not only do you get a seamless looking surface, but the the added thickness means greater resistance in all aspects. Using 5/4×6 Ipe wood gives you a deck with the strength of a tank,and the look of a luxury hotel pool deck. As you can see from the picture above, ipe wood creates truly outstanding decks that complement your home’s aesthetic and your personal vision.

We have containers of Ipe wood arriving daily. These containers are filled with premium grade materials that will create that first class outdoor living space you want.

We look forward to helping you build your own personal oasis. You can buy Ipe direct, or contact us today if building a deck with this highly sought after material is on your to-do list.

The "net" finished dimensions of 5/4x6 S4S E4E.

5/4×6 wood decking is a superior sized deck board for many reasons. The extra thickness provides increased structural stability, a more rigid surface, and is ideal for all exterior applications.

5/4 x 6 Ipe wood decking has given many homeowners a solid, reliable surface that hardly ever has to be tended to, if ever. If you’re looking for decking materials for any deck projects that is going to be installed close to the ground, just having that extra 1/4″ is essential. For instance,   if you’re about to construct a deck, your contractor should insist on buying 5/4×6 hardwood. Why? more…

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′): more…

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, more…

There’s a ton of misleading information out there about the best decking on the market. It’s getting harder and harder to decipher the truth from mere marketing and fancy packaging.

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.