What Makes our Hardwood Eco-Friendly?

It’s not enough to say that you’re product is eco-friendly. People want, and deserve, proof. However, it is getting harder for all of us to cut through the marketing hype to see products for what they really are, not what you are told they are. So….with that said, what does that have to do with decking?

We received a phone call the other day from someone who was fed lies. They were told by someone trying to sell them thousands of dollars in composite decking that “anyone who buys hardwood decking from countries like Brazil are helping kill off the rain forest. ” This person was shopping around and asked us point blank, “How can I be sure that the hardwood you sell is really eco-friendly?”

At Advantage, we LOVE getting questions like this. Here’s our response:

Read more

Pool Decking Options

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 …

Read more

Brazilian Cumaru – Comparable to Teak, with Better Qualities

Brazilian Cumaru Hardwood Decking
Cumaru provides the perfect foundation to your outdoor deck.

Cumaru is a Brazilian hardwood with more benefits than Teak.

Cumaru:

  • Is more affordable than teak, ipe, and synthetic plastic decking
  • Gives you more color variety than teak and ipe with a mix of reddish brown and golden hues
  • Is an excellent all-weather hardwood that can last well over 50 years
  • Does not need constant, if any, maintenance at all
  • Offers great slip resistance and won’t heat up like plastic composite decking
  • Is as durable as it is beautiful

    Read more

Cumaru Is A Brazilian Teak That Rivals Ipe Decking

Cumaru aka Brazilian Teak is the perfect alternative to ipe. With comparable durability and strength, Cumaru wood is ideal for anyone who wants a cheaper option than ipe and who also wants decking that is lighter. Cumaru is also more readily available and just as eco-friendly. Buffalo, NY (Vocus) July 29, 2010 Advantage Lumber, LLC …

Read more

FSC Certified Wood Species Brazilian Teak, Cumaru, & Tigerwood Boost LEED Green Building

With the supply of certified FSC wood like ipe in short supply, species like FSC Brazilian Teak & Tigerwood are gaining favor amond architects, planners, and contractors that specialize in green building. By expanding the amount of available Brazilian hardwoods to the market, the strain on other FSC wood options like ipe can be alleviated. …

Read more

Brazilian Teak aka Cumaru – Ipe’s Little Brother Grows Up!

Brazilian Teak
Brazilian Teak aka Cumaru is one of nature's most durable and beautiful decking materials.

Not many people know this, but Brazilian Teak aka Cumaru has very similar properties to ipe. With a Janka hardness rating of 3540, Brazilian Teak is almost as strong as ipe and is a lot more affordable, too!

By far, the biggest reason why Cumaru is gaining in popularity is the cost.

Read more