Ipe Decking: The Ultimate Choice for Pittsburgh Outdoor Spaces

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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

In contrast to composite decking and treated lumber, which pose environmental concerns with their non-recyclable components and toxic chemicals, Ipe stands out as a greener option for Pittsburgh. Being entirely natural, it’s easily repurposable and biodegradable, leaving no harmful residues. With its pure wood composition, Ipe aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh’s environmental ethos, promoting the “Go Natural!” mantra in decking decisions.

🔨 Hardness

Ipe, ranked among the world’s top 10 hardest woods, boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s rating of about 1,200. Its density and hardness, akin to concrete, ensure dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against Pittsburgh’s varying weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay from expansion and contraction, Ipe maintains its structural integrity. This stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, a benefit for barefoot-friendly outdoor spaces in Pittsburgh. While composite and plastic decking may sag over time due to movement, Ipe’s minimal expansion underscores its durability, ideal for Pittsburgh’s climate.

🕰️ Longevity

Ipe’s remarkable longevity, proven to last for decades even in harsh weather, makes it a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to its durability. Furthermore, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay matches well with Pittsburgh’s humid conditions. Adapted from rainforests that experience heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes ensure it thrives in Pittsburgh’s distinct weather, maintaining quality and lifespan without compromise.

🔧 Board Replacement

For Pittsburgh homeowners, the ease of replacing deck boards is often overlooked when selecting materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture a mishap on your deck, like a spill from a hot grill, causing irreparable damage to the boards. With PT or composite decking, swapping a board poses challenges. These materials fade, making new boards stand out, resulting in a visibly patched deck. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means replacing a board is less conspicuous. While new boards may initially differ, within months, distinguishing them from originals becomes difficult. This advantage, unique to real woods, is crucial for Pittsburgh residents valuing outdoor living spaces. The same applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall look.

🐜 Insect Resistant

Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Pittsburgh’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments against wood-boring insects, Ipe developed this resistance in its forest origins. With tough wood fibers, Ipe repels pests common in the United States, making it ideal for Pittsburgh’s demanding conditions. This insect resistance is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods, ensuring durability against natural elements in Pittsburgh and beyond.

🔥 Fire Resistance

In fire-prone regions across the southwestern United States and urban commercial projects, the selection of construction materials is strongly guided by fire resistance, a factor also relevant to Pittsburgh. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in such contexts, boasting remarkable flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, it consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, unlike plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber, which typically rank lower with C Class ratings.

♻️ Sustainable

Sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, notably Brazil, raises valid concerns about impacts on vital ecosystems. However, Dependable management of the hardwood timber industry, including Ipe sourceing, can aid in forest conservation, a relevant consideration for Pittsburgh. Through regulated sourceing and replanting efforts, supported by organizations and government regulations, habitats are safeguarded from clearance for activities like cattle grazing and agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot helps preserve the value of naturally forested lands, aligning with Pittsburgh’s environmentally conscious construction and landscaping projects.

💰 Cost and Value

Contrary to common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option for Pittsburgh. While pressure-treated lumber lasts about 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity offsets initial costs, especially compared to the expenses of replacing alternative materials multiple times. Ipe’s upfront cost is similar to mid-grade composites and less than high-end ones. Despite pressure-treated lumber’s initial affordability, Ipe’s durability makes it the smarter financial choice in the long run for Pittsburgh’s decking needs.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Landmarks

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Ipe could be used for outdoor decking and pathways within the gardens.

The Frick Pittsburgh: Ipe could be utilized for outdoor seating areas or pergolas in the museum’s gardens.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: Ipe could be used for boardwalks and viewing platforms in the zoo’s outdoor exhibits.

Carnegie Museum of Art: Ipe could be incorporated into outdoor sculptures or seating areas in the museum’s courtyard.

Point State Park: Ipe could be used for benches, picnic tables, or boardwalks along the riverside trails.

The Andy Warhol Museum: Ipe could be used for outdoor seating or decking in the museum’s courtyard.

Schenley Plaza: Ipe could be used for benches, seating areas, or decking in this public park.

Cathedral of Learning: Ipe could be used for interior flooring or paneling in certain areas of the university building.

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