The Best Ipe Decking in Oak Forest
Brazilian Wood Depot delivers straight to Oak Forest, Illinois. We provide competitive pricing and top-notch quality. Opting for Brazilian Wood Depot means securing the finest ipe wood for your project, be it decking, siding, or tiles. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures you get precisely what you require.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Oak Forest, 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, unlike composite alternatives or chemically treated lumber, offers Oak Forest a more environmentally friendly option. As a natural material, Ipe is biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals and plastics, aligning with Oak Forest’s eco-conscious ethos. Choosing Ipe supports the city’s commitment to sustainable practices, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking solutions.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe’s exceptional hardness, surpassing Oak’s rating by a significant margin, makes it an ideal choice for Oak Forest’s demanding climate. Its durability and stability, akin to concrete, ensure longevity and weather resistance, crucial qualities in a region prone to fluctuating weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood, prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its structural integrity, avoiding issues like raised wood grain. This stability is especially beneficial for creating smooth, safe surfaces in Oak Forest’s outdoor areas. While other materials may lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability, making it a perfect fit for Oak Forest’s environment.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable resilience, capable of withstanding harsh weather for decades, is a perfect match for Oak Forest’s climate. Its density and hardness play key roles in this durability. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Oak Forest’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests experiencing heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally fends off water penetration, mold, and decay. These attributes ensure it thrives in Oak Forest’s distinct weather patterns, maintaining quality and longevity without compromise.
🔧 Board Replacement
For Oak Forest residents, the simplicity of board replacement holds significant weight when selecting decking materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture a mishap on your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill, resulting in irreparable board damage. Replacing a board with PT or composite decking poses challenges as these materials fade over time, creating noticeable discrepancies. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a solution. Their natural variation makes replaced boards blend in seamlessly within a few months, a distinct advantage for Oak Forest dwellers prioritizing outdoor spaces. This advantage extends to other applications like prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where maintaining aesthetic cohesion is paramount.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods naturally repel insects, a valuable trait for Oak Forest’s outdoor areas. Unlike local lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in its native forests, where insects excel at wood-boring. Its robust fibers thwart pests, including those in the United States, making Ipe ideal for Oak Forest’s rugged conditions. This insect resilience is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone regions such as Oak Forest and other parts of the southwestern United States, selecting construction materials revolves around fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking choice due to its remarkable flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically receive lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about tropical forest ecosystems, Dependable sourceing practices can contribute to conservation efforts. Proper management, including replanting initiatives, supported by regulations and oversight, helps safeguard these vital habitats. Without such measures, these forests face the threat of clearing for activities like agriculture and cattle grazing. Opting for Ipe from trusted suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot enables customers to support the preservation of natural forested lands, aligning with Oak Forest’s environmentally conscious ethos in construction and landscaping endeavors.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking, contrary to common belief, proves to be a cost-effective option for Oak Forest. While pressure-treated lumber may last only 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade quickly, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it a wise investment. Despite initial costs comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end ones, Ipe’s longevity outweighs the need for frequent replacements with pressure-treated or composite boards. This makes Ipe a financially savvy choice for Oak Forest’s decking requirements, ensuring both short and long-term savings.
Pinecrest Golf Course: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor seating areas, benches, or decorative elements around the clubhouse or along the golf course.
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the restoration or construction of benches, fencing, or memorial structures within the cemetery grounds.
George W. Dunne National Golf Course: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor decking, bridges, or seating areas at this renowned golf course.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve: Ipe wood could be employed for boardwalks, signage, or seating areas within this natural preserve, enhancing visitor experiences while blending seamlessly with the environment.
South Suburban College: Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor seating areas, pergolas, or campus signage, adding elegance and durability to the college campus.
Oak Forest Metra Station: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the construction or renovation of outdoor seating areas, shelters, or decorative features at this transportation hub.
Veterans Memorial Park: Ipe wood could be used for benches, pavilions, or other structures within the park, honoring veterans while providing durable and aesthetically pleasing amenities for visitors.
Scarlet Oak Woods: Ipe wood could be employed for elevated walkways, seating areas, or interpretive signage within this nature preserve, enhancing accessibility and visitor engagement.