The Best Ipe Decking in Lakeland
At Brazilian Wood Depot, we ship directly to Lakeland, Florida, ensuring prompt delivery of our high-quality Ipe wood. As a family-owned business with a focus on customer satisfaction, we offer competitive pricing and expert guidance for your decking, siding, or tiling projects. Choose Brazilian Wood Depot for top-notch Ipe wood and reliable service.
We Have Ipe In Stock! Ready to Ship to Lakeland
Our Most Popular Ipe Decking Videos
Ipe Decking is Perfect for Lakeland, 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
Unlike composite decking and pressure-treated lumber, which pose environmental concerns due to their non-recyclable plastic content and toxic chemicals, Ipe offers a more eco-friendly option for Lakeland, Florida. As a natural material, Ipe is biodegradable and easily repurposed, without generating harmful byproducts. With its chemical-free and plastic-free composition, Ipe represents the essence of authentic wood, resonating with Lakeland’s commitment to environmental sustainability and advocating for “Going Natural!” in decking selections.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods with a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpasses Oak’s rating of approximately 1,200. Its density and hardness, often compared to concrete, contribute significantly to its dimensional stability, prolonged lifespan, and ability to withstand varying weather conditions. These attributes hold particular importance in Lakeland, Florida, where the unpredictable climate can challenge building materials. In contrast to pressure-treated wood, which is prone to significant expansion and contraction leading to structural damage and decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity over time. Additionally, its stability prevents the common issue of raised wood grain found in softer woods, making it an ideal choice for outdoor surfaces in Lakeland’s warm climate. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity and sag over time due to expansion and contraction, Ipe’s minimal movement under similar conditions underscores its durability and suitability for Lakeland’s environmental conditions.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable longevity, capable of withstanding decades of extreme weather, is perfectly suited to thrive in Lakeland, Florida’s climate. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this resilience. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay is well-aligned with Lakeland’s humid conditions. Originating from rainforests experiencing 100-400 inches of annual rainfall, far exceeding typical U.S. climates, Ipe has evolved to naturally resist water infiltration, mold, and decay. These inherent qualities position it as an optimal choice for enduring Lakeland’s distinctive weather patterns while maintaining both quality and longevity.
🔧 Board Replacement
For homeowners in Lakeland, Florida, the ease of board replacement is a critical yet often overlooked factor when selecting deck materials such as pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Consider an accident on your deck, like a spill of hot grill contents, causing irreparable damage to the boards. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board becomes problematic as these materials fade over time, resulting in a noticeable patchwork appearance when new boards are installed. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation from board to board means that replacing a board is much less conspicuous. While new boards may initially stand out, within a few months, it becomes challenging to distinguish them from the original ones. This advantage is unique to authentic, natural woods and holds significant importance for those in Lakeland, where outdoor living spaces are integral. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall aesthetic.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods possess a natural resistance to insects, a feature especially advantageous for outdoor spaces in Lakeland, Florida. Unlike domestic lumber, which often necessitates chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance organically. Originating from forests where wood-boring insects are prevalent, Ipe’s robust wood fibers are highly resistant to such pests. This resilience also applies to insects commonly found in the United States, making Ipe a preferred option for regions like Lakeland, where withstanding natural elements is paramount. This insect resistance is a prevalent advantage shared among many tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone regions such as several states in the southwestern United States and major urban construction projects, the selection of construction materials is significantly impacted by fire resistance considerations. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such environments, thanks to its remarkable flame resistance. It is among the select few materials, alongside steel and concrete, consistently awarded an A Class rating by engineering rating organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, often categorized as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from the tropical forests of South America, particularly Brazil, raises legitimate concerns about the impact on these vital ecosystems. However, the hardwood timber industry, including Ipe harvesting, can contribute to forest conservation efforts. Responsible management practices in Ipe harvesting and reforestation initiatives within its natural habitat aid in safeguarding these ecosystems, backed by supportive organizations and governmental regulations. Without such stewardship, these forested areas are at increased risk of clearance for activities like cattle ranching and agriculture. Opting for Ipe or other tropical hardwoods from reputable suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot allows customers to play a role in preserving the integrity of naturally forested lands, an important consideration for eco-conscious decisions in Lakeland’s construction and landscaping endeavors.
💰 Cost and Value
Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking does not entail higher costs than alternatives in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts around 5-7 years before deteriorating, and plastic or composite boards often begin to fade and degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a significantly longer lifespan of 40-75 years, contingent on environmental factors. This extended longevity renders Ipe a more financially prudent choice, particularly when considering the expenses associated with replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times throughout the lifespan of a single Ipe installation. Although the initial cost of Ipe decking is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end composites, its longevity makes it a more economical option over time. Thus, Ipe proves to be a financially wise investment for Lakeland’s decking requirements, both in the short and long term.
Hollis Garden: Ipe wood benches or decking could enhance the landscape and seating areas of this botanical garden.
Lake Mirror Promenade: Ipe wood could be used for the boardwalks or seating areas along the lakefront promenade.
Florida Southern College: Ipe wood could be incorporated into outdoor seating areas or walkways within the campus, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Lake Morton: Ipe wood could be utilized for decking or seating areas around the lake, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for visitors.
Polk Museum of Art: Ipe wood could be used for interior flooring or accent walls within the museum, adding a touch of natural elegance to the space.
Munn Park: Ipe wood benches or landscaping features could enhance this downtown park, providing both functionality and beauty.
Lake Hollingsworth: Ipe wood could be used for decking or seating areas along the scenic walking path surrounding the lake.
Common Ground Park: Ipe wood could be used for playground structures or seating areas within this inclusive park.