The Best Ipe Decking in Fountainebleau
Fountainebleau, Florida benefits from Brazilian Wood Depot’s direct shipping service. Unlike brokers, we provide competitive prices and top-notch quality. Opting for Brazilian Wood Depot means securing the finest ipe wood for your project. From decking to siding or tiles, our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures you get precisely what you require.
We Have Ipe In Stock! Ready to Ship to Fountainebleau
Our Most Popular Ipe Decking Videos
Ipe Decking is Perfect for Fountainebleau, Florida
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 stands apart from composite decking, laden with non-recyclable materials and toxic chemicals, commonly used in Fountainebleau. Unlike its counterparts, Ipe is entirely natural, biodegradable, and ideal for reuse, reflecting the city’s eco-conscious ethos. With no harmful byproducts, Ipe embodies the essence of authentic wood, echoing Fountainebleau’s commitment to “Go Natural!” in decking selections.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, one of the world’s hardest woods, boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s 1,200. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability and longevity, crucial attributes for enduring Fountainebleau’s diverse weather patterns. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding accelerated decay. This stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, ensuring smooth surfaces ideal for Fountainebleau’s outdoor areas. While composite materials weaken over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its resilience in Fountainebleau’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, proven to withstand decades of harsh weather, is perfectly suited for Fountainebleau’s climate. Its density and hardness play significant roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay seamlessly fits Fountainebleau’s humid conditions. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes make it an excellent choice for enduring Fountainebleau’s distinctive weather patterns while ensuring longevity and quality.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Fountainebleau, the ease of board replacement is often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture an accident on your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill, damaging the boards beyond repair. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board poses challenges. These materials fade over time, making new boards stand out, resulting in a visibly patched deck. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation from board to board makes replacements less noticeable. While new boards may initially stand out, within a few months, it becomes difficult to distinguish them from the originals. This advantage is unique to real, natural woods and is crucial for Fountainebleau residents, where outdoor spaces hold significance. The same holds for prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall look.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Fountainebleau’s outdoor spaces benefit from Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods’ inherent resistance to insects. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe naturally repels wood-boring insects. Originating from forests with adept wood-boring insects, Ipe’s tough fibers resist pests, crucial for areas like Fountainebleau. This insect resistance is a common advantage of tropical hardwoods, ensuring durability against natural elements.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas like Fountainebleau, material choice heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the top decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance. It consistently receives an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber often have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, notably Brazil, raises concerns about ecosystem impact, especially in Fountainebleau. However, the hardwood timber industry, including Ipe sourceing, can aid forest conservation. Responsible management and replanting of Ipe help protect habitats, backed by organizations and government regulations. Without such stewardship, forests face risks like clearing for cattle grazing. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot supports preserving forested lands, crucial for environmentally conscious projects in Fountainebleau’s construction and landscaping.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option for Fountainebleau’s needs. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe’s lifespan ranges from 40-75 years, depending on conditions. This longevity offsets initial costs, especially when factoring in replacement expenses. Initially comparable to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end ones, Ipe surpasses the long-term costs of pressure-treated lumber. It emerges as a financially savvy choice for Fountainebleau’s decking requirements, offering both short and long-term benefits.
Fountainebleau Park: Benches, picnic tables, and boardwalks in the park could utilize Ipe wood for durability and aesthetics.
Dolphin Mall: Outdoor seating areas and walkways within the mall complex could feature Ipe wood decking or cladding.
Fountainebleau Golf Course: The clubhouse and outdoor amenities, such as seating areas and pergolas, could incorporate Ipe wood for a luxurious and durable finish.
Public libraries or community centers: Interior spaces within these buildings could feature Ipe wood accents, such as wall paneling or furniture, adding warmth and sophistication to the environment.