IPE vs Pressure-Treated Decking

COMPARISON

IPE vs Pressure-Treated — The Coastal NC Decking Choice

QUICK ANSWER

Pressure-treated pine costs $3–$5/sq ft installed and lasts 12–15 years. IPE costs $14–$22/sq ft installed and lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. For a forever-home dock, IPE wins on lifetime value.

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Pros, cons, and who each is for

Pressure-Treated SYP

PROS

  • +Lowest cost ($3–$5/sq ft)
  • +Widely available
  • +Easy to repair
  • +Familiar to all contractors

CONS

  • −12–15 year lifespan in salt
  • −Annual maintenance recommended
  • −Surface checks and splinters from year 5
  • −Stains around fasteners

BEST FOR

Short-hold properties, budget-driven builds, secondary docks.

IPE Brazilian Hardwood

PROS

  • +30–50 year lifespan
  • +No surface treatment required
  • +Splinter-free for life
  • +Premium appearance, silvers gracefully

CONS

  • −Highest cost ($14–$22/sq ft)
  • −Requires carbide pre-drilling
  • −Heavy (74 lb/cu ft)
  • −Sourcing variability

BEST FOR

Forever-home docks, high-traffic platforms, owners who never want to maintain decking.

THE NUMBERS

Factor by factor

Factor Pressure-Treated SYP IPE Brazilian Hardwood
Installed cost per sq ft $3–$5 $14–$22
Lifespan in coastal NC salt 12–15 years 30–50 years
Maintenance Annual stain/oil Optional UV oil only
Splinter risk Develops after year 5 None
Hardness (Janka) 690 lbf 3,680 lbf
Aesthetic over time Greys, checks Silvers smoothly
Lifetime cost (400 sq ft) $2,400 + replacement Y15 $7,200, no replacement Y30

OUR VERDICT

For short-hold properties or budget-driven builds, pressure-treated is the right call. For forever homes, IPE on decking with PT framing underneath delivers the lowest 30-year cost.

— Mark Lipe, NC GC #100980

FAQ

Common questions

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Is IPE worth the cost?
On a forever-home dock, yes — IPE outlasts PT by 2–3× and needs almost no maintenance. On a short-hold property, PT is the smarter financial choice.
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Can I mix IPE and PT?
Yes — IPE on visible decking with PT framing underneath is our most-recommended approach. The hybrid costs about 60% of an all-IPE build.
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Does IPE need sealing?
No. IPE is naturally rot-resistant. Some owners apply UV oil annually to preserve color; untreated IPE silvers attractively without losing strength.

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