Resistance to Rot, Decay & Insects
Rot Resistance
Plastic composite decking does not rot from moisture, but it does break down from UV exposure over time. As sunlight and heat degrade the plastic surface, boards lose strength and color stability.
Brazilian hardwood decking, including Ipe, naturally withstands extreme moisture. Its dense cell structure and natural oils make it virtually rot-proof, even in tropical rainforests that experience months of continuous rainfall.
→ Learn more about how Ipe’s density contributes to longevity in the Ipe Certified Course.
Insect & Termite Resistance
Insects won’t consume oil-based plastics, but they also cannot penetrate or damage Ipe hardwood decking — it’s simply too dense and hard to chew. Termites and boring insects naturally avoid Brazilian hardwoods, which are richer and more durable than any softwood alternative.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability That Preserves, Not Pollutes
Composite decking is often marketed as “green,” yet the process of creating it is anything but sustainable.
Manufacturers take two recyclable materials — wood fiber and recycled plastic — and combine them into one non-recyclable product. This hybrid plastic lumber cannot be separated, recycled, or biodegraded. Once disposed, it becomes permanent landfill waste, and when broken down by sunlight, microplastics enter waterways and oceans.
Producing composite decking also consumes large amounts of fresh water and petroleum, adding pressure to already limited natural resources.
In contrast, Brazilian hardwood decking like Ipe is a renewable, natural resource. Every board harvested from managed forests gives standing trees economic value, protecting rainforests from being cleared for soy or mining.
Your purchase directly supports responsibly managed forests and long-term ecosystem preservation.
→ Learn more about our responsible sourcing practices on Sustainable Ipe Certified — Interactive Sustainability Course – A comprehensive multimedia course on Ipe, Cumaru, and other hardwood sustainability. Covers sourcing regulations, environmental impact, and enforcement through videos and real-world examples.
Cost Comparison
Real Value Over a Lifetime
Brazilian hardwood decking often costs less than top-tier composite materials while delivering three to five times the lifespan. Hollow composite boards may be priced similarly, but they lack the strength, beauty, and longevity that Ipe provides.
Because Ipe endures for decades with minimal maintenance, its lifetime cost is significantly lower, making it the best value in outdoor decking materials.
→ Compare material options and pricing in the Decking Wizard.
✅ Summary
Ipe hardwood decking outperforms composite alternatives in every way — resistant to rot, insects, decay, and UV damage, while also being a sustainable, renewable material. Composite boards, on the other hand, are energy-intensive to produce, impossible to recycle, and contribute to landfill and waterway pollution. Choosing Brazilian hardwoods supports long-term environmental balance and delivers a deck that lasts for generations.
