usually I would endorse ipe here.. but since you already have the majority of the deck redwood why not stick with it and try and find the same stain so it matches up. If you mix ipe or composite in there you might not like the finished look of multiple materials together.

If you are going to start fixing and replacing with a goal of replacing all of the floorboards, then definitely go with ipe. I cannot see how a plastic deck would fit into the organic bauty of a Japanese garden.

If your goal is to just replace the worst parts and live with hem for awhile, then seek out a quality supplier of redwood. Ipe and redwood look nothing alike.

The decks are on multiple levels and seperate from one another. We wanted to start with the worst one first. I am also very concerned about the organic look of composites. But really liked the idea of low maintenance. ? about ipe: Is it slippery when wet (one deck is above pool and by pond). Also what is the best sealer or can you not seal it? and I've seen nothing but good comments about East Teak are they that good??
Thanks for your help:)

They are that good. I have never in my few years here heard someone complain. You can leave ipe alone and let it silver if you'd like. It can be slippery when wet. No moreso than a composite unless the composite is patterned like shark grip.

what about using 1 x 6 ipe. If I use crossboards 16 on center will 1 x 6 be strong enough?? Or will I need the 2 X 6

George East Teak,are that good. But Tikijo it sounds like you have an old growth redwood deck,you can still get cvg clear all heart redwood its just really spendy over here I can get one ft of a 2x6 for around $10, or $10 a bd ft. This stuff is sweet material, you might want to look at using this stuff if most of your material is doing good. John

The main deck on the top level is in fair shape and can be saved. We are going to add new supports as the old ones were 4 ft apart which made the deck very spongey. There are a few spots which will need replaced with new redwood. However the lower deck we are in the process of tearing out completely. a 16 x 16 and additional 4 x 24 walkway over koi pond. we have tore out the 16 x 16 and set the post to frame at 16 on center
the ipe looks like great stuff. What to do??? I am new at all this and do not want to make a mistake. I am glad I changed my mind from the composite. That would have been a big Mistake. Any advice is appreciated..

If you do go with redwood I woudent go second growth, even for the money ipe is the better deal only old growth cvg heart redwood is even close to ipe. With joists on 16'' centers and a good foundation 1x6 ipe will be fine 5/4 x 6 would work really well 2x6 ipe would be way over kill.If you want the two areas to look at all the same go with either all redwood or all ipe. J

the area's are seperate but all on same property. I love the look of the ipe but it could make the rest of the house look even worse. Eventually I will replace the rest when the time and money are right. We plan to completely replace a tea house with new construction and the deck on the house one day with a new deck. I really appreciate everyones input. Tomorrow I plan to call East Teak re: ipe and research heart wood. What is the differnece in old growth??? I think it is what we have.

Wow John amazing work. I visited your site. I would love to eventually go all ipe but it could be a few years and the rest of the house is all built with redwood. Maybe I should think more heartwood. is real heartwood better and stronger?

Redwood has a lot of grades,geting old forest redwood is not impossible but it costs a lot of $, Heart B is going to be flat grain with a few knots,clear heart virtical grain is the next step up. Using second growth lumber with redwood is a waste of time and money its just not old enough to make good decking material same with using redwood that has sap wood in it. J

Thanx for everyones advice. We chose ipe, material should be here Tues. I really appreaciate everyones time and advice.
This is a fantastic fourm
Tikijo

Well thanks for your imput as well Tikjo, we all learn something over here as time goes by. I am thinking you will be happy with ipe. J

what is ipe?