The Best Ipe Decking in West Lafayette
Brazilian Wood Depot delivers directly to West Lafayette, offering competitive prices and top-notch quality. Opting for Brazilian Wood Depot means securing the finest ipe wood for your project. From decking to 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 West Lafayette, Indiana
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 Lafayette, Ipe stands out as an eco-friendly alternative to composite decking and treated lumber. Unlike composite materials, which contain non-recyclable plastics, and treated lumber, which harbors harmful chemicals, Ipe is entirely natural and biodegradable. With its pure wood composition, Ipe aligns perfectly with West Lafayette’s eco-conscious ethos, promoting a “Go Natural!” approach to decking options.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe, with its exceptional Janka Hardness rating of 3,680, outshines Oak’s 1,200 rating, making it a top choice for West Lafayette’s variable climate. Its density, akin to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resistance to weather. Unlike pressure-treated wood, prone to expansion and decay, Ipe maintains its structure, avoiding raised wood grain issues. This durability is crucial for West Lafayette’s outdoor spaces, providing stable and safe surfaces. While composite materials may sag over time, Ipe’s minimal movement showcases its resilience, perfectly suited for West Lafayette’s weather challenges.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, proven to last for decades in harsh weather, is a perfect match for West Lafayette’s climate. Its density and hardness contribute significantly to this longevity. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay perfectly suits West Lafayette’s humid conditions. Adapted to rainforests with high rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay, making it an excellent choice for enduring West Lafayette’s weather without sacrificing quality or lifespan.
🔧 Board Replacement
In West Lafayette, homeowners value the ease of board replacement, often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture an accident damaging your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board poses challenges, as these materials fade over time, creating noticeable differences. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different solution. Their natural variation means replacing a board is less conspicuous. While new boards may stand out initially, within months, they blend seamlessly with the original ones. This advantage is crucial for West Lafayette residents, where outdoor living spaces are vital. Similar considerations apply to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall look.
🐜 Insect Resistant
The natural insect resistance of Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods is a boon for West Lafayette’s outdoor areas. Unlike domestic lumber needing chemical treatments against wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects thrive, Ipe’s tough fibers repel pests effectively. This resilience extends to U.S. insects, making Ipe ideal for places like West Lafayette, where durability against the elements matters. Such insect resistance is a standard feature of tropical hardwoods, offering peace of mind for outdoor projects in the area.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In West Lafayette, as in fire-prone regions like the southwestern United States and urban commercial projects, material choice heavily considers fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the preferred decking material due to its exceptional 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, often classified as C Class.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America, particularly Brazil, raises concerns about its impact on crucial ecosystems, Dependable management can mitigate these issues. The hardwood timber industry, including Ipe sourceing, can contribute to forest conservation through sustainable practices. By carefully managing sourceing and replanting, these habitats can be preserved, supported by relevant organizations and government regulations. Without such measures, there’s a higher risk of forest clearance for activities like cattle grazing and agriculture. Choosing Ipe from reputable dealers like Brazilian Wood Depot allows customers to support the preservation of naturally forested lands, an important consideration for environmentally conscious projects in West Lafayette’s construction and landscaping endeavors.
💰 Cost and Value
While there’s a common belief that Ipe decking is pricier than alternatives, its long-term cost-effectiveness defies this notion. Pressure-treated lumber typically lasts 5-7 years, while plastic and composite boards degrade within a few years. In contrast, Ipe boasts a lifespan of 40-75 years, making it a more economical choice. Despite initial costs comparable to mid-grade composites and lower than high-end ones, Ipe proves financially savvy over time. Its longevity eliminates the need for frequent replacements, unlike pressure-treated or composite boards, making it a smart investment for West Lafayette’s decking needs, both in the short and long term.
Purdue University: Various campus buildings, outdoor seating areas, and landscaping features could benefit from Ipe wood decking, benches, or accents.
Ross-Ade Stadium: The stadium’s exterior could utilize Ipe wood for seating areas, walkways, or decorative elements.
Tippecanoe County Courthouse: Interior renovations or exterior landscaping projects could incorporate Ipe wood for flooring, cladding, or decorative elements.
Purdue Research Park: Office buildings, communal outdoor spaces, or campus amenities within the research park could feature Ipe wood decking, pergolas, or seating areas.
West Lafayette Public Library: Interior renovations or outdoor landscaping projects could include Ipe wood for flooring, shelving, or exterior cladding.
Happy Hollow Park: Park amenities, such as pavilions, picnic areas, or trails, could integrate Ipe wood for decking, benches, or signage.
Downtown West Lafayette: Various commercial establishments, public plazas, or streetscape enhancements could utilize Ipe wood for outdoor seating, façades, or streetscape features.
Celery Bog Nature Area: Boardwalks, observation platforms, or interpretive signage within the nature area could incorporate Ipe wood for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Purdue Memorial Union: Interior renovations or outdoor gathering spaces around the union could feature Ipe wood for flooring, furniture, or decorative accents.