The Best Ipe Decking in Crystal Lake
Get your Ipe wood straight from Brazilian Wood Depot, no middlemen. Get competitive prices and top-notch quality. Invest in the best for your project, whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles. Our family-owned business, in its second generation, will help you find exactly what you need.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Crystal Lake, 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
Opt for Ipe decking over composite or treated lumber in Crystal Lake. Unlike composite’s plastic waste and toxic chemicals in treated wood, Ipe is eco-friendly. It’s natural, biodegradable, and toxin-free, fitting Crystal Lake’s eco-conscious vibe. Choose 100% real wood for a greener, cleaner deck.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, with its exceptional hardness, surpasses Oak in durability. Its concrete-like density ensures stability and longevity, crucial in Crystal Lake’s unpredictable weather. Unlike treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity. It avoids raised grain, ideal for Crystal Lake’s barefoot-friendly areas. While composites sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement endures, perfect for Crystal Lake’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable longevity, enduring for decades in harsh weather, fits well with Crystal Lake’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute to this resilience. Ipe’s natural resistance to water and decay suits Crystal Lake’s humid environment perfectly. Adapted from rainforests with heavy rainfall, Ipe’s innate ability to resist water, mold, and decay makes it ideal for Crystal Lake’s weather patterns, ensuring lasting quality.
🔧 Board Replacement
Consider the ease of board replacement, often overlooked by Crystal Lake homeowners when selecting decking materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. With an accident, replacing a damaged board on PT or composite decks poses challenges. These materials fade, making new boards stand out, resulting in noticeable patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means replaced boards blend better. While new boards may stand out initially, they blend with time, a unique advantage for Crystal Lake residents valuing outdoor spaces. This principle applies to flooring too, where board replacement affects aesthetics.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally repel insects, a boon for Crystal Lake’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe evolved this resistance. Its sturdy fibers deter pests common in the U.S., making it ideal for places like Crystal Lake, where durability is key. This insect resilience is typical of tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone regions like the southwestern U.S. and urban projects, material choice hinges on fire resistance. Ipe stands out for decking due to its excellent flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating, alongside steel and concrete, from engineering organizations. In contrast, plastics, composites, and pressure-treated lumber typically rank lower, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America, especially Brazil, raises concerns about forest impact, Dependable sourceing can aid conservation. Managed Ipe sourceing and replanting protect habitats, backed by organizations and government regulations. Without stewardship, forests face risks like clearing for agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot aids in preserving forested lands, relevant for eco-conscious choices in Crystal Lake’s projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking’s long-term cost-effectiveness defies common beliefs. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and composites degrade sooner, Ipe lasts 40-75 years. Despite Ipe’s initial cost similar to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones, it surpasses pressure-treated lumber’s frequent replacement needs. In Crystal Lake, where decking longevity matters, Ipe proves financially smart for both short and long-term needs.
Raue Center for the Arts: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor seating areas or decking around the center.
Lippold Park: Ipe wood could be used for boardwalks, bridges, or benches along the park’s trails.
Three Oaks Recreation Area: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the construction of docks, piers, or observation decks overlooking the lake.
Veterans Acres Park: Ipe wood could be employed for benches, picnic tables, or signage within the park.
Crystal Lake Main Beach: Ipe wood could be utilized for boardwalks, pavilions, or seating areas along the beachfront.
Crystal Lake Public Library: Ipe wood could be integrated into outdoor seating areas or landscaping features around the library.
Downtown Crystal Lake: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor seating areas, decorative elements, or façade enhancements for various shops and restaurants in the downtown area.