The Best Ipe Decking in West Chicago
Get direct shipments of top-quality Ipe wood to West Chicago with Brazilian Wood Depot. Our family-owned business, now in its second generation, ensures competitive pricing and unparalleled quality. Invest in the best for your project, be it decking, siding, or tiles, with Brazilian Wood Depot’s guidance.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for West Chicago, 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
In West Chicago, opt for Ipe decking over composite or treated lumber. Unlike composite decking, which contains non-recyclable plastic, or treated lumber filled with toxic chemicals, Ipe is a natural, eco-friendly choice. It’s biodegradable, free from harmful byproducts, and aligns perfectly with West Chicago’s environmental values. Choose the purity of 100% real wood and embrace West Chicago’s call to “Go Natural!”
🔨 Hardness
Ipe wood, with its Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s rating of about 1,200, making it one of the world’s hardest woods. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resilience against weather, crucial qualities for West Chicago’s variable climate. Unlike pressure-treated wood prone to damage and decay, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding raised wood grain issues common in softer woods. In West Chicago’s outdoor areas, this stability is ideal for comfortable, long-lasting surfaces. While composite and plastic decking materials may sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its durability and suitability for West Chicago’s environment.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of lasting for decades in harsh weather, perfectly matches West Chicago’s climate demands. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this resilience. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay complements West Chicago’s humid conditions. Adapted to rainforests with heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally fends off water penetration, mold, and decay, making it an optimal choice for enduring West Chicago’s weather without sacrificing quality or longevity.
🔧 Board Replacement
In West Chicago, the ease of replacing deck boards is often overlooked when choosing materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture an accident, like a spill from a hot grill, damaging your deck boards beyond repair. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board is troublesome. These materials fade, making new boards stand out, creating a patchwork appearance. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means replacing a board is less noticeable. While new boards may stand out initially, within months, they blend seamlessly with the originals. This advantage is unique to real woods and is crucial for West Chicago homeowners, where outdoor spaces are vital. The same applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can affect the overall look.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods offer natural insect resistance, a boon for West Chicago’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments against wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects are adept at boring into wood, Ipe’s tough fibers resist pests effectively. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for places like West Chicago, where durability against nature is vital. Such insect resistance is a shared benefit among tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone areas like West Chicago and large urban projects, the choice of construction materials is crucial, with fire resistance a top consideration. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material due to its outstanding flame resistance. It consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations, alongside steel and concrete. In contrast, plastics, composites, 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 its impact on vital ecosystems, Dependable sourceing practices can actually aid forest conservation. Managed sourceing and replanting of Ipe contribute to habitat protection, supported by involved organizations and government regulations. Without such stewardship, forests face increased risks of clearance for activities like agriculture. Choosing Ipe from trusted dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot helps preserve naturally forested lands, aligning with environmentally conscious choices for construction and landscaping projects in West Chicago.
💰 Cost and Value
In West Chicago, Ipe decking proves to be a cost-effective option contrary to common beliefs. While pressure-treated lumber lasts 5-7 years and plastic/composite boards degrade within a few years, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years. This longevity makes it more economical, considering the expenses of replacing other materials multiple times. Although initial costs are comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end ones, the frequent replacement of pressure-treated lumber makes Ipe the financially savvy choice for West Chicago’s decking needs in both the short and long term.
West Chicago City Museum: Ipe wood could be used for outdoor decking or interior flooring, adding durability and natural beauty to this historical site.
Kline Creek Farm: This living history farm could utilize Ipe wood for fences, gates, or outdoor structures, enhancing its rustic charm and longevity.
Reed-Keppler Park: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the park’s amenities, such as benches, picnic tables, or boardwalks, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment for visitors.
West Chicago Public Library: Interior renovations or outdoor seating areas at the library could benefit from the use of Ipe wood, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons.
Local Restaurants and Cafes: Many eateries in West Chicago could consider using Ipe wood for outdoor patios, decks, or pergolas, creating comfortable and durable dining spaces for customers.
Residential Properties: Various homes and estates in West Chicago may opt for Ipe wood for exterior decking, fencing, or landscaping features, adding value and longevity to their properties.