The Best Ipe Decking in Michigan City
When you opt for Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re getting top-tier Ipe wood shipped straight to Michigan City. We’re not just brokers; we offer competitive rates and superior quality. Count on our family-owned business to provide expert guidance for your decking, siding, or tiling needs.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Michigan City, Indiana
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, unlike composite decking or pressure-treated lumber, offers Michigan City a greener alternative. It’s natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals or plastics, aligning perfectly with the city’s environmental values. This makes it the ideal choice for those aiming to “Go Natural!” in their decking selections.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, with its exceptional hardness surpassing that of Oak, offers unparalleled durability for Michigan City’s challenging weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity, ensuring longevity. Its stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, ideal for creating smooth surfaces in the city’s outdoor areas. While composite materials may sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability, perfect for Michigan City’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Michigan City’s climate finds an ideal match in Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather. Its density and hardness play key roles in this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits the city’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally fends off water penetration, mold, and decay. These qualities ensure it thrives in Michigan City’s distinctive weather, promising longevity without sacrificing quality.
🔧 Board Replacement
For Michigan City homeowners, the ease of board replacement is often overlooked but crucial when selecting deck materials. Pressure-treated or composite decking can pose challenges in such situations. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a solution. With natural variation from board to board, replacing a board is far less noticeable. While new boards may stand out initially, within months, they blend seamlessly with the originals. This advantage is particularly significant for Michigan City residents, where outdoor spaces hold great importance. Similar considerations apply to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining aesthetic consistency is key.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Michigan City’s outdoor spaces benefit greatly from Ipe’s natural resistance to insects. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe has evolved this resistance from its origins in insect-rich forests. Its tough fibers are highly resilient, deterring pests common in the United States. This makes Ipe a wise choice for areas like Michigan City, where durability against natural elements is vital. Such insect resistance is a common advantage of tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas like some states in the southwestern United States and large urban projects, the selection of construction materials heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material due to its remarkable flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class. This makes Ipe an excellent choice for areas like Michigan City, where fire safety is paramount.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, particularly Brazil, raises valid concerns about ecosystem impact, Dependable sourceing practices can mitigate these issues. Proper management, including replanting and adherence to regulations, helps protect these crucial habitats. Without such stewardship, these areas face the threat of being cleared for other purposes like agriculture. By choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot, customers in Michigan City contribute to preserving these valuable forested lands, aligning with the city’s environmentally conscious construction and landscaping efforts.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Michigan City, contrary to common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber lasts around 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes it more economical, considering the expenses of replacing other materials multiple times. Initial costs are comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s apparent affordability, Ipe proves financially savvy in the long run, making it an ideal option for Michigan City’s decking needs.
Washington Park: This lakeside park features various amenities such as pavilions, walkways, and seating areas that could incorporate Ipe wood for benches, boardwalks, or decking.
Old Lighthouse Museum: The historic lighthouse and museum could utilize Ipe wood for exterior siding, decking, or interior flooring to maintain its authenticity and durability.
Barker Mansion: This historic mansion could use Ipe wood for restoring or enhancing its exterior structures such as porches, railings, or fencing.