Upgrade Your Outdoor Living with Ipe Decking in Chicago

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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Chicago, 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

Ipe stands out in Chicago as an eco-friendly alternative to composite decking and chemically treated lumber. Unlike these options, Ipe is natural, biodegradable, and chemical-free. Its authenticity as real wood resonates with Chicago’s environmental values, promoting a “Go Natural!” ethos for decking solutions.

🔨 Hardness

Ipe’s exceptional hardness, with a Janka rating surpassing Oak’s by over threefold, makes it a standout choice for Chicago. Its durability and stability, akin to concrete, ensure longevity and weather resistance, crucial qualities in Chicago’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods. In contrast to composite and plastic decking prone to sagging, Ipe’s minimal movement over time underscores its durability, ideal for Chicago’s conditions.

🕰️ Longevity

Ipe’s remarkable durability, proven to withstand decades of harsh weather, is tailored for Chicago’s climate. Its density and hardness are key to this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay suits Chicago’s humid conditions perfectly. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, making it an ideal option for enduring Chicago’s distinct weather without sacrificing quality or lifespan.

🔧 Board Replacement

In Chicago, homeowners value the ease of board replacement, a factor often underestimated when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Consider an accident damaging your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill. Replacing a board with PT or composite decking poses challenges, as these materials fade over time, resulting in visible patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a solution. Their natural variation makes replaced boards less noticeable, blending seamlessly within months. This advantage is exclusive to real woods, crucial for Chicagoans who prioritize outdoor spaces. The same applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining aesthetic consistency is key.

🐜 Insect Resistant

Ipe and other tropical hardwoods offer innate insect resistance, a valuable feature for Chicago’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments to deter insects, Ipe’s natural resilience stems from its origins in forests where insects thrive. Its robust fibers repel pests effectively, including those in the United States, making it ideal for places like Chicago where durability against the elements is vital. This insect resistance is a typical benefit of tropical hardwoods.

🔥 Fire Resistance

Chicago’s construction material choices, influenced by fire safety concerns, align with those in fire-prone regions and large urban projects. Ipe stands out as a premier decking option due to its remarkable flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, placing it alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class.

♻️ Sustainable

While sourcing Ipe from South America, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about its impact on vital ecosystems, Dependable management practices can mitigate these worries. The hardwood timber industry, including Ipe sourceing, can contribute to forest conservation efforts. Through regulated sourceing and replanting initiatives, supported by organizations and government regulations, these habitats can be safeguarded. Without such measures, there’s a risk of deforestation for activities like agriculture. Choosing Ipe from trusted suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot allows customers to support the preservation of naturally forested lands, aligning with environmental consciousness, an important consideration for Chicagoans.

💰 Cost and Value

Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Chicago, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it more economical in the long run. Although initial costs may be comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones, the need for frequent replacement with pressure-treated lumber makes Ipe a financially savvy option over time. This durability makes Ipe a smart investment for Chicago’s decking needs, both in the short and long term.

Chicago, Illinois Landmarks

The Field Museum: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor decking or seating areas surrounding the museum.

Millennium Park: It could be utilized for outdoor furniture, decking, or pathways within the park.

Navy Pier: Ipe wood could be employed for decking or benches along the pier.

Lincoln Park Zoo: It might be used for outdoor seating or pathways within the zoo.

The Art Institute of Chicago: Ipe wood could be incorporated into interior flooring or exterior features like benches or sculptures.

Maggie Daley Park: It could be used for decking, seating, or pathways throughout the park.

Chicago Riverwalk: Ipe wood could be used for decking, seating, or railings along the Riverwalk.

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower): It could be utilized for interior flooring or exterior features in the observation deck areas.

The Chicago Theatre: Ipe wood could be used for interior flooring or exterior marquee signage.

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