The Best Ipe Decking in Downers Grove
Downers Grove, Illinois receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot, ensuring competitive pricing and top quality. By opting for Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re securing the finest ipe wood for your project. Whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles, our family-owned business, now in its second generation, provides expert guidance tailored to your needs.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Downers Grove, 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
Downers Grove opts for the eco-friendly alternative of Ipe decking over composite materials laden with non-recyclable plastics and toxic chemicals. Ipe’s natural composition makes it a biodegradable option, aligning perfectly with the town’s eco-conscious ethos. Free from harmful byproducts, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood, echoing Downers Grove’s commitment to “Go Natural!”
🔨 Hardness
In Downers Grove, Ipe’s exceptional hardness, with a Janka rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s 1,200 rating. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures stability and longevity, crucial for enduring the town’s varied weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity. Its stability avoids raised wood grain, ideal for Downers Grove’s outdoor areas. While composites lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability for Downers Grove’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, enduring for decades in extreme weather, suits Downers Grove’s climate perfectly. Its density and hardness play key roles in this longevity. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay align with the town’s humid environment. Adapted from rainforests with heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally resists water penetration and mold, making it ideal for Downers Grove’s weather patterns without sacrificing quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
For Downers Grove homeowners, board replacement ease is often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Imagine a deck accident, like a spill, damaging boards beyond repair. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board is problematic due to fading, resulting in noticeable patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation makes board replacement less noticeable. Though new boards may stand out initially, they blend in within months. This advantage, unique to real woods, is crucial for Downers Grove, where outdoor spaces matter. The same holds for prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement disrupts aesthetics.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Downers Grove’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in its native forests. With tough fibers, Ipe repels pests common in the United States, vital for durability in places like Downers Grove. This insect resistance is typical among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Fire resistance significantly impacts material choice in fire-prone areas like the southwestern United States and urban projects. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material due to its outstanding flame resistance, consistently earning an A Class rating. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, notably Brazil, raises valid concerns about ecosystem impact. However, Dependable management of Ipe sourceing and replanting can aid forest conservation efforts. Supported by organizations and regulations, this approach safeguards habitats threatened by activities like cattle grazing and agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot contributes to preserving naturally forested lands. This consideration is pertinent for environmentally conscious choices in Downers Grove’s construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking, contrary to assumptions, isn’t more expensive than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes Ipe a cost-effective choice, considering replacement expenses. Initially comparable to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end ones, Ipe proves more economical over time. This makes it a savvy choice for Downers Grove’s decking needs, both short and long term.
Downers Grove Public Library: Ipe wood could be utilized for exterior decking or seating areas in the library’s outdoor spaces.
Tivoli Theatre: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the theater’s interior design, such as for flooring or decorative elements.
Downers Grove Museum: Ipe wood could be used for exterior siding or decking to enhance the museum’s aesthetic appeal.
Fishel Park: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor benches, pavilions, or decking in the park’s recreational areas.
Downers Grove Golf Club: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the design of the golf club’s clubhouse, such as for flooring, paneling, or outdoor seating areas.
Downers Grove Main Street Train Station: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor benches or decking platforms at the train station.



