The Best Ipe Decking in Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot. Offering competitive prices and top-notch quality, we ensure the best ipe wood for your project. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, provides expert guidance for decking, siding, or tiles.
We Have Ipe In Stock! Ready to Ship to Jamaica Plain




Our Most Popular Ipe Decking Videos
Ipe Decking is Perfect for Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
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 decking, shipped to Jamaica Plain, stands out amidst decking options. Unlike composite materials and chemically treated lumber, Ipe offers a greener choice. Completely natural and biodegradable, it aligns with Jamaica Plain’s environmental values, promoting a “Go Natural!” ethos for decking.
🔨 Hardness
Shipped to Jamaica Plain, Ipe stands out for its exceptional hardness, surpassing Oak by a significant margin. With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, it offers unparalleled dimensional stability and weather resistance, crucial qualities in Jamaica Plain’s ever-changing climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity over time, avoiding issues like raised wood grain. This durability ensures safe and long-lasting outdoor surfaces, perfect for Jamaica Plain’s environment.
🕰️ Longevity
With its remarkable longevity, Ipe is an ideal fit for Jamaica Plain’s climate, known for its endurance even in harsh conditions. Its density and hardness play key roles in its durability, while its natural resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly align with Jamaica Plain’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe’s ability to resist water penetration, mold, and decay makes it a top choice for enduring Jamaica Plain’s weather without sacrificing quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
For Jamaica Plain homeowners, the ease of board replacement is often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. In scenarios such as accidents causing irreparable damage, replacing a board with PT or composite decking becomes problematic due to fading and noticeable patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less noticeable, blending seamlessly within a few months. This advantage is particularly relevant for Jamaica Plain residents who value outdoor living spaces. The principle also applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining aesthetic consistency is essential.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Jamaica Plain’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in forests where insects thrive. Its sturdy fibers repel pests effectively, including those in the United States, making it ideal for Jamaica Plain’s climate. This insect resilience is a typical advantage of tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Jamaica Plain, like other fire-prone regions, demands construction materials with high fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the top decking choice due to its exceptional flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating, alongside steel and concrete, making it preferred for safety. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South American tropical forests, particularly Brazil, raises valid concerns about ecosystem impact, Dependable management can mitigate these risks. Sustainable sourceing and replanting practices, supported by regulations and organizations, help conserve habitats threatened by activities like cattle grazing. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot contributes to preserving forested lands’ value, aligning with Jamaica Plain’s environmentally conscious construction and landscaping ethos.
💰 Cost and Value
Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Jamaica Plain in the long term. 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, making it more economical. Although the initial cost is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end ones, the need for frequent replacement with pressure-treated lumber makes Ipe the smarter financial choice. This proves its value for Jamaica Plain’s decking needs, both in the short and long term.
Arnold Arboretum – Ipe wood could be used for benches, boardwalks, or outdoor structures.
Franklin Park – Ipe wood could be used for benches, picnic tables, or boardwalks along the trails.
Loring-Greenough House – Ipe wood could be used for exterior decking or interior flooring.
Jamaica Plain Branch Library – Ipe wood could be used for interior flooring, furniture, or shelving.
Curtis Hall Community Center – Ipe wood could be used for outdoor seating areas, decking, or interior flooring in the community center.
Southwest Corridor Park – Ipe wood could be used for benches, picnic tables, or boardwalks along the park’s green space.
Forest Hills Cemetery – Ipe wood could be used for benches or memorial structures throughout the cemetery grounds.


