The Best Ipe Decking in Mount Pleasant
Brazilian Wood Depot ships directly to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. We are not a brokerage, offering competitive prices and top-quality products. By choosing Brazilian Wood Depot, you’re ensuring you get the best ipe wood for your project. Whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles, our family-owned business, now in its second generation, is here to provide the expertise you need.
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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 made from wood pulp and non-recyclable plastics that pollute the environment, or pressure-treated and reclaimed lumber laced with harmful chemicals, Ipe offers a more eco-friendly option for Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This entirely natural material is biodegradable and ideal for repurposing, producing no harmful byproducts. Without the use of chemicals or plastics, Ipe provides the authenticity of pure, 100% real wood, aligning with South Carolina’s growing environmental awareness and reinforcing the call to “Go Natural!” with decking selections.
🔨 Hardness
With a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, Ipe is ranked among the hardest woods globally, far surpassing Oak’s rating of around 1,200. Its exceptional hardness and density—often compared to concrete—ensure dimensional stability, durability, and resistance to the elements. These traits are especially significant for Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where variable weather conditions can test the resilience of building materials. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which expands and contracts significantly, leading to cell damage and faster decay, Ipe retains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents the raised grain often seen in softer woods, making it ideal for barefoot-friendly outdoor spaces. While composite and plastic decking materials can warp and sag over time due to shifting dimensions, Ipe’s resistance to such movement highlights its long-lasting performance in South Carolina’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, able to last for decades even in harsh weather, makes it a strong choice for Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Its inherent density and hardness are key to its longevity. Ipe’s natural resistance to water, rot, and decay further suits South Carolina’s humid climate. Originating from rainforests that receive 100-400 inches of rainfall annually—much higher than most U.S. climates—Ipe has evolved to resist water damage, mold, and decay. These attributes make it an excellent option for handling Mount Pleasant’s weather without sacrificing quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
For homeowners in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the ease of replacing deck boards is often an overlooked factor when selecting materials like pressure-treated (PT) wood or composite decking. In the event of damage, such as spilling hot grill contents, replacing a board with PT or composite can be difficult. Over time, these materials fade, causing new boards to stand out and creating visible patchwork. Tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a better solution. Their natural variations between boards make replacement less noticeable. While a new board might initially contrast, within months it becomes difficult to tell the difference from the older boards. This characteristic, unique to natural woods, is especially valuable in Mount Pleasant, where outdoor spaces are central to home life. The same challenge applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacements can disrupt the overall appearance.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a feature particularly valuable for Mount Pleasant, South Carolina’s outdoor environments. Unlike domestic lumber, which needs chemical treatments to protect against wood-boring insects, Ipe has developed this resistance over time. Coming from regions where insects are highly skilled at penetrating wood, Ipe’s dense fibers are nearly impervious to pests. This durability extends to insects found across the United States, making Ipe a great option for areas like Mount Pleasant, where resilience to natural elements is essential. This insect resistance is a typical benefit of most tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
For construction projects in fire-prone areas, such as those in South Carolina, the selection of materials is heavily influenced by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as a top choice for decking due to its remarkable flame resistance. It is among the few materials, alongside steel and concrete, that consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber generally have lower flame spread ratings, falling into the C Class category.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from the tropical forests of South America, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about the potential impact on these vital ecosystems. However, the hardwood timber industry, including Ipe sourceing, can support forest conservation efforts. Responsible management practices, such as regulated sourceing and replanting in its native environment, help safeguard these habitats, with oversight from both organizations and government regulations. Without such sustainable practices, these forests are at greater risk of being cleared for activities like cattle grazing and agriculture. By purchasing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot, customers help protect the value of naturally forested lands, a key factor for environmentally-conscious choices in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina’s construction and landscaping projects.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking is not more expensive than alternatives when considering its long-term value. While pressure-treated lumber typically lasts 5-7 years before showing signs of deterioration, and plastic or composite boards often begin to fade and degrade after a few years, Ipe can last 40-75 years, depending on environmental factors. This extended lifespan makes Ipe a more cost-effective option, particularly when factoring in the cost of replacing pressure-treated or composite boards multiple times over the course of one Ipe installation. The initial cost of Ipe is comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end options. Although pressure-treated lumber may appear less expensive upfront, the frequent replacements it requires make Ipe a more economical choice over time, offering financial benefits for decking projects in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Here’s a list of notable landmarks in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where Ipe wood could potentially be used for both interior and exterior applications:
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Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park – This park, with its scenic views of the Ravenel Bridge, could use Ipe wood for boardwalks, piers, and outdoor seating areas that need to withstand the elements.
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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – The museum’s outdoor walkways and viewing platforms could be enhanced with Ipe decking, offering both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance in the coastal environment.
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Shem Creek Park – Ipe wood could be used for boardwalks or piers along Shem Creek, providing a natural look while ensuring the wood’s resilience against water, salt, and insects.
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Charles Pinckney National Historic Site – Outdoor structures, such as benches, fences, or pathways, could incorporate Ipe wood to complement the site’s historical context while maintaining environmental sustainability.
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Old Village Historic District – For exterior architectural features like railings, decking, or outdoor furniture in this charming area, Ipe wood could maintain the traditional aesthetic while providing durability.
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Mount Pleasant Town Hall – Ipe could be used for exterior elements, such as decking or shading structures, creating a beautiful and durable addition to the civic building’s design.
These landmarks and public spaces in Mount Pleasant would benefit from Ipe’s superior qualities, including its resilience against South Carolina’s coastal climate and its aesthetic appeal for both interior and exterior applications.