The Best Ipe Decking in Kankakee
Kankakee, Illinois receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot. We provide competitive pricing and the highest quality, ensuring your investment in top-notch ipe wood for decking, siding, or tiles. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, offers expert guidance for your project needs.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Kankakee, 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 decking stands apart from composite alternatives, like wood pulp and plastic, which harm the environment. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, Ipe is chemical-free, promoting a healthier ecosystem in Kankakee. Its natural composition aligns with the city’s environmental values, emphasizing sustainable choices for decking.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe’s exceptional hardness, surpassing even Oak, makes it ideal for Kankakee’s variable weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood, prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity, ensuring longevity. Its stability prevents raised wood grain, perfect for Kankakee’s outdoor settings. Compared to composites prone to sagging, Ipe remains rigid, a testament to its durability in Kankakee’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable longevity, enduring for decades in harsh conditions, suits Kankakee’s climate well. Its density and hardness contribute to this durability, while its natural resistance to water and decay align with the city’s humid environment. Adapted from rainforests with high rainfall, Ipe withstands Kankakee’s weather patterns without compromising quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
Kankakee homeowners value the ease of board replacement, often overlooked when choosing deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board can be challenging and results in evident patchwork due to fading over time. 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 crucial for those in Kankakee, where outdoor living spaces are vital. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining aesthetic integrity is essential.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Kankakee’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in its native forests. Its robust fibers deter wood-boring pests, crucial for areas like Kankakee. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe an ideal choice for durability against natural elements.
🔥 Fire Resistance
Given Kankakee’s focus on fire safety, construction material choices, like decking, prioritize flame resistance. Ipe stands out as a top choice due to its exceptional performance in this regard. Unlike plastic or composite alternatives, Ipe consistently earns an A Class rating, akin to steel and concrete, making it ideal for areas like Kankakee where fire safety is paramount.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South American forests raises concerns about ecosystem impact, Dependable sourceing practices can contribute to forest conservation. Proper management and replanting efforts, guided by regulations and supported by organizations, help protect these crucial habitats from activities like cattle grazing. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot supports such stewardship, preserving the value of naturally forested lands. This consideration is vital for environmentally conscious construction and landscaping projects in Kankakee.
💰 Cost and Value
Despite assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option for Kankakee. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and composites degrade within a few, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity offsets its initial cost, comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite cheaper alternatives, the frequent replacement of pressure-treated lumber makes Ipe the smarter long-term choice, aligning with Kankakee’s decking needs.
Kankakee County Courthouse: Ipe wood could be utilized for exterior decking, benches, or landscaping features surrounding the courthouse.
B. Harley Bradley House: This historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence may benefit from Ipe wood for outdoor decking or interior flooring and trim.
Kankakee Railroad Museum: Ipe wood could be employed for outdoor platforms, walkways, or interior flooring within the museum’s exhibits.
Kankakee Public Library: Interior renovations or outdoor seating areas within the library premises could incorporate Ipe wood for aesthetic and durability purposes.
Perry Farm Park: Ipe wood might be used for bridges, picnic tables, or benches throughout the park’s expansive outdoor space.
Kankakee River State Park: Trails, boardwalks, and observation decks within the state park could benefit from the durability and weather resistance of Ipe wood.
Bird Park: Benches, pergolas, or decking in this scenic urban park could be constructed using Ipe wood for longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Kankakee Valley Theatre: Interior renovations, such as flooring or accent walls, could incorporate Ipe wood to add warmth and visual interest to the theater space.
Riverview Historic District: Residential properties within this historic district could utilize Ipe wood for outdoor decks, fencing, or trim work, preserving the area’s architectural integrity.
Shoop Park Golf Course: Clubhouse renovations, outdoor seating areas, or golf cart paths could incorporate Ipe wood for both functionality and visual appeal.