The Best Ipe Decking in East Chicago
Directly shipping to East Chicago, Brazilian Wood Depot provides competitive pricing and top-quality ipe wood. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures you get the best materials for your project, whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for East Chicago, Indiana
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 offers a greener alternative for East Chicago compared to composite decking or pressure-treated lumber. Being completely natural and biodegradable, Ipe aligns with East Chicago’s environmental values, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe’s exceptional hardness and stability make it an ideal choice for East Chicago’s fluctuating weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity over time. Its minimal movement and resistance to sagging ensure long-lasting durability, perfect for East Chicago’s outdoor spaces.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s durability, especially under extreme weather, is well-suited to East Chicago’s climate. Its density and resistance to water, rot, and decay align perfectly with the humid environment of the area. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally withstands water penetration, mold, and decay, making it an ideal choice for East Chicago’s weather conditions.
🔧 Board Replacement
In East Chicago, the ease of board replacement is a vital consideration for homeowners selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Unlike PT or composite decking, where replacing a board can result in noticeable patchwork due to fading, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a solution. Their natural variation means that replaced boards blend in seamlessly within a few months, maintaining the deck’s aesthetic appeal. This advantage is particularly valuable for East Chicago residents, emphasizing the importance of outdoor living spaces in the area.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods offer natural insect resistance, a significant benefit for East Chicago’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments, Ipe’s inherent toughness makes it highly resistant to wood-boring insects. This resilience extends to pests in the United States, making Ipe an ideal choice for East Chicago’s climate, where durability is essential.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material for fire-prone areas like urban settings and some states in the southwestern United States due to its exceptional flame resistance. It consistently receives an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete, making it a top choice for large commercial projects. 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 raises concerns about its impact on tropical forests, Dependable sourceing practices can actually contribute to forest conservation. Proper management, including replanting, helps protect habitats and prevents deforestation for other purposes like agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot supports these conservation efforts, making it a relevant consideration for environmentally conscious projects in East Chicago.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for East Chicago’s decking needs, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber and composite boards may seem cheaper initially, Ipe’s significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years makes it more economical in the long run. Despite initial costs comparable to mid-grade composites, Ipe’s durability ensures fewer replacements over time, making it a financially savvy option for East Chicago’s projects.
Marktown Historic District – Ipe wood could be utilized for restoring or enhancing exterior features such as fences, decks, or benches.
George Washington Park – Ipe wood could be incorporated into park infrastructure like benches, picnic tables, or boardwalks.
Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Bridge – Ipe wood could be used for refurbishing or constructing pedestrian walkways or overlooks.
Riley Park – Ipe wood could be used for outdoor seating, pavilions, or decorative features.
East Chicago Marina – Ipe wood could be used for constructing or renovating docks, boardwalks, or viewing platforms.
Robertsdale Historical District – Ipe wood could be utilized for exterior renovations, such as fences, decks, or pergolas.
Calumet Park Cemetery – Ipe wood could be used for constructing or renovating memorial benches, markers, or structures.