The Best Ipe Decking in Akron
Akron, Ohio receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot. As a direct supplier, we offer competitive pricing and top-quality ipe wood. Choosing us means investing in the finest materials for your project, be it decking, siding, or tiles. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, provides expert guidance tailored to your needs.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Akron, Ohio
Ipe Decking
WHAT IS IPE WOOD?
Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is world-renowned for its superior characteristics and properties. Ipe is one of the hardest woods in the world which lends to its incredible durability and longevity. It is also naturally resistant to insect attack, mold, rot, fire and decay.
Cumaru Decking
Cumaru (pronounced Koo-Mah-Roo) is world-renowned for its superior characteristics and properties. You may have heard of Ipe’s incredible hardness, durability, and longevity- Cumaru is similar to Ipe in many ways and is often used interchangeably with Ipe.
Garapa Decking
Garapa decking is naturally resistant to wood decay and insect damage, having no characteristic odor. Garapa wood is naturally scratch resistant and has an estimated useful life of 25 years. Deck oil preservation treatments will actually add even more years to the life of this very durable wood decking.
Massaranduba Decking
Massaranduba (pronounced Mas-a-ran-doo-bah) is known for its superior characteristics and properties. You may have heard of Ipe’s incredible hardness, durability, and longevity- Massaranduba is similar to Ipe in many ways and is often used interchangeably with Ipe.
Tigerwood Decking
Tigerwood (Muiracatiara) decking lumber is a beautiful exotic Brazilian hardwood which provides one of the most unique wood grain patterns you will ever see. Because of its incredible beauty, Tigerwood lumber it is highly sought after for both interior and exterior applications.
Purpleheart Decking
Purpleheart is well known for its amazing insect resistance and bright purple color when freshly cut. You may have heard of Ipe’s incredible hardness, durability, and longevity- Purpleheart provides many of the same benefits. Purpleheart is extremely hard and dense which lends to its incredible durability and longevity.
Balau Decking
Balau (pronounced Buhl-ow) is also known locally as Bangkirai. Unlike many of the other wood species that Brazilian Wood Depot carries, Balau is native to Southeast Asia namely, Indonesia and Malaysia. While Balau is relatively new to the United States market, it is the European Standard for exterior construction projects.
T&G Porch Decking
Tongue and groove boards are installed much more tightly than Standard Decking. This makes the space feel more like an extension of the home than an exterior deck. There is nothing wrong with using standard decking on a covered porch, but it can be preferable to differentiate between two areas, a deck and a porch, by using a T&G product in the porch.
🌱All Natural
Ipe offers Akron a greener alternative compared to composite decking or treated lumber. Unlike non-recyclable plastics and toxic chemicals, Ipe is completely natural and biodegradable. Free from harmful substances, it aligns with Akron’s environmental values, promoting the use of real wood for decking.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, with its remarkable hardness surpassing Oak, is ideal for Akron’s fluctuating weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity over time. Its stability prevents raised wood grain issues, ensuring smooth surfaces for Akron’s outdoor spaces. While composite decking loses rigidity, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability, perfect for Akron’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s exceptional durability, capable of withstanding extreme weather for decades, is a perfect fit for Akron’s climate. Its density and hardness play crucial roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay suits Akron’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These qualities ensure it thrives in Akron’s distinct weather, maintaining quality and longevity.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Akron, the ease of board replacement is a crucial factor for homeowners often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Consider an accident damaging your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board becomes problematic due to fading and noticeable differences between new and old boards. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less conspicuous. Though new boards may initially stand out, within a few months, they blend seamlessly with the rest. This advantage is unique to real woods and is vital for Akron residents who value outdoor living spaces. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where seamless board replacement maintains the aesthetic appeal.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer natural resistance to insects, a valuable trait for Akron’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe has evolved this resistance. Originating from forests with adept wood-boring insects, Ipe’s tough fibers repel pests. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for places like Akron, prioritizing durability against natural elements. Insect resistance is a shared advantage among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Ipe emerges as the preferred decking material for fire-prone areas, including large urban projects, due to its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating, alongside steel and concrete, from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class. This fire resistance makes Ipe a top choice for construction projects in Akron, prioritizing safety and durability.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about ecosystem impact. However, Dependable management of Ipe sourceing and replanting supports forest conservation efforts. This stewardship, guided by regulations and involved organizations, safeguards habitats from activities like cattle grazing and agriculture. Choosing Ipe from trusted dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot aids in preserving naturally forested lands. It’s a consideration pertinent to environmentally conscious construction and landscaping projects in Akron.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Akron homeowners, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber lasts around 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This longevity makes Ipe more economical, considering the expenses of replacing other materials multiple times. Initially comparable to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end options, Ipe proves financially savvy for Akron’s decking needs in both short and long terms.



