Not Just Your Average Lumber: Consider Ipe for Deck Construction
According to a 2007 U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory report common new alternatives in decking materials are Tropical Wood Species and Wood-plastic composites. Mr. James Rogers, President of Rogers Sales Co. states” For decades, deciding what material to build a deck out of was a fairly simple process, as choices were mainly limited to pressure treated lumber or naturally decay-resistant species such as cedar or redwood. But in today’s market several choices are available to the Professional and do- it-yourselfers, and it can be difficult to decide what material is best for your project.”
For those looking to build a deck that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, lumber made from wood-plastic composites is an alternative to solid wood. “People are attracted to this material is because it is low-maintenance, won’t splinter or crack, and is available in a wide variety of colors and surface patterns, Mr. Rogers adds, but composites are not without their drawbacks namely that they are more expensive than wood, are heavier and not as structurally sound as wood, and the color can fade”.
One increasingly popular tropical species used in decking is Ipe. Known for it’s natural resistance to decay, Ipe is a strong and naturally durable material. According to U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory research shows that “Ipe heartwood really is as decay resistant as everyone claims”.
Rogers Sales Co. provides Ipe lumber in all common dimensional sizes including 1x 4, 5/4 x 6, 2 x2, 2 x 4, 4 x 4, Rail Cap, Cove Moulding & Sub Rails. On a custom basis Rogers Sales Co. can provide Custom tongue & groove Ipe porch flooring. Hardware available includes IPE Clips and Stainless Steel Screws.
ROGERS SALES CO.
http://www.exoticveneers.net/
Tel (516) 661-0398
Fax(516) 752-0459
e-mail: sales@exoticveneers.net
