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Composite
decking is also called WPC decking or just plastic decking. They use the
word composite to describe the coupling or mixing between Vinyl with Wood.
It offers a strong but flexible product without as much temperature growth
over time. However, the “pulp” wood they use is made up of fiber (small
wood particles) that is of species not known for outdoor durability such as
pine, spruce and bark from these trees. It’s basically the wood left over
that isn’t good enough to use to make paper. Some arguments are that
composite decking is more eco friendly
and that composite decking is maintenance free
and that composite decking is cheaper. First we talk about ipe
decking and then we make the comparison between Ipe hardwood decking and
composite decking.
Ipe decking wood is:
- Five
times harder than pressure treated yellow southern pine
- Ipe
decking carries the highest rating against rot and insects (termites).
- Ipe
deck wood exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for slip
resistance when wet.
- Ipe
solid hardwood dek wood carries the highest rating for fire resistance.
- Ipe
deck wood is so durable that, left untreated, it will last over 40 years,
and up to 100 years if deck oil is applied.
- Ipe hardwood decks
typically have a deep, rich brown luster with some pieces displaying a
golden hue giving the wood beauty and character.
Price comparison between Ipe
hardwood decking and composite decking
Brazilian ipe hardwood decking comes in the
United States as low as $1,90 per linear foot. If you wish to import
yourself we from Hardydeck, ipe
hardwood mill located in Bolivia, are able to sell for as little as $
1700 per m³ or less. Instead, composite decking comes at a wide variety of
prices, sensitive to the price of oil (Price: $300 to $700 per 100 square
feet*).
We know (at the time of writing December 2011)
what is happening with the price of oil. In fact, at this time, a lot of
products that depend on petroleum based plastics, such as composite
decking, actually cost more now than hardwood decking like ipe. Then we can
also include the lifespan of the decking into the equation: ipe decking
lasts from 40 and up to 100 years while composite decking most is
guaranteed for 10 years. While installation costs is 50% of your total
decking costs, it is easy to conclude the ipe decking is much cheaper
then any composite decking.
More on ipe
hardwood decking
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monotone
colored artificial WPC decking (with mold)
whatever
the color, composite decking is never natural and always monotone
as
the pictures show, sellers that promise your WPC decking to be mold-free
are NOT telling the truth
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