Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
AdvantageLumber.com recently returned from exhibiting at the 2014 International Builders Show in Las Vegas, NV. IBS is the nation’s largest annual residential housing construction trade event for manufacturers and suppliers of home construction products and services.
According to industry analysts, the residential market for tropical hardwood decking will account for the vast majority of a 7.0 percent growth in imported hardwoods. More homeowners are selecting tropical hardwoods such as such as Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru, Garapa and Massaranduba because of their long term durability, fungal and insect resistance, and imperviousness to damage caused by moisture. They also value the fact that decks made from tropical lumber require much less maintenance than other wood types.
Did you know there is an extensive amount of lumber wasted when manufacturing mills cut decking to even lengths? For example, to produce 12’ boards they’ll take 13’ boards, cut them down to even length, and discard the cut offs leaving massive piles of beautiful hardwood to waste.
Mother Nature can take a toll on wooden decks. But, with proper cleaning and maintenance, your deck will last for many years. Here are some step-by-step instructions: Remove all items such as furniture, plants and carpets from your deck. Protect nearby shrubs and plantings from debris and spray by covering them with plastic sheeting. Remove …
The average return on home improvements is just 60.6%, but you can recoup up to 87 percent of your investment on a new wood deck. “A deck is one of the more cost-effective things you can do,” says Robert Markovich, Home and Yard Editor for Consumer Reports. “Decks are really a high-return item.”
Regardless of where you live, people love outdoor living spaces. It’s where the family gathers, entertains and celebrates. Building an outdoor living space is one of the most affordable ways to expand your home, and increase your home’s value. CLICK HERE to see Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report (http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/cost-vs-value).
No material comes without its share of challenges, and Ipe is no exception. This includes drilling, cutting, and price. Addressing these problems individually will help you understand why they arise and how you can solve them
