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 Airflow Under Your Deck Matters More Than You Think

TimberTech Coastline Vintage PVC Skirting web

When homeowners plan a new deck, they usually spend most of their time choosing decking materials, picking out railings, and deciding how big they want their deck to be. There’s one important detail many people overlook: airflow underneath the deck. It might not sound like a big deal, but poor airflow can shorten your deck’s …

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