Think Ipe Is the Best Decking Material? Discover Why Black Locust Is Better!
Why Ipe Is a Popular Choice for Decking
Ipe hardwood, often referred to as “Brazilian walnut,” is one of the most sought-after materials for outdoor decking. Known for its exceptional density, natural resistance to rot and decay, and rich reddish-brown tones, Ipe has earned a reputation as the gold standard for premium decking projects. Its unparalleled durability and aesthetic appeal make it a favorite among architects, builders, and homeowners looking for long-lasting, beautiful outdoor spaces.
However, the popularity of Ipe comes with a cost—both environmental and functional. For architects and clients seeking a sustainable and safer option, black locust lumber offers a compelling alternative.
How Black Locust Compares to Ipe
1. Durability and Hardness
Both Ipe and black locust are renowned for their strength and resistance to the elements, making them ideal choices for outdoor decking:
- Ipe's Janka Hardness: 3,680 lb, making it one of the hardest woods available, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions.
- Black Locust's Janka Hardness: 1,700 lb, more than sufficient for decking and significantly harder than most domestic hardwoods.
While Ipe is denser, black locust’s hardness is more than adequate for heavy-use decking, as proven by its use in high-traffic public spaces like parks, walkways, and commercial projects. For example, black locust has been used successfully in urban projects like boardwalks, where it withstands constant exposure to foot traffic and harsh weather. Its natural tannin content protects against rot, insects, and decay, ensuring a lifespan of 50+ years, comparable to Ipe.
2. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The environmental implications of material sourcing are becoming increasingly important in the decision-making process for decking materials.
- Ipe: Harvested primarily from South America, Ipe is often linked to deforestation and habitat destruction in the Amazon rainforest, a critical ecosystem for biodiversity and climate regulation. Even certified Ipe has a significant carbon footprint due to the extensive shipping required to bring it to North American markets.
- Black Locust: Grown and harvested domestically in the United States, black locust is one of the most sustainable hardwoods available. Its fast growth rate and natural resistance to pests and disease make it an eco-friendly alternative requiring minimal chemical treatments. Local sourcing reduces transportation emissions, supporting sustainable forestry practices and providing quicker lead times for projects. Choosing black locust not only supports local economies but also ensures an ethical, low-carbon choice for decking.
Learn more about black locust's sustainable qualities here.
3. Value and Accessibility
While black locust and Ipe are priced similarly, black locust offers unmatched value through its domestic availability, ethical sourcing, and reduced environmental impact.
The true value of a material extends beyond its monetary cost—it includes the ecological footprint, transportation emissions, and ethical considerations tied to its harvest. Ipe’s premium pricing often includes the hidden costs of long-distance shipping and deforestation. In contrast, black locust delivers comparable performance without contributing to global deforestation crises or complex import logistics.
4. Slip Resistance: A Critical Consideration for Decking
One often-overlooked drawback of Ipe is its natural oiliness. While these oils enhance the wood’s resistance to rot and decay, they also create a smooth surface that can become dangerously slippery in moist or humid conditions.
To address this issue, manufacturers often mill Ipe decking with a specialized slip-resistant profile. However, this additional processing increases costs and complicates installation. Even with these measures, Ipe can remain slick in certain conditions.
In contrast, black locust naturally provides a safer, more slip-resistant surface. Its dense, dry composition lacks the excess oils found in Ipe, making it inherently less prone to becoming slippery when exposed to moisture. This makes black locust an excellent choice for outdoor decking, particularly in areas with high humidity, frequent rainfall, or around pools and spas where safety is paramount.
5. The Dark Side of Ipe: Deforestation and Illegal Harvesting
Ipe’s rise to prominence has come at a significant environmental cost. The global demand for this exotic hardwood has driven large-scale deforestation and illegal logging operations in the Amazon rainforest.
- Deforestation Rates: The Amazon has lost nearly 17% of its forest cover in the last five decades, with illegal logging for Ipe being a significant contributor.
- Illegal Harvesting: Studies estimate that up to 80% of Ipe harvesting in the Amazon is illegal, often involving land-grabbing, destruction of biodiversity, and displacement of indigenous communities.
- Carbon Emissions: The Amazon acts as a critical carbon sink, absorbing millions of tons of CO2. Deforestation for Ipe contributes to 1.5 billion tons of carbon emissions annually, exacerbating global climate change.
- Biodiversity Threats: Home to 10% of the world’s known species, the Amazon faces severe ecological disruptions as habitats are destroyed for timber harvesting.
By choosing black locust, clients and architects can avoid contributing to these issues and instead support sustainable forestry and conservation efforts. Every deck made with black locust is a step toward protecting the planet and preserving biodiversity for future generations.
Conclusion: Thinking About Ipe Decking? Choose Black Locust Instead
For clients drawn to Ipe’s durability and beauty, black locust offers the same premium qualities with added benefits of sustainability, cost savings, safety, and local sourcing. By choosing black locust, architects and designers can deliver high-performance projects while aligning with eco-conscious and ethical building practices.
Curious about black locust decking? Visit Black Locust Lumber today to learn more, request samples, or get a quote for your next project.
