Buffalo has been generating a lot of buzz surrounding new public works that have been revitalizing the historical industrial districts for the public. The Tifft Street Pier and boardwalk is one of the projects that has been recently completed, and is now open to the public to enjoy. The beautiful Tifft Pier has a floating dock that allows pedestrians to experience being surrounded on all 4 sides by water from Lake Erie. There are benches, and also accommodations for fishing.
Wood Decking
Thinking of Exotic Hardwoods for Your Project? Here’s What to Expect
Wood is one the most beautiful and environmentally friendly products in the world. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, patterns, grain, and much more. It is a natural material that can’t be duplicated and sometimes it may be hard to envision exactly what will arrive at your doorstep after you place an order.
The Eco-friendly Art Deco Decking
Art Deco is one of the classic styles of building that was made famous during the 1920’s – 1940’s. This style is characterized by narrow, bold geometrical shapes that are usually lavishly ornamented. In many areas across the United States like South Beach, the eclectic Art Deco style has begun a renaissance but not in traditional buildings rather in other structures like decks, porches, and siding of houses.
Redwood isnt’ what it used to be, but that’s not a bad thing.
Many years ago, the golden standard for any naturally resistant, chemical free wood was California Redwood. These majestic trees that once covered the west coast were the best building materials because of its high resistance to termites, rot, decay, and mold intrusion. Before chemical additives and pressurized systems came into effect, redwood was the prominent building material of which many old civic buildings were erected. Some buildings still stand today as testament of the strength that redwood had.
Wood of the Month: Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)
Cumaru, also known as Brazilian Teak, is an excellent hardwood that many have never heard of. Its botanical name is Dipteryx Odorata, and is primarily found in the Northern regions of South America. The Cumaru tree’s seeds have been used to create a vanilla extract substitute and are highly sought after. The heartwood of Cumaru is very dense and filled with silica particles making it denser and stronger than softwoods and most hardwoods . The most common use for Cumaru is in decking and outdoor furniture because of its strength, density, and lifespan.
Can Composite Decking be Recycled?
For years the decking industry has gone back and forth as to what is a “green” decking option and what isn’t. In an industry where everyone boasts their product is the best, how are we supposed to make an educated decision when buying a new deck?
Some composite decking does use recycled materials, but does that mean the boards themselves can be recycled? The majority of the time the answer will be no. Our findings suggest that the composite deck boards that can’t be recycled are made from wood and plastic fibers which are combined using bonding agents that deter any machine from separating them.
Buyer Beware! You Get What You Pay For!
When companies use terms like “buyer beware” and “you get what you pay for,” you begin to tune it out because you hear it so much. Unfortunately, every once in a while these clichés are the only way to describe a situation. We recently had a homeowner reach out to us after he purchased some ipe decking, and the saying holds true. You get what you pay for.