Materials Used For Outdoor Decks
Ipe
Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is a dense, tropical hardwood from Central and South America commonly used for exterior decking.
Here are the first five key points detailing its characteristics:
Appearance: Rich, deep brown to olive tones that can age to a silver-gray patina if left untreated; straight to interlocked grain with fine texture; natural luster when freshly sanded or oiled.
Durability & lifespan: Extremely durable and rot-resistant; naturally resistant to insects and fungal decay. Properly installed Ipe decking can last 25–50+ years even in harsh climates.
Hardness & strength: One of the hardest commonly used decking woods (Janka hardness ~3,684 lbf), making it highly resistant to dents, scratches, and heavy wear. Its density also gives excellent structural strength and stiffness.
Weather & stability: Very stable once acclimated, though its high density means it can be heavy and may require predrilled holes for fasteners. It resists cupping and warping better than many softwoods.
Maintenance: Low maintenance relative to softer woods—periodic cleaning is usually sufficient. To retain original dark color, apply a UV-blocking oil or finish every 6–12 months; without maintenance it weathers to a silver-gray. If left untreated, mildew can form in shaded or damp areas and should be cleaned.
Composite
Composite decking is a popular, low-maintenance decking material made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.
Key features:
Appearance: Available in a wide range of realistic wood-grain finishes and colors, including multi-tonal hues that mimic natural hardwoods. Surface textures range from smooth to embossed for slip resistance.
Durability & lifespan: Highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage; color fade minimized by protective caps on capped varieties. Typical lifespan 25+ years with minimal upkeep.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance—no staining or sealing required. Routine cleaning with soap and water or a mild deck cleaner and occasional power washing keeps it looking good.
Weather & stability: Stable in changing weather; resists warping, splintering, and cupping better than traditional wood. Some expansion/contraction with temperature changes—allow appropriate gaps during installation.
Safety & performance: Capped composites offer improved stain, scratch, and fade resistance; many products have enhanced slip resistance and are suitable for poolside use. Use manufacturer-approved fasteners and follow span tables for joist spacing.
Environmental profile: Made largely from recycled materials and often eligible for green building credits. Capped products use additional polymer layers that may affect recyclability.
Cost & value: Wide range of price points depending on product line (basic to premium capped boards).
Installation: Can be installed with hidden-fastener systems or face-screwed; pre-drilling may be required for some boards. Follow manufacturer guidelines for clips, joist spacing, and end-to-end gaps.
Use cases: Residential and commercial decks, rooftop terraces, pool decks, and other outdoor living spaces where low maintenance, consistent appearance, and long service life are priorities.
Brands that we use:
- Eva last
- Azek/Timbertech
- Trex
- AZEK (Pure PVC & capped composites)
- Fiberon
- Millboard
Thermo-modified lumber (TML)
Thermo-modified lumber (TML) is wood that’s been altered by heat (typically 160–260°C / 320–500°F) in a low-oxygen environment to improve its dimensional stability, durability, and resistance to decay and insects—without chemical preservatives.
Key characteristics:
Appearance: Darkened, richer tones (amber to chocolate) and a more uniform color; grain remains visible but the wood becomes drier and slightly more brittle.
Durability: Improved natural resistance to rot and fungal attack compared with untreated softwoods; comparable in some cases to naturally durable species for exterior use.
Stability: Greatly reduced moisture absorption and swelling/shrinkage, so it resists cupping, warping, and checking better than untreated lumber.
Mechanical properties: Reduced density, stiffness, and impact strength vs. original wood—hardness can increase for some species, but tensile and bending strength often decrease; consider load-bearing limits in structural uses.
Environmental/safety: No added biocides in many processes (physical modification only), making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemically treated lumber. Energy used in processing varies by supplier.
Applications: Decking, cladding, siding, flooring, joinery, exterior furniture, and other outdoor projects where improved stability and durability are desired.
Bamboo
Bamboo decking is an eco-friendly, durable decking option made from engineered bamboo strands or boards compressed and bonded with adhesives.
Key points:
Appearance: Warm, golden to caramel tones with a linear, bamboo-grain look; available in horizontal, vertical, or strand-woven grain patterns and in natural or carbonized (darker) finishes.
Construction types: Strand-woven (high density, highest strength), laminated boards, and composite bamboo (bamboo fibers with polymers). Strand-woven is most common for exterior decking.
Durability & lifespan: Strand-woven bamboo is very hard and wear-resistant—comparable to or harder than many hardwoods—but longevity depends on quality of manufacturing and installation. Properly finished and maintained bamboo decking can last 15–30+ years.
Stability & weather resistance: Good dimensional stability when properly manufactured and sealed; susceptible to moisture and UV damage if unfinished. Carbonized bamboo is softer and less stable than natural (non-carbonized) strand-woven.
Maintenance: Requires regular sealing or oiling with an exterior finish to protect against moisture and UV. Clean periodically; refinish every 1–3 years depending on exposure and finish used.
Fastening & installation: Pre-drilling and corrosion-resistant fasteners recommended. Follow manufacturer guidelines for joist spacing and expansion gaps; some boards support hidden-fastener systems.
Environmental profile: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass with fast growth and high yield per acre. Environmental impact depends on adhesive/resin types, manufacturing practices, and transportation. Look for manufacturers using low-VOC adhesives and certified sourcing.
Limitations & considerations: Quality varies widely—cheap products may delaminate or degrade quickly. Susceptible to moisture if not properly sealed; careful installation and good ventilation are important. Heavy furniture or high point loads can dent lower-grade bamboo.
Uses: Residential decks, patios, terraces, outdoor furniture, and boardwalks where a warm, sustainable hardwood-like aesthetic is desired.
