The Best Ipe Decking in Des Plaines
Get premium Ipe wood shipped straight to Des Plaines, Illinois from Brazilian Wood Depot. Unlike brokers, we offer competitive prices and top-notch quality. When you opt for Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re getting the finest Ipe wood for your project. Whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles, our family-owned business, now in its second generation, will provide expert guidance tailored to your requirements.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Des Plaines, 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 wood stands out in Des Plaines as an eco-friendly alternative to composite decking and chemically-treated lumber. Unlike its counterparts, Ipe is entirely natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals or plastics. This resonates with Des Plaines’s commitment to environmental awareness, promoting the adoption of decking options that are truly green.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe’s exceptional hardness, rated at 3,680 on the Janka scale, surpasses Oak’s rating by a wide margin, making it one of the world’s toughest woods. Its density, comparable to concrete, ensures stability and longevity, crucial qualities for Des Plaines, where variable weather can challenge building materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, prone to damage and decay from expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, ideal for comfortable outdoor surfaces in Des Plaines. While composite and plastic decking materials often lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its enduring durability, perfect for Des Plaines’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding extreme weather for decades, is a perfect fit for Des Plaines’s climate. Its density and hardness play crucial roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Des Plaines’s humid conditions. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes make it an excellent option for enduring Des Plaines’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining longevity and quality.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Des Plaines, homeowners understand the importance of easy board replacement when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Consider an accident like a spill on your deck, damaging the boards beyond repair. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board can be troublesome. These materials fade, making a new board stand out, creating a patchy deck appearance. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less noticeable. While new boards may stand out initially, within months, it’s hard to distinguish them from the original ones. This advantage is unique to real, natural woods and is crucial for Des Plaines residents who value their outdoor spaces. The same applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall look.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Des Plaines benefits from the natural insect resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods, a valuable trait for outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Hailing from forests where insects are skilled at boring into wood, Ipe’s sturdy fibers are highly resistant to pests. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for areas like Des Plaines, prioritizing durability against nature’s elements. Such insect resistance is a typical advantage of tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Des Plaines, like many fire-prone areas, considers fire resistance when selecting construction materials. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, Ipe consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about the impact on vital ecosystems, responsible management practices can mitigate these worries. The hardwood timber industry, including Ipe harvesting, can aid in forest conservation efforts. Through responsible harvesting and replanting initiatives, supported by organizations and government regulations, these habitats can be safeguarded. Without such measures, these forest lands face threats like clearance for cattle grazing and agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot allows customers to contribute to the preservation of naturally forested lands. This consideration aligns with the environmentally conscious choices in Des Plaines’s construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option for Des Plaines, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber lasts about 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes Ipe a more economical choice, especially when considering replacement expenses. Initial costs are comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite pressure-treated lumber seeming cheaper initially, the need for frequent replacement makes Ipe more cost-effective in the long run. It’s a financially savvy option for Des Plaines’s decking needs, both short and long term.
Des Plaines Public Library: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor decking or seating areas surrounding the library.
Prairie Lakes Community Center: Ipe wood might be used for outdoor benches, picnic tables, or decking in the surrounding park area.
Des Plaines History Center: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the interior design for flooring, wall paneling, or furniture.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines: Ipe wood might be used for outdoor decking or seating areas in the casino’s outdoor spaces.
Maryville Academy: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor benches, pergolas, or decking in the academy’s campus.
Chippewa Pool: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor decking, poolside furniture, or shading structures.
Lake Park Golf Course: Ipe wood might be used for outdoor seating areas, bridges, or signage throughout the golf course.