What Is Rainscreen Siding and Why Are Architects Using It?

cumaru rainscreen4

Rainscreen siding has become increasingly popular on modern homes and commercial buildings. If you’ve seen wood siding with clean lines, deep shadow gaps, and a slight space between the siding and the wall, there’s a good chance you were looking at a rainscreen system. The basic idea is pretty simple. The siding sits away from …

Read more

Deck Joist Spacing: 12″, 16″, or 24″ On Center?

deck building web

When building a deck, 16 inches on center is often considered the standard joist spacing. However, that may not be the right spacing for every decking material or installation. The thickness and type of decking you’re using can change the requirements. A thicker hardwood board, for example, may be able to span 24 inches between …

Read more

Ipe Decking Grades Explained: What Should You Actually Look for When Buying Ipe?

cali new mill pic web

Start shopping for Ipe decking and you’ll probably see terms such as Premium, Select, First Grade, FAS, Clear, B-Grade, Rustic, and Select Mill Run. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, not exactly. The problem is that those terms don’t always mean the same thing from one lumber supplier to another. One company’s “Premium” Ipe may look …

Read more

Can You Build a Deck in Cold Weather? Temperature Limits for Wood, Composite & PVC

deck maintenance shoveling snow

Most people think of deck building as a spring and summer job. Then, once the temperature drops, the tools go into the garage, the ground freezes, and deck season seems to end. But does it really have to? Well, not necessarily. And I’ll tell you, I’ve never been a big believer in letting the calendar …

Read more

Iroko Deck Tiles: A Teak Look Without Teak Pricing

iroko deck tiles

People ask for teak because they want warm golden brown color and a floor that can live outside without falling apart. Fair enough. Teak earned that reputation. It also costs more than most budgets like. Iroko is the wood many of those same people actually use. Sellers often call it African teak, and that nickname …

Read more