The Best Ipe Decking in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri benefits from direct shipping from Brazilian Wood Depot. We don’t broker; we offer competitive rates and top-notch quality. Opting for Brazilian Wood Depot means securing the finest ipe wood for your project. Our family-run business, now in its second generation, provides expert guidance for decking, siding, or tiling needs.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for St. Louis, Missouri
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 St. Louis, Missouri, amidst concerns over environmental impact, Ipe stands out as a sustainable option. Unlike composite decking and treated lumber, which pose pollution risks, Ipe is natural, biodegradable, and easily repurposed. Its chemical-free composition aligns with St. Louis’s eco-conscious ethos, urging a shift towards nature-friendly decking solutions.
🔨 Hardness
St. Louis, Missouri, benefits from Ipe’s exceptional durability and stability. With a Janka Hardness rating surpassing Oak’s by far, Ipe withstands fluctuating weather, crucial in St. Louis’s climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains integrity over time. Its minimal movement avoids raised wood grain issues, ensuring smooth surfaces for St. Louis’s outdoor areas. Compared to composite materials prone to sagging, Ipe remains rigid, perfect for St. Louis’s diverse weather conditions.
🕰️ Longevity
St. Louis, Missouri, benefits from Ipe’s exceptional durability, ideal for its climate. Ipe’s density and hardness ensure longevity, even under extreme conditions. Its innate resistance to water, rot, and decay suits St. Louis’s humid environment perfectly. Adapted from rainforests with high rainfall, Ipe’s natural resilience against water and mold makes it an enduring choice for St. Louis’s weather, guaranteeing quality and longevity.
🔧 Board Replacement
In St. Louis, Missouri, homeowners value the ease of board replacement in deck materials, often overlooked with options like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Consider an accident damaging a deck board; replacing it with PT or composite becomes problematic due to fading, resulting in evident patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less noticeable. While new boards may stand out initially, within months, they blend seamlessly, a significant advantage for St. Louis residents prioritizing outdoor spaces. This principle extends to flooring, where seamless board replacement maintains aesthetic integrity.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and other tropical hardwoods offer natural insect resistance, a boon for St. Louis’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe’s innate resilience comes from its origins in forests where insects thrive. Its robust fibers deter pests, including those in the U.S., making it ideal for St. Louis’s climate. This resistance is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods, ensuring durability against natural elements.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas like southwestern U.S. states and urban commercial projects, material choice hinges on fire resistance. Ipe shines as the preferred decking material, boasting exceptional flame resistance. Consistently rated Class A by engineering organizations, it stands alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber often fall into the lower Class C category for flame spread. This distinction makes Ipe a top choice for St. Louis, prioritizing safety in construction.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, notably Brazil, raises valid concerns about ecosystem impact. However, Dependable management of Ipe sourceing supports forest conservation efforts. Replanting initiatives, guided by organizations and government regulations, help safeguard these habitats. Without such stewardship, forests face threats like clearing for agriculture. Choosing Ipe from trusted dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot aids in preserving natural lands’ value, crucial for environmentally conscious projects in St. Louis’s construction and landscaping sectors.
💰 Cost and Value
Despite common assumptions, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for St. Louis in the long run. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity outweighs initial costs, especially considering the expenses of multiple replacements with other materials. Initial Ipe costs match mid-grade composites and undercut high-end ones. Despite cheaper upfront options like pressure-treated lumber, Ipe’s durability makes it the smarter investment for St. Louis’s decking needs, ensuring both short and long-term financial benefits.
Gateway Arch: The iconic Gateway Arch could utilize Ipe wood for decking or seating areas in its surrounding park grounds.
Forest Park: As one of the largest urban parks in the United States, Forest Park might benefit from Ipe wood for boardwalks, bridges, or benches along its walking trails.
St. Louis Zoo: The St. Louis Zoo could integrate Ipe wood for outdoor exhibits, boardwalks, or seating areas within its expansive grounds.
Missouri Botanical Garden: The Missouri Botanical Garden could use Ipe wood for decking in its various themed gardens or for outdoor seating areas.
City Museum: The creative and eclectic City Museum might incorporate Ipe wood for unique architectural features, such as staircases or outdoor play areas.
Busch Stadium: Home to the St. Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium could utilize Ipe wood for premium seating areas, decking in the outfield plaza, or even for bat-shaped sculptures.
Saint Louis Art Museum: The Saint Louis Art Museum could integrate Ipe wood for outdoor sculptures or seating areas in its scenic grounds.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery: The historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery might incorporate Ipe wood for outdoor pavilions, beer gardens, or decking in its visitor center area.
St. Louis Union Station: St. Louis Union Station could use Ipe wood for outdoor seating areas or decking in its entertainment district.
Washington University in St. Louis: The university’s campus could benefit from Ipe wood for outdoor seating areas, decking in courtyards, or even for sustainable building projects.