The Best Ipe Decking in Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot. We provide competitive pricing and top-quality ipe wood. Choosing us means investing in the finest materials for your project. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, offers expert guidance for decking, siding, or tiles.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Amherst, Massachusetts
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
Amherst, Massachusetts, opts for eco-friendly Ipe decking over composite alternatives. Unlike wood-pulp composites and chemical-laden lumber, Ipe is natural and biodegradable. It aligns perfectly with Amherst’s eco-conscious ethos, promoting sustainable choices for decking.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe’s exceptional hardness, with a Janka rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s 1,200 rating. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability and longevity, vital qualities for Amherst’s varied weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity. This stability avoids raised wood grain, ideal for Amherst’s outdoor spaces. While composites weaken over time, Ipe endures, perfect for Amherst’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s exceptional durability, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, is a perfect fit for Amherst’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay suits Amherst’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water and mold, making it an ideal choice for Amherst’s weather without sacrificing quality or longevity.
🔧 Board Replacement
For Amherst homeowners, the ease of board replacement is crucial when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board can be problematic and result in noticeable patchwork due to fading. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means that replacing a board is less noticeable. Within months, new boards blend seamlessly with the originals. This advantage is significant for those in Amherst, where outdoor living spaces are vital. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can affect the overall aesthetic.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods naturally repel insects, a boon for Amherst’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe’s innate resistance comes from its origins in insect-rich forests. Its sturdy fibers deter pests, ensuring durability against elements in places like Amherst. This insect resistance is a common trait among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas like southwestern states and urban projects, the choice of construction materials heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the top decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class. This fire resistance makes Ipe a preferred choice, including for projects in places like Amherst, Massachusetts.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about ecosystem impact, Dependable sourceing practices can mitigate these issues. Proper management and replanting efforts supported by regulations help preserve habitats threatened by activities like agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot supports forest conservation. This consideration aligns with environmentally conscious choices in Amherst’s construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Amherst homeowners over the long term. While pressure-treated lumber and composites degrade within years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years. Despite comparable initial costs to mid-grade composites and lower costs than high-end ones, Ipe’s durability makes it financially savvy. Its longevity offsets the frequent replacements required by other materials, making it a smart investment for Amherst’s decking needs.
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- Exterior: Benches, pergolas, or walkways in campus courtyards or gardens.
- Interior: Flooring or paneling in historic buildings or modern facilities.
University of Massachusetts Amherst:
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- Exterior: Decking for outdoor seating areas or boardwalks around campus ponds.
- Interior: Decorative features such as wall cladding or furniture in campus buildings.
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- Exterior: Wooden fencing or gates surrounding the museum property.
- Interior: Restored flooring or trim work in the historic Homestead or Evergreens buildings.
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- Exterior: Entrance decking or architectural accents on the building facade.
- Interior: Paneling or furniture in meeting rooms or reception areas.
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- Exterior: Sidewalk seating areas or decorative elements on the building exterior.
- Interior: Flooring or accent walls in the lobby or theater spaces.
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- Exterior: Outdoor seating areas or pergolas in the market’s garden center.
- Interior: Flooring or countertops in the market’s cafe or deli section.
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- Exterior: Ipe wood decking for outdoor dining areas or walkways between shops.
- Interior: Feature walls or furniture in boutique stores or restaurants within the district.