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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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 …

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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 …

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