The Best Ipe Decking in Toledo
Toledo, Ohio receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot, offering competitive pricing and top-notch quality. Choosing us means investing in 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 exactly what you need.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Toledo, Ohio
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 chemically-treated lumber, Ipe offers Toledo a greener option. It’s natural, easily repurposable, and biodegradable, aligning with Toledo’s environmental values. Free from chemicals and plastics, Ipe embodies the purity of real wood, promoting Toledo’s commitment to “Go Natural!”
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, ranked among the world’s hardest woods, boasts a Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, far surpassing Oak’s rating of around 1,200. Its density and hardness, likened to concrete, ensure dimensional stability and longevity, ideal for Toledo’s varied weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its integrity, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods, making it ideal for Toledo’s outdoor areas. While composite and plastic materials lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability, perfect for Toledo’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable longevity, enduring for decades even in harsh weather, suits Toledo’s climate perfectly. Its density and hardness contribute to this durability, along with its natural resistance to water, rot, and decay, aligning well with Toledo’s humid environment. Originating from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe’s natural adaptation makes it ideal for Toledo’s weather without compromising quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
For Toledo homeowners, the ease of board replacement is often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. With PT or composite decking, replacing a damaged board can be problematic, as new boards may stand out against faded ones, resulting in patchwork. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation makes replacing a board less noticeable, blending in within a few months. This advantage is crucial for Toledo residents, where outdoor living spaces are vital. The same applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall aesthetic.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods naturally resist insects, a boon for Toledo’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments, Ipe developed this resistance in forests where insects bore into wood. Its tough fibers repel pests, making it an excellent choice for Toledo’s climate, where durability matters. This insect resistance is typical of tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas, including parts of the southwestern United States and large urban projects, material choice is crucial for fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material due to its exceptional flame resistance, consistently earning an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
Sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, notably Brazil, raises concerns about ecosystem impact. However, responsible management of Ipe harvesting and replanting supports forest conservation efforts. Without such stewardship, these lands face a higher risk of clearance for activities like cattle grazing. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot helps preserve naturally forested lands, relevant for environmentally conscious projects in Toledo.
💰 Cost and Value
Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective choice for Toledo’s needs, despite common assumptions. While pressure-treated lumber and composite boards require frequent replacement due to deterioration and fading, Ipe offers a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it more economical over time. Though initial costs may seem comparable, the need for frequent replacements makes Ipe the smarter investment, aligning with Toledo’s decking needs for both short and long-term savings.
Toledo Museum of Art – Ipe wood could be utilized for outdoor decking in the museum’s sculpture garden or for interior flooring in exhibition spaces.
Toledo Zoo – Ipe wood decking could be installed in outdoor animal enclosures or as seating in picnic areas.
Toledo Botanical Garden – Ipe wood could be used for pathways, benches, or pergolas throughout the garden.
The Valentine Theatre – Ipe wood could be incorporated into the interior design for flooring, seating, or decorative accents.
The University of Toledo – Ipe wood could be used for outdoor seating areas, campus walkways, or interior furnishings in campus buildings.
Promenade Park – Ipe wood could be used for boardwalks, benches, or pavilions along the Maumee River waterfront.
Fifth Third Field (Home of the Toledo Mud Hens) – Ipe wood could be used for stadium seating or decking in fan areas.
Imagination Station – Ipe wood could be used for outdoor exhibits or seating areas within the science center.