Pressure Treated Decking

Ipe vs Pressure Treated Pine: A Knock Out

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When you see these two materials side by side, it's obvious which one is superior.
When you see these two materials side by side, it’s obvious which one is superior.

Doing a full comparison between Ipe and Pressure Treated Pine for decking is like comparing Kobe beef and a McDonald’s beef patty. Pressure treated pine works well as the frame of your decking but not as the decking itself. Pressure treated pine lasts only for about 5-10 years and must be constantly stained and finished. Ipe on the other hand, is an all-natural wood, proven to last over 75 years without any chemical treatment. The Coney Island boardwalk was in service since the 1940s! Boards from that landmark boardwalk have been reclaimed and reused for many applications from patio furniture to indoor flooring.

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The 7 Deadly Sins of Deck Building: Sin #2 – Wrath

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You’ve had it! Your deck is an eyesore. Boards are cracking and splitting, there’s some green stuff that has overtaken a board over in the corner, and screws and have rusted their way through the railing. You’re so angry you could go out in your backyard and just start hammering your way through this monstrosity. …

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Pool Decking Options

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If you’re looking for pool decking, hardwoods offer excellent benefits that will keep you, your guests, and children safe. Many times, people who settle for plastic decking have to pay extra attention to the decking that surrounds their pool. It’s not hard to imagine that wet plastic composite decking could act more like a “slip …

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5 Simple Ways to Save When You Buy Decking

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How to Buy Wood Decking
The research this homeowner did prior to buying Ipe has paid off.

It’s almost Summer and thousands of homeowners across the country are getting ready to start working on their deck. Some will be remodeling and many will be building a deck for the first time. But, before hammer goes to nail, the question you must answer is, “What kind of material is best for decking?”

Should you go with real wood decking, or composite “wood” decking? Regular readers of this blog already know the limitations and problems that plague composite deck materials. Let’s face it; if plastic decking were so good, wood decking would be obsolete. But, because of the documented issues that both composite and PVC decking face, many people are opting for real wood deck materials.

So, let’s say that you chose to buy wood decking. What material should you choose, and what pitfalls are to be avoided when buying decking?

Here are 5 Ways to Save Money When You Buy Decking:

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5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy A Home with a Deck

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Are you in the market for a home and coming across properties that have a deck previously installed? Don’t be shy about asking these questions. You will save yourself valuable time, money, and future headaches. You also give the current owner a chance to explain the history of the deck. After all, you wouldn’t dream …

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Decking Defects to Look Out For

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When buying decking, it’s important that you are aware of some natural occurring defects that plague other species as well as pressure-treated decking. Some of the more common defects that you can run into are checks, knots, and splits. If you’ve ever stepped on a chemically treated wood decks, you most definitely have seen all …

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