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Cedar, Ipe or Red Batu Decking — Which is Best for You?
August 17, 2022
When it comes to the best wood for an Ottawa deck, there are three main options: Western Red cedar, Ipe, and Red Batu. Any of these woods would be an excellent choice for your deck, and often the decision comes down to personal preference and budget considerations.
Cedar
Western red cedar is the classic decking option that is not only beautiful but also durable, long-lasting and requires minimal upkeep. Western red cedar holds a wide range of finishes while enhancing your outdoor space with its rich beauty. It is a highly sought-after decking material and one of the most sustainable wood options on the market.
| Colour | Heartwood reddish to pinkish brown, often with random streaks and bands of darker red/brown areas |
| Maintenance | Medium maintenance |
| Resistance | 15–20-year lifespan |
| Strength | Sturdy and structurally solid |
| Staining Required? | Requires staining to keep from turning grey |
| Flame Rating | Class ‘B’ flame rating |
| Durability | Highly durable against elemental and natural forces |
| Life Expectancy | 15–20-year life span |
Ipe
Ipe has become an increasingly popular decking material because the material is hard, strong, and naturally resistant to rot, abrasion, and weather. With genuine beauty and durability, an Ipe deck will stand up against harsh climates and resist insect damage, mold, and decay.
Ipe lumber comes in long lengths and is virtually knot free. Its ages to a nice light gray with exposure to the weather. The material’s colour can be protected with periodic applications of UV protective coatings. This material allows for the use of a pressure washer, which can also help bring back the original colour.
| Colour | Pleasant warm red |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance |
| Resistance | Resistant to splintering or cracks (great for bare feet!) |
| Strength | Extremely dense; 5x as hard as pressure treated wood or cedar |
| Staining Required? | Requires staining to keep from turning grey |
| Flame Rating | Class ‘A’ flame rating (same as concrete and steel) |
| Durability | -High wear durability; -Holds up in harsh climates or extreme weather conditions; -Little to no warping |
| Life Expectancy | 50+ year life span |
Red Batu
A new wood decking option is available at The WoodSource called Red Batu. Red Batu is a first choice for jobs that require superior finish, natural durability and long-lasting performance. It is a versatile, distinctive wood which provides elegance to any project. While providing the classic look of mahogany, it takes away the maintenance hassles that accompany it. Red Batu is ideal for providing a visual appeal that has long-lasting durability and requires minimal maintenance effort.
| Colour | Similar to mahogany, with deeper red undertones |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance |
| Resistance | Resistant to shrinkage or splintering |
| Strength | 3x harder than Douglas Fir |
| Staining Required? | Clear stains/finishes or UV protection if not wanting to naturally silver |
| Flame Rating | Class ‘A’ flame rating (same as concrete and steel) |
| Durability | -Can withstand extreme weather conditions; -Highly durable and sustainable |
| Life Expectancy | 50+ year life span |
If you’re looking to install a wood deck, The WoodSource is your one-stop-shop. We carry the widest selection of cedar, Ipe, red batu decking and can help you figure out which option is best for your specific project. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to ask for a quote!
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