The Best Ipe Decking in Champaign
Get your top-quality Ipe wood straight from Brazilian Wood Depot, no middlemen, just great prices and superior quality. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures you get the best for your project, whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Champaign, 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 Champaign, opt for Ipe decking over composite or treated lumber. Unlike those materials, Ipe is eco-friendly, natural, and biodegradable, fitting perfectly with the city’s green ethos. Choose real wood for a cleaner, greener environment in Champaign.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe wood’s remarkable hardness, far surpassing that of Oak, makes it an ideal choice for Champaign’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood, prone to damage and decay from weather fluctuations, Ipe maintains its stability and integrity over time. This durability is essential for outdoor spaces in Champaign, where softer woods may suffer from raised grain issues. Unlike composite materials, Ipe retains its rigidity, ensuring long-lasting quality for Champaign’s decking needs.
🕰️ Longevity
Champaign’s climate demands durable materials like Ipe, known to withstand extreme weather for decades. Its density and resistance to water and decay make it perfect for the city’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests with heavy rainfall, Ipe is naturally adapted to resist mold and decay, ensuring it thrives in Champaign’s weather conditions.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Champaign, homeowners prioritize easy board replacement when selecting deck materials. Unlike pressure-treated or composite decking, where replacing a board can create a noticeable patchwork due to fading, Ipe offers a seamless solution. Its natural variation ensures that replaced boards blend in within months, maintaining the deck’s aesthetic appeal. This advantage is crucial for Champaign residents who value their outdoor living spaces. The same benefit applies to flooring, where disrupting the overall look during board replacement is a concern.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Champaign’s outdoor spaces benefit from Ipe’s natural resistance to insects, a trait absent in domestic lumber. Unlike wood requiring chemical treatments, Ipe’s inherent resilience developed in its native forests makes it nearly impervious to wood-boring pests. This durability extends to insects in the United States, making it ideal for areas like Champaign. This insect resistance is a shared advantage among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Champaign, like other fire-prone areas, prioritizes fire-resistant construction materials. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material due to its outstanding flame resistance, earning it an A Class rating alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America raises concerns about its impact on tropical forests, Dependable sourceing practices can actually contribute to forest conservation. Proper management and replanting initiatives supported by regulations and organizations help protect these vital ecosystems from alternative uses like agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot ensures customers support the preservation of naturally forested lands, aligning with environmentally conscious choices for construction and landscaping projects in Champaign.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a financially savvy option for Champaign’s decking needs. Despite initial assumptions, its long-term costs are comparable to, if not lower than, alternatives. While pressure-treated lumber and composite boards require frequent replacement, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it more cost-effective over time. Though the upfront expense may be similar to mid-grade composites, it surpasses high-end composites in longevity. In Champaign, where durability matters, Ipe emerges as a wise investment for both short and long-term budgets.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts: Ipe could be used for outdoor decking or seating areas surrounding the center.
University of Illinois Arboretum: Ipe could be incorporated into outdoor structures like benches or pavilions.
Meadowbrook Park: Ipe could be used for bridges, boardwalks, or benches within the park.
State Farm Center (formerly Assembly Hall): Ipe could be utilized for interior finishes or accents within the arena.
Champaign Public Library: Ipe could be incorporated into interior design elements such as flooring or furniture.
Virginia Theatre: Ipe could be used for exterior renovations, such as facade enhancements or outdoor seating areas.
Crystal Lake Park: Ipe could be used for outdoor amenities like picnic tables, benches, or overlook structures.
Spurlock Museum: Ipe could be utilized for interior finishes, exhibits, or custom furniture pieces.
Allerton Park and Retreat Center: Ipe could be used for outdoor decking, bridges, or architectural accents throughout the expansive park grounds.