You’re standing on your property, looking out at the harbor or feeling that coastal breeze. You’re ready to build the deck that will complete your outdoor living space. But now you face the single most important choice for your project: what material will you be standing on?
In Newport Beach, this isn’t a simple aesthetic choice. It’s a technical one. The constant exposure to salt, sun, and moisture creates one of the harshest environments for any building material. Choose right, and you’ll have a stunning, low-maintenance retreat for decades. Choose wrong, and you’ll be dealing with splinters, rot, and faded boards in just a few years.
As a premier custom deck installation team in Newport Beach, we’ve built, repaired, and replaced countless decks. The conversation always comes down to two top-tier contenders: high-end Composite Decking and exotic Ipe hardwood.
So, let’s settle the debate. Which one is truly best for your coastal home?
When we say composite decking in Newport Beach, we are not talking about the cheap, plastic-y boards from 20 years ago. Today’s high-end “capped composite” decking (from brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Azek) is a technological marvel.
It’s made from a core of recycled wood fibers and polymers, “capped” in a tough, non-porous shell that provides near-total protection.
The Pros of Composite:
Virtually No Maintenance: This is its number one selling point. No sanding. No staining. No sealing. Ever. You just wash it with soap and water.
Resists Salt & Sun: The high-performance cap is UV-resistant and won’t fade or discolor. Salt spray can be rinsed right off and won’t corrode or stain the material.
No Rot, Splinters, or Insects: Because it’s fully synthetic, there is nothing for moisture to rot, no splinters for bare feet, and nothing for termites to eat.
Stunning Aesthetics (Now): Modern composites have incredibly realistic wood grains, colors, and textures, from modern grays to rich tropical browns.
The Cons of Composite:
Heat: Darker-colored composite boards can get very hot to the touch in direct, all-day sun. Lighter colors mitigate this, but it’s a factor.
The “Feel”: While it looks amazing, it’s not wood. Some homeowners simply prefer the authentic, natural feel of real hardwood underfoot.
Cost: Premium composite decking is a significant investment, often on par with (or more than) Ipe.
Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is the king of woods. It’s an exotic hardwood from South America that is so dense, it’s also called “ironwood.” It’s one of the hardest woods in the world, and we’ve built a reputation as an Ipe deck builder for a reason.
The Pros of Ipe:
Unmatched Natural Beauty: Nothing looks or feels like real Ipe. Its deep, rich reddish-brown grain is breathtaking. It’s the clear choice for a timeless, high-end, luxury aesthetic.
Incredible Durability: Ipe is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and mold. It has a Class A fire rating (the same as concrete). It’s so dense, it’s exceptionally resistant to scratches and wear.
The “Silver” Patina: This is a love-it-or-hate-it feature. If left un-oiled, Ipe will not rot. It will slowly and gracefully weather over time to a beautiful, silvery-gray patina, which many Newport Beach homeowners love for a “Nantucket” or coastal-modern look.
Cooler Underfoot: Compared to dark composites, Ipe stays much cooler in the sun.
The Cons of IFpe:
The Maintenance (if you want the “brown” look): This is the big one. If you want to maintain that just-installed, rich brown color, you must clean and oil your Ipe deck 1-2 times per year. If you skip this, it will turn gray. For some, this is a relaxing ritual. For others, it’s a non-starter.
Expert-Only Installation: Ipe is so hard you have to pre-drill every single hole and use special blades. It’s a very difficult, slow, and expensive material to work with. This is not a job for a general handyman. You must hire a specialized Ipe deck builder.
Cost: Ipe is one of the most expensive decking materials on the market, both for the wood itself and the labor-intensive installation.
Here is the honest answer we give our Newport Beach clients:
Choose Composite Decking if… You are building a “vacation home” you aren’t at full-time, you have small children (no splinters), or you simply want to maximize your time enjoying your deck, not working on it. You want the “set it and forget it” solution.
Choose Ipe Decking if… You are a purist who values natural materials, you want the most luxurious and timeless look possible, and you are either (a) happy to let it weather to a beautiful silver or (b) willing to invest in the annual maintenance to keep it brown.
Here’s the hard truth: your deck’s material is useless if its “bones” are weak.
In a salt air environment, the framing and footings are what fail first. We’ve seen beautiful Ipe decks built on rotting pine framing that used cheap, galvanized fasteners. The deck boards last 50 years, but the structure under them fails in 10.
That’s why our custom deck installation service is different. We build on a framework that’s as durable as the decking on top.
We use pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber for all framing.
We use marine-grade stainless steel fasteners and connectors that won’t rust or corrode.
We anchor every deck to a proper, engineered foundation, just like we would a house. The process for a deck’s footings must be just as precise as the main home’s foundation.
We ensure the structure meets all seismic and safety codes for elevation, railing height, and load capacity.
Whether you choose composite decking in Newport Beach or hire us as your Ipe deck builder, you’re getting a structure that is built to last a lifetime.
Ready to create a safe, luxurious outdoor retreat? Contact Gaga US Construction today to discuss your project. We’ll help you choose the right materials and build a deck that truly withstands the test of time.
In Newport Beach, your patio isn’t just a patio. It’s the heart of your home’s outdoor life—an extension of your living room, a place for entertaining, and a private retreat. Creating this space for luxury outdoor living starts from the ground up, and the paver style you choose sets the entire tone.
You’re standing on your property, looking out at the harbor or feeling that coastal breeze. You’re ready to build the deck that will complete your outdoor living space. But now you face the single most important choice for your project: what material will you be standing on?
A new foundation is the most important part of your home, and it’s the only part you’ll never see.
When it’s done right, it quietly and reliably supports your home for generations. When it’s done wrong? It’s a catastrophic failure that can compromise the entire structure.
GAGA US INC is a licensed (#1074874 – B, C13) General Building Contractor based in Los Angeles. GAGA US works with professional contractors to ensure your construction needs are fully met and executed promptly.
