suggestions for Front porch decking

[trevier]

Originally Posted by Rmarsh

Ipe ...trade name is Ironwood...very hard, rot resistant.
Dartmouth Building Supply is where I get it.
I used some in full 1" thickness to build a swim step.


I have also used 3/4" thick with hidden fasteners for porches and decks and it holds up really well..

unless you have the patience of a nun, stay away from that stuff. It is unbearable to work with. A classic look would be sqr edge fir decking, or go with mahogany decking.

[Rmarsh]

Originally Posted by trevier

unless you have the patience of a nun, stay away from that stuff. It is unbearable to work with. A classic look would be sqr edge fir decking, or go with mahogany decking.

I've never had any problems working with it.....just use sharp tools..... and don't ever try to drive a nail through it. I agree the fir looks nice but wont last anywhere near as long.

[nightfighter]

say porch, so is under a roof? You say stain, so are you talking a solid color stain?
My preference would be mahogany. Either 1x4, or 5/4x6, square edged. I have been replacing my fir decking at my house with mahogany as it needs replacing. Use a solid gray stain on it here. Tighter grain with mahogany and you don't have to pick through the boards as much as fir, which, depending on the cut, is destined to open or lift when water gets in the grain.
Now ipe..... is a beotch to install. If through drilling for screwing, buy your drill bits by the case. As mentioned, sharp tools are a must. I have never seen a board of this species fail or rot. Only wood I know of that does not float.... Density is off the chart.
Pricing.... Mahogany and fir are close in price. Ipe is more expensive. Be sure to compare 1x against 5/4 after adjusting for linear footage needed. And don't forget to figure in fasteners, as their cost is not insignificant.
Got a pic?

[trevier]

ipe has a class a fire rating fyi. I have it on my front steps an hate it. I'm changing it to granite next year.

[Diggin Jiggin]

Thanks guys, I ended up going with 1x4 mahogany. I don't mind putting a coat of finish on it however often I need to, I just don't want to get into the sand/paint cycle. This time around I'm trying to do things that will just be easier to do maintenance wise.

I dont think I will be in the house long enough to ever see the benefit of using IPE.

when I originally worked on the porch when we moved in 20-25 years ago it was rotten so i had rebuilt it with pressure treated which I could never get to hold paint, that was just a nightmare I finally gave up on, and its been an eye sore for the past 5 as I figured Id just replace it eventually (which is now I guess).