I was walking to my doctor’s appointment when I came across a walkway made of composite decking. The deck boards looked like new…but as you can see, the deck was plagued with these dark grey spots. As I was taking pictures, two women passed me. I overheard one ask, “What the heck is THAT?”

Mold? A chemical reaction of some sort?

While you might read that this kind of problem is strictly a surface problem, this picture (to the right) tells another story.

As you can see, this mold-like substance has actually penetrated through the surface and is present inside the core of these deck boards.

But, still…why?

Think about it. A lot of composite decking is made up of wood fibers. When you combine Florida’s naturally humid climate, soft wood fibers, and ever-present mold spores, this composite deck can be seen as a petri dish for mold and fungus.

For years, composite deck marketing has focused on the product’s longevity,  being “eco-friendly,” and its long-lasting look. But if you live in Florida, being aware of these possible problems can be just as important as the initial cost or any short-term savings.

So…this begs the question. If it’s possible for composite decking to react adversely to Florida’s climate, how would Ipe, or Cumaru decking hold up?

Well, let’s take a look at one example:

This is a picture of Ipe wood decking used in the famous Miami Beach boardwalk. As you can see, the boards, while gray, have endured exceptionally well against the elements. And, when you throw in sand, salt water, and the daily pounding it has to endure, it’s amazing how well the wood has held up. Here’s a link to more picture of Ipe decking in Miami.

The secret to the success of hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru isn’t magic. It’s not anything man-made. It’s simply nature. The oils, tight grain pattern, and high density combine to act as a natural preservative thereby increasing your deck’s overall lifespan and performance.

What do you think? If you’re considering remodeling an old wood deck in Florida, what materials are you considering? What questions do you want answered about hardwood decking? Leave a comment we’ll answer your questions!