The Best Ipe Decking in Duluth
When selecting Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re securing top-tier Ipe wood for your project in Duluth. As a direct shipper, we provide competitive rates and superior quality without brokerage fees. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures you get precisely what you need, whether for decking, siding, or tiles.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Duluth, Georgia
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
Opting for Ipe decking in Duluth provides a sustainable alternative to composite and treated lumber. Unlike plastic-filled composites or chemically treated wood, Ipe is natural, biodegradable, and toxin-free. Its authenticity resonates with Duluth’s eco-conscious ethos, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking.
🔨 Hardness
With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, Ipe surpasses Oak’s rating by a wide margin, making it one of the world’s hardest woods. Its density and durability, akin to concrete, ensure longevity and weather resistance, crucial qualities for Duluth’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay from weather-induced expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains stability. This characteristic prevents raised wood grain issues, ideal for comfortable outdoor surfaces in Duluth. While composite materials may sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its resilience, perfect for enduring Duluth’s weather fluctuations.
🕰️ Longevity
Duluth’s climate finds an ideal match in Ipe’s remarkable durability, proven to withstand decades of extreme weather. Its density and hardness play pivotal roles in this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits Duluth’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, ensuring longevity in Duluth’s distinct weather.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Duluth, the simplicity of replacing deck boards is often underestimated when selecting decking materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture an accident damaging your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board becomes troublesome. These materials fade over time, making new boards stand out, creating a visibly patched deck. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less conspicuous. Though new boards may initially contrast, they blend in within months, a unique advantage for Duluth residents valuing outdoor spaces. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where seamless board replacement maintains aesthetic harmony.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods offer innate insect resistance, a valuable trait for Duluth’s outdoor areas. Unlike local lumber requiring chemical treatments against wood-boring insects, Ipe naturally repels them. Originating from forests where insects excel at penetrating wood, Ipe’s robust fibers deter pests effectively. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe an ideal option for places like Duluth, prioritizing durability against nature’s elements. Such insect resistance is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Duluth, like many fire-prone regions, prioritizes fire-resistant construction materials. Ipe stands out as the premier decking choice due to its remarkable flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, 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’s tropical forests, notably Brazil, raises valid ecological concerns, Dependable sourceing practices can contribute to forest conservation. Managed sourceing and replanting efforts, guided by organizations and government regulations, help safeguard these vital habitats. Without such measures, forests face increased threats like deforestation for agriculture. Opting for Ipe from reputable suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot supports these conservation efforts. This consideration resonates with environmentally conscious choices in Duluth’s construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Despite common beliefs, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Duluth. While pressure-treated lumber may last 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity outweighs initial costs, especially when factoring in replacements. Comparatively, Ipe’s initial cost aligns with mid-grade composites and undercuts high-end options. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s initial affordability, frequent replacements make Ipe the smarter long-term investment for Duluth’s decking needs.
Duluth Town Green: Ipe wood might be incorporated into the construction of benches, pavilions, or decorative features in this community gathering space.
McDaniel Farm Park: Ipe wood could be employed in the construction of walking trails, boardwalks, or bridges within the park’s natural setting.
Bunten Road Park: Ipe wood might find use in the construction of outdoor picnic areas, gazebos, or playground structures, enhancing the park’s aesthetic and longevity.
Gwinnett Public Library – Duluth Branch: Ipe wood could be used for interior flooring, wall paneling, or furniture, adding warmth and durability to the library’s design.



