The Best Ipe Decking in Bethlehem
Shipping directly to Bethlehem, Brazilian Wood Depot assures competitive pricing and top quality. With us, you invest in the finest ipe wood for your project, be it decking, siding, or tiles. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures you get exactly what you need.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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 contrast to composite decking and treated lumber filled with toxins, Ipe offers a greener option for Bethlehem. It’s natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful byproducts, reflecting Bethlehem’s environmental ethos.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, ranked among the world’s toughest woods, with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, significantly surpasses Oak. Its density and hardness, akin to concrete, ensure durability and stability in Bethlehem’s fluctuating weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity. Its minimal movement, unlike composite decking, speaks to its suitability for Bethlehem’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, lasting for decades even in harsh weather, suits Bethlehem’s climate perfectly. Its density and hardness contribute to this longevity. Moreover, Ipe’s natural resistance to water, rot, and decay aligns with Bethlehem’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests with high rainfall, Ipe is well-equipped to withstand Bethlehem’s weather without compromising quality.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Bethlehem, homeowners often overlook the importance of easy board replacement when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. With PT or composite decking, replacing a damaged board can be problematic due to fading and noticeable differences between old and new boards. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less conspicuous. This advantage is crucial for Bethlehem residents, where outdoor living spaces are vital. The same holds for prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining aesthetic consistency is key.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Bethlehem benefits from the natural insect resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments, Ipe naturally repels wood-boring insects, thanks to its tough fibers. This resilience makes it an ideal choice for areas like Bethlehem, where durability against natural elements is essential.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas like Bethlehem, the choice of construction materials heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the top decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance, consistently receiving an A Class rating. This sets it apart from materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber, which typically have lower flame spread ratings.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South American forests raises concerns about ecosystem impact, Dependable sourceing can contribute to forest conservation. Through proper management and replanting, the hardwood industry can help protect crucial habitats. Without such efforts, these lands face risks like deforestation for agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot supports the preservation of forested areas, aligning with Bethlehem’s environmentally conscious construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Bethlehem despite initial assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber and composite boards require frequent replacement, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it more economical in the long run. The initial cost is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. In the context of Bethlehem’s decking needs, Ipe emerges as a financially savvy option both in the short and long term.
SteelStacks: This arts and cultural campus, situated on the former site of Bethlehem Steel, could utilize Ipe wood for outdoor decking, seating areas, or landscaping features.
Bethlehem City Hall: Ipe wood could be employed for outdoor structures like benches or pergolas in the surrounding plaza area, enhancing the civic space’s aesthetics and durability.
Lehigh University: The campus could integrate Ipe wood into various outdoor amenities, such as seating areas, boardwalks, or pedestrian bridges, adding natural beauty and longevity to these features.
The Banana Factory: This arts and cultural center might incorporate Ipe wood for outdoor seating areas, sculpture bases, or decorative accents, complementing the center’s creative atmosphere.



