COMPARE IPÉ Compare the available decking woods. Read the literature and talk to your installer or supplier. By any measure (hardness, strength, durability, appearance) Ipé is the superior decking material. Don't take our word for it, ask for a sample. Ipé speaks for itself.   Appearance Hardness Bending Strength Decay Resistance Ipé An extremely dense, tight grained wood. Generally a deep rich brown with some pieces displaying red and amber hues. Few or no knots. If left untreated, ages to a soft silver patina. 3600 lbs. 22,560 psi Highest rating for insect (termite) and decay resistance. This exceptional durability leaves Ipé almost maintenance free. Douglas Fir A light reddish-brown wood that is generally straight - grained wood. 670 lbs. 12,400 psi Not naturally resistant to decay. Should be painted or stained to prevent decay. Pressure Treated Pine Very pronounced grain. Dusty, yellow-green pallor due to the chemical treatment of the wood. 690 lbs. 14,500 psi A chemical preservative, is forced into the wood protecting it from decay and insects. After chemical treatment, it is warranted for 30 years.  California Redwood Several grades available which vary considerably in appearance and quality. The premium grade (clear, all heart, vertical grain) is straight grain with a fine even texture. Color varies from light cherry- red to dark reddish-brown. 480 lbs. 10,000 psi The premium grade (clear, all heart, vertical grain) is more durable than most woods in common use. Resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather.  Western Red Cedar Fresh cut, this wood appears a salmon pink color which turns to a coffee brown over time. The species is generally straight grained. 580 lbs. 7,500 psi This softwood is more durable than most woods in common use. Resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Preservative treatment/sealing is recommended. Philippine Mahogany Actually several similar species sold under this name. Interlocked grain similar to true mahogany but with a coarser texture. Species is generally medium to dark brown. 760 lbs. 12,000 psi Only the dark red species are resistant to decay. Although more durable than cedar and redwood, it is still relatively soft compared to Ipé.   Sources:1) Tropical Timbers of the World, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook Number 607, September 1984. Martin Chudnoff, Forest Products Technologist (retired), Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI. 2) Information provided by Thompson Mahogany Company. Thompson Mahogany Company Office: 7400 Edmund St Philadelphia PA, 19136 Warehouse: 225 Lincoln Highway Fairless Hills, PA 19030 Phone:800-589-6637 Fax:215-269-7354 www.thomahog.com