The Best Ipe Decking in Chesterfield
When opting for Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re securing top-tier Ipe wood for your project in Chesterfield, Michigan. Our direct shipping ensures competitive pricing and superior quality, backed by our family-owned business’s expertise. Whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles, we’ll provide tailored guidance for your specific needs.
We Have Ipe In Stock! Ready to Ship to Chesterfield
Our Most Popular Ipe Decking Videos
Ipe Decking is Perfect for Chesterfield, Michigan
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 composed of wood pulp and non-recyclable plastics, which add to environmental pollution, and pressure-treated or reclaimed lumber containing toxic chemicals detrimental to ecosystems, Ipe emerges as a more environmentally friendly option for Chesterfield, Michigan. Being entirely natural, Ipe facilitates repurposing and biodegrades without harmful byproducts. Free of chemicals and plastics, it embodies the authenticity of 100% real wood. This resonates with Chesterfield’s environmental awareness, emphasizing the preference for natural decking solutions.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, renowned as one of the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, significantly surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its hardness and density, often likened to concrete, contribute to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and resilience against harsh weather conditions. These attributes hold particular importance in Chesterfield, Michigan, where variable weather patterns can pose challenges to construction materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, susceptible to substantial expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and hastened decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also mitigates the issue of raised wood grain commonly observed in softer woods, offering a smoother surface ideal for barefoot-friendly outdoor areas in Chesterfield. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time due to expansion and contraction, resulting in sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Chesterfield’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, finds an ideal match in Chesterfield, Michigan’s climate. Its density and hardness play pivotal roles in ensuring its durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay seamlessly integrates with Chesterfield’s humid environment. Hailing from rainforests experiencing 100-400 inches of annual rainfall, far surpassing typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved natural defenses against water infiltration, mold, and decay. These characteristics render it a prime selection for enduring Chesterfield’s distinctive weather fluctuations while maintaining both quality and longevity.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Chesterfield, Michigan, homeowners value the ease of board replacement, a factor often underestimated when selecting deck materials such as pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture a scenario where an accident, like a spill from a hot grill, damages the deck boards beyond repair. Replacing a board with PT or composite decking presents challenges. These materials undergo fading over time, making a new board conspicuous and resulting in a visibly patched deck. Conversely, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their inherent variation from board to board means that replacing a board is far less noticeable. While new boards may initially stand out, within a few months, it becomes difficult to discern them from the original ones. This advantage is exclusive to authentic, natural woods and holds significant importance for Chesterfield residents, where outdoor living spaces hold considerable value. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall visual appeal.
🐜 Insect Resistant
The inherent resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods to insects is a valuable attribute for outdoor spaces in Chesterfield, Michigan. Unlike domestic lumber, which relies on chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has naturally evolved this defense mechanism. Originating from forests where insects possess a high aptitude for boring into wood, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to these pests. This resilience also extends to insects found in the United States, making Ipe an excellent option for regions like Chesterfield, where durability against environmental elements is paramount. This insect resistance stands as a common advantage among most tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone regions such as several states in the southwestern United States and significant commercial developments in urban environments, the selection of construction materials is greatly shaped by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such contexts, owing to its remarkable resistance to flames. It joins the ranks of steel and concrete as one of the few materials consistently awarded an A Class rating by engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically garner lower flame spread ratings, falling into the C Class category.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from the tropical forests of South America, particularly Brazil, raises legitimate concerns about its impact on vital ecosystems, the hardwood timber industry, including Ipe sourceing, can actually contribute to forest conservation efforts. Responsible management practices, involving both sourceing and replanting of Ipe in its native habitat, serve to safeguard these ecosystems, bolstered by the involvement of relevant organizations and adherence to local or federal government regulations. Without such conscientious stewardship, these forested areas face heightened threats of clearance for activities like cattle grazing and agriculture. Opting for Ipe or similar tropical hardwoods from reputable suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot allows customers to actively participate in preserving the integrity of naturally forested lands, a crucial consideration for environmentally mindful choices in construction and landscaping projects in Chesterfield, Michigan.
💰 Cost and Value
Dispelling common misconceptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher costs than alternatives over the long haul. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic and composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan ranging from 40-75 years, contingent on environmental factors. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more financially prudent choice, particularly when factoring in the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times over the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Initially, the cost of Ipe decking aligns with mid-grade composites and falls below that of high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber appearing cheaper upfront, the need for frequent replacement underscores Ipe’s superior long-term economy, establishing it as a financially astute option for Chesterfield’s decking requirements, both in the immediate and distant future.
Chesterfield Historical Museum: Ipe wood could be incorporated into outdoor decking or seating areas surrounding the museum, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Commercial Plazas: Shopping centers and commercial plazas in Chesterfield could integrate Ipe wood for exterior facades, outdoor seating areas, or walkways, offering a high-end and low-maintenance design solution.
Golf Courses: Local golf courses such as the Pine Valley Golf Course or the Chesterfield Golf Club could utilize Ipe wood for bridges, tee boxes, or clubhouse exteriors, providing a luxurious and resilient option for high-traffic areas.
Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges in Chesterfield could utilize Ipe wood for outdoor classrooms, seating areas, or campus landscaping features, providing students and faculty with durable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces for learning and relaxation.