Prichard, Alabama receives direct shipments from Brazilian Wood Depot. Offering competitive pricing and top quality, we’re more than just brokers. Opting for Brazilian Wood Depot means investing in premium ipe wood for your crucial projects. Whether it’s decking, siding, or tiles, our family-owned business, now in its second generation, provides expert guidance tailored to your requirements.
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Ipe Decking is Perfect for Prichard, Alabama
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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🌱All Natural
Unlike composite decking or pressure-treated lumber, which pose environmental concerns due to their composition, Ipe emerges as a sustainable alternative for Prichard. Its natural origin makes it ideal for reuse and eventual biodegradation, avoiding harmful byproducts. With no added chemicals or plastics, Ipe embodies the authenticity of pure wood, resonating with Prichard’s eco-friendly ethos and advocating for natural decking solutions.
🔨 Hardness
Ipe’s exceptional hardness, with a Janka rating of 3,680, surpasses Oak’s 1,200 rating, placing it among the world’s toughest woods. Its density, comparable to concrete, ensures dimensional stability, longevity, and resistance to Prichard’s variable weather conditions. Unlike pressure-treated lumber prone to expansion and contraction, leading to structural damage and decay, Ipe maintains its robustness. This stability also prevents raised wood grain issues, crucial for creating smooth surfaces ideal for Prichard’s outdoor environments. While composite and plastic decking materials may lose rigidity over time, Ipe’s minimal movement underscores its durability, perfectly suited for Prichard’s climate.
🕰️ Longevity
Ipe’s remarkable durability, capable of withstanding decades of harsh weather, perfectly suits Prichard’s climate. Its density and hardness are key contributors to this longevity. Moreover, Ipe’s innate resistance to water, rot, and decay harmonizes with Prichard’s humid conditions. Hailing from rainforests accustomed to heavy rainfall, Ipe naturally repels water, mold, and decay. These attributes render it an excellent option for enduring Prichard’s distinctive weather patterns, ensuring both quality and lifespan remain uncompromised.
🔧 Board Replacement
In Prichard, homeowners value the ease of board replacement, a factor often overlooked when selecting deck materials like pressure-treated (PT) or composite. Picture an accident on your deck, such as a spill from a hot grill, causing irreparable damage to the boards. With PT or composite decking, replacing a board poses challenges. These materials fade over time, making a new board conspicuous and resulting in a patchwork appearance. However, tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer a different scenario. Their natural variation from board to board means replacing a board is less noticeable. While new boards may initially stand out, within a few months, distinguishing them from the originals becomes difficult. This advantage, unique to real, natural woods, is a significant consideration for Prichard residents, where outdoor living spaces hold importance. The same principle applies to prefinished and engineered wood flooring, where board replacement can disrupt the overall aesthetic.
🐜 Insect Resistant
Ipe and comparable tropical hardwoods naturally repel insects, a feature highly advantageous for Prichard’s outdoor environments. Unlike domestic lumber requiring chemical treatments to deter wood-boring insects, Ipe has evolved this resistance naturally. Originating from forests where insects excel at boring into wood, Ipe’s sturdy fibers are nearly impenetrable to these pests. This resilience extends to insects in the United States, making Ipe an ideal option for locales like Prichard, where durability against natural elements is paramount. Such insect resistance is a shared benefit among many tropical hardwoods.
🔥 Fire Resistance
In fire-prone regions such as the southwestern United States and bustling urban projects, the selection of construction materials is greatly impacted by fire resistance. Ipe stands out as the premier decking material in these contexts thanks to its outstanding flame resistance. Alongside steel and concrete, it consistently earns an A Class rating from engineering organizations. In contrast, materials like plastic, composite, and pressure-treated lumber typically have lower flame spread ratings, categorized as C Class. This attribute underscores Ipe’s suitability for projects in areas like Prichard, Alabama, where fire safety is paramount.
♻️ Sustainable
While sourcing Ipe from South America’s tropical forests, particularly Brazil, raises valid concerns about ecosystem impact, responsible harvesting practices can actually aid in forest conservation. Proper management and replanting efforts, supported by regulatory bodies and conservation organizations, help safeguard these vital habitats. Without such stewardship, these areas are at risk of being cleared for activities like agriculture or cattle grazing. Opting for Ipe from trusted suppliers like Brazilian Wood Depot allows customers in Prichard to support the preservation of naturally forested lands, aligning with the city’s environmentally conscious construction and landscaping endeavors.
💰 Cost and Value
Despite common beliefs, Ipe decking doesn’t cost more than alternatives in the long run. 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, depending on environmental factors. This longevity makes Ipe a more cost-effective choice, especially when factoring in the expenses of replacing other materials multiple times. Initially, Ipe’s cost is comparable to mid-grade composites and less than high-end composites. Despite pressure-treated lumber seeming cheaper upfront, the frequent replacements required make Ipe more economical over time, making it a financially savvy option for Prichard’s decking needs, both short and long term.
Prichard, Alabama Landmarks
Prichard City Hall: Ipe wood could be incorporated into the interior design, such as flooring or paneling, to add a touch of natural elegance.
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