Want to increase the value of your home? Build a deck!

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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).

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Common Ipe Decking Problems

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

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How To Build Better Stairs for Your Deck

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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.

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Is Cumaru the New Ipe?

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Cumaru isn’t exactly the new kid on the block in the exotic decking neighborhood, but it has recently become the choice of wood for many designers, architects, and contractors. Its versatility, color, and similarity to Ipe has allowed Cumaru to be used for residential and commercial applications. Cumaru is very comparable to Ipe, differing by …

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Brazilian Hardwood Decking

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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

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Do You Need Frost Footings For Your Stairs?

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Frost footings help keep post movement down, whether it's on your deck posts or stair posts.
Frost footings help keep post movement down, whether it’s on your deck posts or stair posts.

Traditionally, deck stairs land directly on a patio made of concrete, stone, or a material other than soil to prevent rot and decay. These landings can shift freely with frost movement. Frost movement is the rise and fall of the soil due to underground water freezing and expanding. Recently there have been some concerns regarding frost movement and the stair’s ability to withstand the fluctuations. Typically, stairs have more freedom of movement than the deck, but some builders argue the stairs should be supported just like the deck. This topic is a grey area because it all depends on each deck’s situation.

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