Affordable Luxury Decking: Get the Look Without the High Price

teak deck 4

Ipe is often considered the gold standard for hardwood decking. It’s exceptionally hard, naturally resistant to decay, and can last for decades with proper installation. However, it can also cost more than other tropical hardwoods. Fortunately, Ipe isn’t your only option. Several other hardwoods offer attractive colors, natural durability, and long potential service lives at …

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Should You Oil Ipe Before or After Installation?

deck with ipe oil sm

If you’re installing an Ipe deck, you might be wondering when to apply Ipe Oil. Should you finish the boards before installing them, or wait until the deck is built? For most Ipe decks, we recommend applying the oil after installation. However, if your deck has limited ventilation underneath, finishing all four sides of the …

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Is Composite Decking Really Maintenance Free?

composite deck cleaning

If you’ve been shopping for a new deck, you’ve probably heard the phrase “maintenance free composite decking” more times than you can count. After all, decking manufacturers love to talk about how little work their products need compared to traditional wood decking. No sanding, no staining, and no sealing. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Well, …

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Cumaru Decking vs. Composite Decking: Cost, Maintenance, and Lifespan

cumaru decking vs composite

When you’re planning a new deck, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right decking material. After all, most homeowners want a deck that looks great, lasts for decades, and doesn’t require them to spend every weekend cleaning, sanding, or staining. And really, who wants to spend their Saturday maintaining a deck …

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Why Wide Deck Boards Can Cup and How Proper Installation Helps Prevent It

tigerwood deck timbertech railing 1

Wide deck boards can give your deck a beautiful, high end appearance. With fewer seams running across the surface, they create a bold look and really show off the natural grain of hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood. Personally, I’ve always liked the look of wider hardwood decking on large outdoor spaces. There’s just something …

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Why Architects Are Specifying Thermally Modified Wood for Modern Homes

adv thermal ash sidingrainscreen

Modern homes often combine wood with glass, metal, stone, and concrete. Wood brings warmth to these materials and keeps a contemporary design from feeling too cold or industrial. Even a well-designed home can feel a little stark when everything has the same hard, smooth finish. Thermally modified wood offers one way to strike that balance. …

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