The Best Ipe Decking in Arlington Heights
For Arlington Heights, Illinois, Brazilian Wood Depot ships directly, ensuring competitive pricing and top-notch quality. Opting for Brazilian Wood Depot means investing in the finest ipe wood for your project. Whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles, our family-owned business, now in its second generation, will provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Arlington Heights, Illinois
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
In Arlington Heights, Illinois, while composite decking and pressure-treated lumber pose environmental concerns due to their composition and chemicals, Ipe stands out as a sustainable option. Its natural origin makes it ideal for repurposing and biodegradable, without harmful byproducts. Free from chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood, resonating with Arlington Heights’s eco-conscious ethos and promoting natural decking choices.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, boasting a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200, placing it among the world’s hardest woods. Its density, likened to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against weather—an asset in Arlington Heights’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to expansion and decay, Ipe maintains integrity, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods, crucial for Arlington Heights’s outdoor areas. While composite materials may sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability, making it an ideal choice for Arlington Heights’s weather challenges.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, makes it an ideal fit for Arlington Heights’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to its durability, while its innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Arlington Heights’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes ensure that Ipe remains a reliable choice for enduring Arlington Heights’s distinct weather conditions without compromising on quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
Arlington Heights homeowners often overlook the importance of easy board replacement when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Consider an accident like a spill on your deck that damages the boards beyond repair. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board becomes a challenge as these materials fade over time, resulting in evident patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means that replacing a board is less noticeable. While new boards may stand out initially, they blend in within a few months, a unique advantage for Arlington Heights residents valuing seamless outdoor spaces. This principle also applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall aesthetic.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer natural resistance to insects, a valuable trait for Arlington Heights’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects are adept at boring into wood, Ipe’s tough fibers repel pests effectively. This resilience extends to insects in the United States, making Ipe ideal for areas like Arlington Heights, where durability against natural elements matters. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among most tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone regions, such as several southwestern states and major urban projects, the selection of construction materials heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these situations for its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, falling into the C Class category.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about ecosystem impact, Dependable management can aid in forest conservation. Proper Ipe sourceing and replanting, regulated by local or federal government bodies and supported by concerned organizations, help protect these vital habitats. Without such measures, these forests are vulnerable to clearance for activities like agriculture or cattle grazing. Choosing Ipe from reputable suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot contributes to preserving naturally forested lands, a relevant consideration for eco-conscious construction and landscaping projects in Arlington Heights.
💰 Cost and Value
While initially comparable in cost to mid-grade composites and less expensive than high-end composites, Ipe decking offers significant long-term savings for Arlington Heights. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper upfront, the need for frequent replacement makes Ipe more economical over time. With a lifespan of 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors, Ipe proves to be a financially savvy choice, especially when considering the expenses associated with multiple replacements of pressure-treated or composite boards. This durability makes Ipe a cost-effective option for decking needs in Arlington Heights, both in the short and long term.
Arlington Heights Memorial Library: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor seating areas or interior flooring and accents.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor decking or seating areas in the courtyard.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum: Ipe wood could be incorporated into outdoor walkways or for restoration purposes on historical buildings.
Recreation Park: Ipe wood could be used for benches, picnic tables, or decking in the park’s recreational areas.
Arlington Heights Village Hall: Ipe wood could be employed for exterior siding, decking, or interior flooring in the municipal building.
North School Park: Ipe wood could be utilized for benches, pergolas, or decorative features in the park.