The Best Ipe Decking in Geneva
When selecting Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re securing top-tier ipe wood for your project in Geneva, Illinois. Our direct shipping ensures competitive rates and superior quality. As a family-owned business, we provide tailored guidance for decking, siding, or tiles, backed by our expertise spanning two generations.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Geneva, 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, the natural decking alternative, arrives in Geneva, Illinois, offering a sustainable solution amidst environmentally harmful options. Unlike composite or treated lumber, Ipe is biodegradable, chemical-free, and entirely made of real wood. This resonates with Geneva’s eco-friendly ethos, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking.
🔨 Hardness
With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, Ipe surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200, making it one of the world’s hardest woods. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability and resilience against Geneva’s unpredictable weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding raised wood grain issues. In Geneva’s fluctuating climate, Ipe’s minimal movement preserves its durability, ideal for long-lasting outdoor surfaces.
🕰️ Longevity
Geneva’s climate finds a perfect match in Ipe’s remarkable longevity, designed to withstand decades of harsh weather conditions. Its density and hardness ensure durability, while its innate resistance to water, rot, and decay suits Geneva’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, making it an ideal choice for enduring Geneva’s weather without sacrificing quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
Geneva homeowners value the ease of board replacement when considering deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. In scenarios like accidental damage from hot grill contents, replacing a board can be problematic with PT or composite decking. These materials fade over time, resulting in noticeable patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means that replacing a board is less conspicuous. While new boards may stand out initially, within a few months, they blend seamlessly with the original ones. This advantage is unique to real, natural woods and is crucial for those in Geneva, where outdoor spaces hold significance. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining the overall aesthetic is essential.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Geneva’s outdoor spaces benefit from Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods’ natural resistance to insects. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe has evolved this resistance. Originating from forests with adept wood-boring insects, Ipe’s tough fibers repel pests. This resilience extends to insects in the United States, making it ideal for Geneva’s climate. Insect resistance is a key advantage of tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Geneva, Illinois, and other fire-prone areas prioritize construction materials with excellent fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the top decking choice due to its exceptional flame resistance, consistently receiving an A Class rating. 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 crucial ecosystems, Dependable sourceing practices can contribute to forest conservation. Managed sourceing and replanting, supported by regulations and organizations, protect habitats from alternative land uses like cattle grazing. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot helps preserve naturally forested lands, aligning with Geneva’s environmental consciousness in construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Geneva homeowners in the long term. While pressure-treated lumber and plastic/composite boards deteriorate within a few years, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, reducing replacement expenses. Though initially comparable in cost to mid-grade composites and cheaper than high-end options, Ipe’s longevity surpasses them all. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s lower initial cost, the need for frequent replacement makes Ipe the smarter investment for Geneva’s decking needs, ensuring both short and long-term financial savings.
Fabyan Forest Preserve: Ipe wood could be used for decking around the Fabyan Villa or for constructing benches and picnic tables along the trails.
Geneva History Center: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor seating areas or decorative elements in the garden spaces surrounding the center.
Kane County Courthouse: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the landscaping around the courthouse or used for benches and seating areas in the courtyard.