Exotic Hardwood Archives - Page 6 of 12

Wood of the Month: Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)

June 7, 2023June 30, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

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?

July 3, 2023June 30, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

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.

Demand for Tropical Hardwood is Projected to Rise

December 16, 2014February 21, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

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.

Common Ipe Decking Problems

April 24, 2019January 8, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

What to Expect When Working with Ipe

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

Predrilling is an important step when it comes to fastening hardwoods.

How To Build Better Stairs for Your Deck

December 16, 2014January 6, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Turn your stairway into an accent piece instead of a necessary structure. — Turn your stairway into an accent piece instead of just a necessary structure.

Stair building is an art form of its own. The perfect set of stairs makes a comfortable transition between areas. How often have you been on a deck where the stairs were too narrow, too long, or they just looked odd? Stairs need to be properly built for comfort, safety, and appearance. Remember, every deck is different, and building the correct set of stairs for your particular project enhances the appearance and creates safety for your guests.

Brazilian Hardwood Decking

December 16, 2014January 4, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Natural beauty and elegance should not be limited to the indoors only. We believe comfort and beauty should be extended outdoors to create an escape from daily life. Our lumber is used by architects for commercial and residential projects because of its beauty and incredible durability.

This gorgeous ipe and Garapa deck will last for year with no chemical treatment. — This gorgeous Ipe and Garapa deck will last for years with no chemical treatment.

Hardwoods: Beauty in Every Board

How to Maintain Your Hardwood Deck

July 12, 2017December 4, 2013 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Every piece of lumber is unique. No one tree is the same. Every board in your deck is going to have different characteristics. Once installed, you want to give your deck the proper maintenance it needs to increase its lifetime and your overall enjoyment. Be rest assured, even though a deck made of Brazilian hardwoods is proven to outlast and outperform softer materials, giving it a little attention once in a while is a good thing (After all, even a Lamborghini needs its oil changed and tires rotated!) Here are some guidelines to follow to maintain the lifetime and beauty of your hardwood deck.