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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma Building a Home

Azek vs Ipe porch

mrstravelingonpoints

2 years ago

We live in the DMV / MidAtlantic area. Summers can get hot and humid. We have covered porches that are not enclosed. They face southeast. We are considering either Azek or Ipe for the porch floors. Azek is in our contract and is what our contractor recommended but they would use any material we choose. The Azek color that would look best with the house exterior is dark hickory but I’m concerned about how hot the floor will get. We have small kids who would probably sit on the porch floor and walk barefoot. Is this a concern with Azek? Because of this, we are considering ipe instead. Does ipe get too hot to walk barefoot? The contractor is getting a new quote from the sub so we don’t know if there is a price difference. Which material would you choose? If there is a high premium for ipe, is there enough of a difference in floor temperatures to be worth it?

Comments (5)

PRO
HALLETT & Co.
2 years ago

Lafayette · More Info

I love the Azec dark hickory. I have the pictured deck on the south side of a house in Coastal Georgia. My last house had IPE on the front steps and porch. The Azec is a dream to take care of - no fading, non slip, very consistent. It is also very hot in the summer barefoot. Like cursing hot. IPE doesn't really increase much above the ambient temperature, but it of course acts like wood- checks at the ends, fades in the sun, stains... So you have to choose your poison.
bry911
2 years ago
In my opinion, Ipe for sure, and it is not even close.

Ipe is pretty low maintenance, regular sweeping, making sure drainage channels are not clogged, and an annual oiling if you don't want it to turn silver. It looks like real wood rather than plastic and in the summer feels like walking, sitting, and playing on warm wood rather than the surface of the sun.
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rycm
2 years ago
I considered the same and went with the Ipe. I don't regret it, despite the higher cost. It looks and feels great.
PRO
Beth H. :
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Ipe can also get hot, but not like the decking. the tradeoff is, if you don't coat the ipe w/a UV oil, it's going to turn gray within a year. Some like the gray, I don't. I prefer it like this (I did this in my backyard)

Want to see what it looks like now (I haven't kept up w/the application and just let it weather)

If this is what you like, go for it! I hate the weathered look. Plus, Ipe is mad expensive. I don't know if budget is a concern for you, but it's not a cheap wood. and you'll have to oil it or coat it w/uv varnish once a year.

I went w/the composite decking around the pond area. mixed it w/redwood.
strategery
2 years ago
Azek, and get your small kids onto a covering. Ipe is a luxury material which is not practical for most homeowners.

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