Deck Board Thickness Explained: 1x, 5/4, and 2x Decking

cumaru pregrooved decking 29554d13 a969 4527 b9cf 79b493a32867

When shopping for deck boards, you’ll often see sizes like 1×6, 5/4×6, and 2×6. These numbers refer to nominal lumber sizes, not the board’s finished dimensions. Thickness affects the deck’s appearance, how it feels underfoot, and how far the boards can span between joists. What Is the Difference Between 1x, 5/4, and 2x Decking? The …

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Why Your Deck Frame May Rot Before Your Deck Boards (And What You Can Do About It)

wood vs aluminum deck framing

You spent good money on beautiful, long lasting deck boards. But what happens when the wood holding them up starts rotting years before the decking wears out? It’s a problem I’ve seen more often than you’d think, especially with decks that use premium hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Teak. Homeowners spend thousands of dollars upgrading …

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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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