AdvantageLumber.com Has Rustic Grade Ipe Decking on Sale

One of the aspects in the selection of the wood for a deck that is often overlooked or misunderstood is wood grade. Deciding the grade of your wood is just as important as deciding the type of wood, finishes, sizes, and fitting profile of your decking boards. Remember, decks are more than a structure standing up outside of your home; they are an addition to your home and the wood you choose should be structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, functional, durable and beautiful. So, how does this all apply to choosing exotic hardwoods like Ipe?

FACT: No two deck boards are exactly the same

Wood is a natural material affected by environmental elements. Pick up two boards of the same species and you’ll see differences in color, grain patters, and imperfections. The grading system is in place just to distinguish between what are considered more or much less aesthetically pleasing natural appearances.

Ipe Decking Grade Differences

At Advantage Trim and Lumber, we sell only two grades of Ipe decking, Grade A (Premium Grade) and Grade B (Rustic Grade).

GRADE A: This clear grade is considered to be the highest grade. Our premium grade Ipe has the most uniform colors with no knots and the longest length of planks. Many of our customers request our premium grade Ipe because they find it to be the most aesthetically pleasing.

GRADE B: Our next best wood grade contains more knots, more variation in color but it’s structurally sound and less expensive than Grade A. Our rustic grade Ipe has natural “defects” that enhance the unique character of the wood. Some pieces may have a few minor characteristics which do not detract from their appearance or higher quality. Most building codes specify Grade B and higher. It is durable and serviceable, and many people prefer the rustic charming look as decorative enhancement.

Rustic Grade Ipe Sale Going on Now

Bring the beauty and charm of nature to your deck! AdvantageLumber.com is now having a big sale on B-grade Ipe. You can save over 50% on select sizes compared to premium grade Ipe.

Durable, beautiful and always a conversation starter, B-grade Ipe may be what you are looking for to bring a welcoming warmth and character to your new deck.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy end-of-summer DIY woodworking project to work on, check out our instructions on how-to build a wood planter. In the span of one afternoon, you can build a solid and classy looking wood planter made of Ipe decking. What’s the benefit to using Ipe? One, the look. The dark brown material just have a clean look without all the splits you get with softer woods. Two, durability and mold resistance. Those two benefits alone mean your hand-made ipe planter boxes will be solid and strong for many years.

At AdvantageLumber.com, we have everything you need to make this project happen. To order a complete wood planter kit, give us a call today: 1-877-232-3915 and ask for Wes. He’ll get together everything you need. When your order arrives, you will be able to get started right away.

Take a look at the picture above to see exactly what’s possible with decking tiles from Advantage Trim & Lumber. A rooftop terrace, or porch covered in premium grade ipe deck tiles offer the following advantages:

• The perfect, year round outdoor escape
• A contemporary, blemish free surface
• Rain, sleet, or snow, these tiles are durable & resilient
  
• Easy to install & affordable way to renovate an old concrete surface
• Ultra-low maintenance for decades of easy use & enjoyment

How much can you save with the Deck Tile System from Advantage Trim & Lumber? Check out our free to use Decking Tile Price Calculator.

So, if you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to renovate your deck, balcony, or covered patio, order deck tiles from Advantage Trim & Lumber today.

I’ll be short and to the point. If you’re going to build a deck in a city in California (e.g., San Francisco), you can hundreds of dollars right now with our Free Shipping special.

How? Easy.

Let’s say you’re building a deck for a home on Sea Cliff Avenue and you need 1,000 lineal feet of Ipe decking. Well, if you buy our pregrooved 5/4×4 Ipe, you will be able to save around $700 (shipping out of our North Carolina mill). Now, I know for the owner of that house on Sea Cliff $700 might be nothing…but I think we can all agree…anytime you can get the most for the least, it’s a pretty good thing all around!

Here are the down and dirty details…

	Species	Pregrooved Ipe Decking
	Dimensions	5/4×4 (Finished Dimenions = 1″ x 3 1/2″)
	Price (per linear foot)	$3.37/ln ft
	Save $$$ w/FREE Shipping! (minimum order 500 lineal foot)Free shipping limited to the continental United States & excludes Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico

*CALL US NOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDER: 1-877-232-3915*

We are running two great Ipe decking sales!

You can now buy our 5/4×4 Pregrooved Ipe with FREE SHIPPING! Our free shipping sales literally save our customers hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars depending on the weight of their order (minimum order of 500 lineal feet required). Given how dense Ipe is, saving on shipping can make your overall deck building budget a lot less constrained!

We just produced a large amount of Ipe wood shorts. Instead of charging an arm and a leg like other companies are for this hard to find material, we’re going to give you a great chance to buy bundles direct AT A DISCOUNT! That’s right, at a time when Ipe prices are going up these short length ipe bundles are actually being discounted to you!

Available sizes & lengths: 1×6 (3-7 ft) & 5/4×6 (3-7 ft)

What can you do with short lengths of decking?

A lot! Arbors, paneling, cabinets, outdoor furniture benches…Anything you want! The only limit is your imagination.

We also have decking shorts in a number of wood decking options including Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Garapa. If you want to create your very own set of outdoor furniture such as Adirondack chairs, tables, or even a hammock, visit our Discount Decking area for details on this rare Ipe Decking Sale!

Whenever we get people who ask us about how Cumaru compares to Ipe, we give two analogies.

• Which is the better sports car? A Ferrari, or a Lamborghini?
• Who was a better boxer? Muhammad Ali, or Mike Tyson?

In terms of performance, both Cumaru and Ipe hold their own against the elements. A surprising fact about Cumaru is just how popular it is around the world. In its country of origin, Brazil, Cumaru is showcased in some of the country’s most exclusive hotels and residences.

As you’ll see below in our comparison chart, the major difference between these two exceptional hardwoods is their color and price. It’s all a matter of what you want your deck to look like. If you really want to dark robust color of Ipe, then it’s worth the price to you. If you want to have all the strength of Ipe and are more budget conscious, then Cumaru is your best bet. If money is no object, but you want a lighter deck with more color variations, then Cumaru, once again, is your best bet.

Cumaru Decking VS Ipe Decking

Gorgeous display of reddish brown to golden brown. A more distinguished grain pattern gives you a more diverse looking deck. Appearance Varies from dark brown to a brown color. Some boards have red accents or thin yellow streaks and a more subtle grain pattern. 3540 lbs Janka Hardness 3680 lbs 50+ years with deck oil applications / 25+yrs without treatments Lifespan 50+ years with deck oil applications / 25+yrs without treatments Excellent resistance to mold, termites & decay. Great for pool decks and safe for bare feet with scratch & slip resistance. Durability Strong scratch resistant surface. Reliable resistance to fungus, rot, and decay. Known to last in extreme conditions. More budget friendly than Ipe Cost With Ipe prices steadily rising due to increased demand, Cumaru becomes even more attractive. *SAVE UP TO 25% WHEN YOU CHOOSE CUMARU OVER IPE*

Cumaru Decking VS Composite Decking

Gorgeous display of reddish brown to golden brown. Distinguished grain pattern gives you a more diverse looking deck. Appearance Varies per brand. An array of color options are available from weathered gray to artificial tropical looks. 3540 lbs Janka Hardness Unavailable (varies by manufacturer) 50+ years with deck oil applications / 25+yrs without treatments. Can last in any climate regardless of humidity levels. Lifespan Depends on the type of plastic used and the wood-to-plastic ratio. Lifespan can be greater in drier climates, less in humid climates. Excellent resistance to mold, termites & decay. Great for pool decks and safe for bare feet with scratch & slip resistance. Durability Reported problems include mold, decay, and delamination (plastic surface peeling) Significant price savings over composite decking with a greater return on investment. Cost Cumaru Decking costs less than composite deck materials *SAVE OVER 30% OVER MAJOR BRANDS OF COMPOSITE DECKING*

Cumaru Decking VS Teak Decking

Reddish brown with some golden colored boards with a more distinguished grain pattern Appearance Uniform tan to brown without markings. Grain is absent of markings & straight to slightly wavy. 3540 lbs Janka Hardness 1050 lbs 25+yrs with no chemical treatment Lifespan 15 years without chemical treatment Strong scratch resistant surface Durability Medium durability. Weathers fast, but is known to last in varying climates. Cumaru Decking costs less per lineal foot, is stronger, with a greater return on investment. Cost At least 25% higher cost per lineal foot. Only 1×4 and 1×6 material is usually available. *SAVE UP TO 25% WHEN YOU CHOOSE CUMARU OVER TEAK*

Check out the process and machinery we use to make our premium grade Ipe decking.

Plastic decking made to look like weathered wood.

I have seen the future of decking….and it is not plastic.

From looking over many of the exhibits at the International Builders Show in Orlando, FL, it was apparent there are a ton of composite decking companies there. There were the familiar names and a bunch from overseas countries like China. Despite the elaborate displays and fancy marketing materials, I can’t tell you how many times I overheard people going up to various reps and asking the same questions:

• How does this compare to real hardwood like Ipe?
• I heard about recalls due to mold, peeling and cracking? Why is your stuff different?
• What chemicals do you use to ensure this stuff doesn’t fade like you claim?

Clearly, people have been doing their homework on these decking materials. With the shaky record composites have, it’s understandable that people are growing more skeptical about the claims of low maintenance.

Left to mature gracefully, this ipe deck hasn't checked, split, or warped.

Each time, I overheard rep after rep stumbling through the exact same answers. Saying that a product is “just better” because it’s recycled isn’t a real answer. Similarly, saying that you can’t disclose what chemicals are used within the plastic just doesn’t fly especially when you remember all the news of recalls and tainting that are currently plaguing many foreign made building products. However, the most glaring problem about these options is the plain and simple fact that composite and PVC decking looks plastic. There’s no mistaking it.

Despite the many attempts to mimic the look of authentic wood decking one thing is clear, you can’t fool the eye. And, if you’re going to claim that your product improves on mother nature, you better be sure it can handle whatever mother nature throws at it! As you can see from the picture about, that ipe deck lining the beach has been in place for years. It withstands the daily pressures of sun, rain, daily traffic, wind, sand, and every conceivable element you can think of. As you can see, it’s been holding up nicely. Contrast that with the composite decking reviews you read online and the pictures to back it up. Given the past performance of composite decking, the future doesn’t look too promising.

Have you replaced your composite deck? Are you considering building a new deck in the future? What are you looking for out of a deck material? Tell us your thoughts below…

Take one look at this deck…

This Amazing Looking Ipe Deck was Constructed by Someone Just Like You

With the right decking, plans, and a heckuva lot of willpower, the owner of this home created one of the nicest decks we’ve seen in a long time.

Using 5/4×6 Ipe decking, this deck has all the features one wants in a deck: Durability, Resilience, Low-Maintenance, and Genuine Beauty. And, with the Holidays just around the corner, this outdoor living area will give this family a relaxing place to watch the snow fall over the mountains near the Uinta National Forest.

Check out more pictures of this featured ipe wood deck.

Our Ipe Wood is the difference between a mediocre deck and a spectacular one.

What’s important to you about owning a deck?

Is it the pristine look? Or, is it the sense of relaxation and comfort you get when spending time outdoors with the people you love?

Does it help when the decking material you chose is something you know you can depend on?

For many Ipe wood deck owners, they achieve that feeling of relaxation and comfort every day. If you want to know what it’s like to own a deck that will make neighbors jealous (especially those composite deck owners battling mold, and other issues), then now’s the time to buy ipe wood decking from Advantage Trim & Lumber.

For instance, our inventory of pregrooved 5/4×6 Ipe wood is ideal for every application, especially those that are low to the ground such as single story above ground decks with small gap spacing. What makes this material a better choice for you? Not only do you get a seamless looking surface, but the the added thickness means greater resistance in all aspects. Using 5/4×6 Ipe wood gives you a deck with the strength of a tank,and the look of a luxury hotel pool deck. As you can see from the picture above, ipe wood creates truly outstanding decks that complement your home’s aesthetic and your personal vision.

We have containers of Ipe wood arriving daily. These containers are filled with premium grade materials that will create that first class outdoor living space you want.

We look forward to helping you build your own personal oasis. You can buy Ipe direct, or contact us today if building a deck with this highly sought after material is on your to-do list.

The "net" finished dimensions of 5/4x6 S4S E4E.

5/4×6 wood decking is a superior sized deck board for many reasons. The extra thickness provides increased structural stability, a more rigid surface, and is ideal for all exterior applications.

5/4 x 6 Ipe wood decking has given many homeowners a solid, reliable surface that hardly ever has to be tended to, if ever. If you’re looking for decking materials for any deck projects that is going to be installed close to the ground, just having that extra 1/4″ is essential. For instance,   if you’re about to construct a deck, your contractor should insist on buying 5/4×6 hardwood. Why?

Building a deck that’s lower to the ground requires decking material that naturally resists cupping and buckling. Due to the fact that these projects don’t allow for much under-deck ventilation than normal, if you choose a smaller sized board, you are running the risk of compromising the overall health of your deck, not too mention the chances of increased maintenance. Smaller boards are prone to cupping issues thanks to the imbalance of moisture that occurs on the surface and underneath each board. With this in mind, it makes good economic sense to invest in the thicker material.

The end result will be a deck that is more stable, reliable, and attractive for a very long time to come.

If the above benefits are reasons to buy 5/4×6 ipe decking, visit our online hardwood store. We have 5/4×6 in stock, and ready to ship.

This Pergola made of ipe wood will last for decades and will stand up to the everyday stresses of a hot and humid tropical environment.

Ipe wood can be useful and dependable in many applications. Because this exotic hardwood is so durable it can be used in a wide variety of outdoor applications. With high strength characteristics such as mold, decay, and insect resistance, you can build with confidence and create a truly noteworthy structure of your very own.

Here are the 10 things you can build with Ipe (specifically ipe boards that run from 3′ to 7′):

1. Pergolas (as seen above)
2. Outdoor playground – The frame alone will have structural integrity far better than other woods
3. Outdoor Kitchen
4. Garden Bridge
5. Benches
6. Adirondack furniture
7. Flower boxes
8. Outdoor tables
9. Docks
10. Gazebos (check out this extensive deck photo gallery that includes an ipe gazebo)

Sure, ipe is tough to work with. But, you can’t argue with the results. You can build something pretty remarkable when you use ipe shorts (boards from 1′ to 7′ in length)

If you’d like to build with one of nature’s most enduring and dependable wood’s, you can buy ipe wood online or contact us directly:

Genuine wood decking creates a sanctuary you won't soon forget.

If you found this blog post searching for “Decking Reviews”, congratulations! You’re right to do your research. You might have even read some negative feedback or heard a lot of marketing hype from both hardwood and composite decking companies. Hopefully, this post clears the confusion about which direction to go in and what material to choose for your specific project.

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “You get what you pay for” then you understand that when people cut corners, focus on buying cheap materials, and fall for that marketing hype, disappointment, regret, and frustration set in. We’ve received a ton of phone calls from people who were tricked into buying “Tropical” materials that composite decking companies sell. We’ve even received calls from people who bought their decking from a different supplier only to be disappointed to find that their material was not premium grade, or was handled incorrectly.

Many of the problems you might hear when it comes to hardwood decking could have and should have been prevented.

• Was an end grain sealant used to protect the boards from drying out too quickly and checking?
• Were the boards allowed to properly acclimate to the surrounding climate for the recommended 3-5 days?
• If using dense materials like cumaru or ipe, were the deck boards pre-drilled prior to fastening?
• Seeking the advice of the company who supplied the material is also highly recommended.
• Also it helps to chose to work with a reputable contractor in your area who understands multiple materials and how best to install them.

With regards to composite decking materials, we strongly advise against them for many practical reasons:

1. It’s more expensive than real wood decking
2. The benefits (or lack thereof) don’t justify the high cost
3. There are too many composite recalls and lawsuits and general complaints to count
4. Mold, mildew, decomposition, and discoloration are common complaints
5. Composite deck boards cannot be recycled by a majority of local recycling plants

Let’s be honest, if composite decking were so great, we’d be selling it. However, with these facts in mind, we can’t in all good faith, offer products we know to be inferior to genuine hardwood.

Ultimately, what you need to consider is not how the material will look 1-2 years after it’s installed, but what the material will look like and be able to handle in 10-15 years…that’s the benchmark.

Discover more about real wood decking from Advantage Trim & Lumber.

There’s a ton of misleading information out there about the best decking on the market. It’s getting harder and harder to decipher the truth from mere marketing and fancy packaging.

Hardwoods like Ipe are grabbing the attention of homeowners and designers throughout the world.

It’s because of this confusion that people are turning back to materials that are proven to stand the test of time. Hardwood decking is, once again, rising in overall popularity and can be seen in many of today’s finest green building projects.

“But, wait just one second! You’re a hardwood decking company! Why should I believe you, over the composite decking that is made of recycled materials? Isn’t that more eco-friendly?”

I hear what you’re saying. However, if you read through this blog, you’ll discover that there are some pretty practical reasons why we sell both domestic and exotic deck materials and stray from composites, PVC and other chemically altered wood materials.

If you do research into “composite decking recalls” you’ll see that there have been a ton of problems related to this relatively new product. The main problem stems from these companies over promising and under delivering.

Hardwood decking on the other hand? It’s been thoroughly tested and scientifically proven to last. There’s a reason why many of the world’s finest resorts, hotels, and boardwalks feature hardwoods like ipe, cumaru, tigerwood, and garapa. They last, look good, and can take a pounding if necessary.

Look, no one expects you to call us right now to order a pallet of ipe decking. But if you’re someone who appreciates the finer things in life, it simply makes no sense to settle for what is on the label instead of taking a good hard look at what’s in the box.

When you’re ready to buy exotic hardwood that is proven to meet your expectations, check out Advantage Trim & Lumber and buy wood decking online. You can shop for hardwood at your convenice, or you can call us directly and order over the phone. Either way, you’ll be working with hardwood decking that will add value to your home and your quality of life.

When comparing teak to other hardwoods, you'll be surprised how affordable the alternatives are.

You may have noticed that this blog mentions teak quite a bit. This is because we often get people asking us what alternatives there are to one specific species of this popular hardwood, Burmese Teak. There are many high-quality and affordable alternatives to Burmese Teak.

• Ipe Decking
• Cumaru Decking
• Tigerwood Decking
• Garapa Decking

These four species offer better looks, resiliency, and are more affordable. Yes, even ipe is WAY more affordable than Burmese Teak. In my opinion, all of those previously mentioned exotic hardwood species also look better too. They also have the advantage of needing no maintenance thanks to strong termite, mold, and decay resistance.

At Advantage Trim & Lumber, when you want to buy decking, you now have more than one option. Feel free to call us directly (via the info below), or through our online hardwood store.

Buy Tongue & Groove Ipe Decking Today

Advantage Trim & Lumber now offers a quick, easy, and affordable way to find Ipe T&G. Now, buy tongue and groove ipe decking can be as easy as ordering a book from Amazon.com.

We have all the sizes you would need with the best prices:

• 1 x 4 Ipe T&G
• 1 x 6 Ipe T&G
• 1×6 +PLUS ® T&G
• 5/4 x 4 Ipe T&G
• 5/4 x 6 Ipe T&G

Lengths from 3 to 20 feet are available. And, if you have a custom order, you can always contact us directly:

You might be surprised to know that hardwood breathes. Well, not literally, but throughout the course of the year hardwood decking will absorb and release moisture from the air. This process makes the wood expand and contract. So, when installing hardwoods like ipe decking, it’s important to know how to properly space each deck board so that, when the wood does “breathe” you won’t run into problems such as a warping, or the deck boards butting up against one another.

Here’s our recommendation for Gap Spacing Ipe Decking:

Allow 1/16″ gaps between deck boards. This space is ideal for proper for air circulation, water drainage along with wood contraction & expansion.

For ipe decking, the average rate of shrinkage is roughly 1/16″ on 4″ wide boards and 3/32″ on 6″ wide boards.

Now that you know what gap spacing is good for ipe decking, you can install your deck with confidence knowing that you’re using the best hardwood for decking and that it will have a better chance of lasting over 40 years with no maintenance required.

Did you know that ipe decking makes great garden bridge material? Now, I am not just talking about the Brooklyn Bridge (which also uses ipe for its boardwalk). I am talking about building a bridge in your backyard area that goes over a pond, or garden. If you have seen those backyard renovation programs on television, you definitely know how a backyard bridge adds a ton of style and appeal.

So, when it comes to building a garden bridge, what makes ipe decking the best wood?

Like with any application, it all comes down to form, function, and price.

When it comes to looks, ipe decking looks the best both in the near and the long term. When you install ipe to make a bridge for your backyard, you will marvel at how gorgeous and, depending on whether or not you apply a deck finish like Ipe Oil™, how new it looks.

As far as function is concerned, no other hardwood will be as resilient to mold, decay, and termites than ipe. With the wood’s tight grain and natural oils, your bridge will have the best natural defenses against many common decking problems that plague other, inferior materials such as pressure treated, composites, or PVC decking.

As with most items you buy, you get what you pay for. And, when it comes to ipe bridge material, you get the combination of good looks and exceptional durability and more. No other hardwood bridge material gives you as high a ROI as ipe decking. How? When you factor in labor, resources, and materials, along with the years of maintenance free use, no other material comes even close.

Simply put, when you build an ipe garden bridge for your home, it will both outshine and outlast all other alternatives.

Ultimately, what does this mean for you?

If you buy ipe decking from Advantage Trim & Lumber, you will get premium grade ipe in many size options. We’ll even make sure that you order just the right amount of decking so that you save even more time and money.

Contact us today to order ipe decking for your garden bridge building project.

As you can see from this article, the selection of ipe decking from Advantage Trim & Lumber is second-to-none. Call today or buy ipe decking online.

Article snippet from the January, 2010 edition of Landscape Architecture Magazine. Thanks to everyone at Landscape Architecture.

We’re proud to introduce a new, easy, and affordable way to buy ipe decking.

After doing much research and upon the request of our loyal customers, we have developed a Hardwood Store unlike any other.

Currently, you can buy ipe decking from the comfort of your home. So, if at 2AM, you decide to build a deck, you can log into your personal account and buy ipe, deck tools, and accessories easily and securely.

The best part? Because you can now buy hardwood from the Advantage Trim & Lumber Hardwood Store today, you can save even more money due to really low hardwood prices.

We’ll be introducing more hardwood species in the coming months. In the meantime, you can call us directly to order or ask about any of the other hardwood flooring and decking options that are in stock right now.