Planning to Install Ipe Wood Decking in your Home

Ipe wood is commonly known as Brazilian walnut wood and is also one of the sturdiest types of wood due to its high density. It is a tropical hardwood and is a naturally superior variety, that's harder than oak. Wood decking are mostly ones that are used outdoor and are extension of a floor and expected to sustain weight. 

When planning to install decking in your home, the following points has to be considered:

• Decking has to be chosen according to whether it is needed indoors or outdoors.

• The esthetics of the decking has to be decided, and wood can be chosen accordingly

• If it is planned for outdoors, the stability and resistance to molding must be high. The chosen wood should be easy to maintain

• Tropical hardwoods like Ipe are of a higher quality than pressure treated lumber. It is more resistant against warping, cracking and needs less maintenance than PT lumber.

• The wood needs to be checked for resistance to termites, insects and rot. These can wreak havoc on the decking and deem it useless. 

Aesthetically, it gives a rich appearance, similar to that of mahogany but with a more reddish crimson tinge.

It is hard to stain these woods and only an oil based stain could penetrate easily. All woods are prone to forming a grayish tint when left outdoors due to sun exposure. This can be avoided by treating Ipe wood to a UV blocking finisher.

Proven advantages:

o Sturdy

o Good esthetics

o Insect resistant

o Very hard

o No preservation required

With the above mentioned facts, it is easy to decide on Ipe as the material of choice for decking as pros obviously outweigh the cons. The decking area can be lined with specific length hardwood boards rather than random. This makes for a professional and neat finish.

One has to approach companies dealing with premium quality hard woods and not settle for B grade wood due to lower cost as it will cost you in the long run. Also, you need to search for companies that provide wood deck support as they would deal with any queries regarding your deck.

Installing Ipe wood for decking from a professional dealer will ensure a sturdy, good looking decking that will last you a lifetime. The finish, the texture, the feel, and the quality of the wood lend an excellent finish to the decking.

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Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Decking

When it comes to wood, maintenance is essential to ensure that the wood does not lose its looks. Exposure to extreme climatic conditions may sometimes lead some types of wood to lose their shape, dimensions, etc. To preserve that exquisite look on decking for a long time, it is essential to maintain the hardwood. Read on to learn a few tips on how to maintain hardwood decking. A poorly maintained hardwood deck will have a lackluster appearance.

Use finishers to inhibit UV

In order to ensure that the wood has a natural finish, you can look at using a good finisher. This UV inhibitor can help prolong the life and looks of hardwood decking. While applying the coat ensure that you do not apply a layer that is too thick. This will rob the wood of its appearance. Whenever the hardwood requires a recoat, the surface is to be cleaned thoroughly, and the recoat applied.

Restoring wood look to weathered gray appearance

Natural weathering may result in the wood getting a gray appearance. Restoring it requires the application of a brightener. This will lift the gray film that settles over the wood, restoring it to its normal wood look.  These brighteners come with instructions on how to get a finished wood appearance. Following that will help fetch the best results. Use only cleaners or brighteners that have been recommended for use with the hardwood.

What you need to avoid

Knowing what’s not good for hardwood decks is important. Cleaning the decks should never involve the use of substances that contain acrylics or urethane polish. Cleaning should never be attempted through the use of hard surfaces or materials such as steel wool, scouring powders etc. Any cleaning substance that has a high concentration of lemon, citrus oil, tung oil or silicon should never be used to clean the hardwood surface. By avoiding the above substances, you can give a long lease of life to the surface.

A lot of effort and thought may have gone into the hardwood decking on your property. Zero maintenance and improper maintenance actually amount to one and the same. Therefore, it is essential you carry out periodic maintenance, in the proper manner with the right material. For a timeless appearance you need to hit the right combination. That is, the right choice of hardwood decking, the best design/layout and the right maintenance.  

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How to Choose the Right Quality Deck Material?

Decking is usually an extension of the floor to the outdoor and placed at a height from the ground. It is mainly made of three materials

• Wood

• Composite

• Pressure treated lumber

Out of these three, naturally formed are the hardwood and the pressure treated lumber. Let’s view each type briefly:

• Pressure treated lumber:

This type is very inexpensive but susceptible to warping, splintering and cracking. The maintenance also is very high as it is prone to weather damage. It is mostly used to form the framework of the deck and sometimes the outer portion too. But it does not give a high aesthetic appeal of other woods. It is economic and readily available. It is also easy to cut and fasten with screws.

• Composite material:

This type is manmade- it is an amalgamation of wood fibers and recycled plastic. It has extended longevity and very low maintenance in comparison with PT Lumber. It does not warp, crack or split. The installation price for composite is far more than wood. It softens and droops over time at the joints. 

• Wood:

If the esthetics of decking is the primary concern, wood would be the ultimate choice

There are three types- softwood, pressure treated lumber and hardwood.

o Softwood

It is mainly cedar and redwood. These are naturally superior woods and are light. With the correct ratio of heartwood to sapwood, it is a very dimensionally and structurally stable choice. It does not shrink or warp with climatic changes. It requires constant maintenance. If stained and weather proofed it can sustain all weathers.

o Hardwood

These are mostly found in tropical and are namely Ipe, teak, tiger wood, cumaru, massaranduba.

These are the perfect combination of stunning looks of wood and superior durability.

They are very hard and dense making it naturally resistant to rot and insects. The vibrant colors and grainy textures add an unparalleled esthetic element to the entire property. It just has to be weather proofed every three to four years, and it can last for a lifetime.

The criteria to look for while selecting the decking material:

1. Durability - it needs to have longevity  as it is an investment in property

2. Maintenance - one has to decide the maintenance they are willing to put in for the decking

3. Budget - while deciding the material, one has to choose based on the cost. This not only includes initial costs, but the maintenance and weather-proofing costs also need to be included.

4. Location - while choosing the deck material you also need to consider the weather condition and the location. This will help you choose the appropriate material.

Based on all these criteria, one can determine the appropriate material of choice for their decking to ensure long lasting and sturdy decking.

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Cedar Wood Deck - Most Stylish and Durable Decking

Cedar decking is a softwood which is considered to be naturally superior for decking. They are natural, rich in color, grained and renowned for its natural beauty. 

They are preservative free and contain natural oils that make it resistant to insects and rotting.

  

There are four types of cedar wood that are used:

• Architect clear

• Custom clear

• Architect knotty 

• Custom knotty

These types are listed in the order of being most expensive and clear to less expensive and knotty appearance.

Cedar wood is generally very resistant to insect infestation. But, it is directly proportional to the content of heartwood in the wood board. Heart wood is mainly the wood closer to the core of the tree. It is hard and resistant to decay and insects.  Whereas sapwood is towards the periphery of the tree. It is softer and could be prone to decay.

To maintain the natural color of the wood, one has to apply a stain. If not, the woods tend to turn grey. Power washing must be done every year and a finishing every three years to maintain the vibrant hue.  A wood repellent preservative needs to be applied to protect the board from effects of weather. Cedar wood has amazing dimensional stability- this means that the wood does not change shape or size in extreme weather conditions.

It is a porous light weight wood, so it has high insulating properties. Generally cedar decking is sold in length of 6 feet and width of four to six inches. It is generally used for the visible part of the decking. Due to its soft nature, it may not be an ideal choice when it comes to use as a framework.

Summarizing the amazing benefits of cedar wood

• It upgrades any outdoor project with its appealing esthetics

• Cedar has natural oils making it bug resistant. As the wood ages, oils build up more creating a beautiful look

• Cedar decking is grown and processed locally in the U.S. 

• Cedar should be sealed every two to three years

• It is durable and offers an elite look to the decking area.

• Dimensionally stable

Cedar wood would be the ultimate style statement to any home due to its characteristic appearance and vibrant color. With their favorable properties, it makes it a wise investment for the long haul adding value to the property, in addition to lending a timeless charm.

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Things to Know When Choosing Teak Wood for Decking Floor

Teak Wood – often considered to be one of the most valuable of timbers, is definitely the top material to use for constructing the floor of your home deck. It is recognized worldwide for its durability and strength and is actually the most preferred material for constructing ships where the wood is subjected to heavy wear and tear and tough weather conditions. If you are planning to choose Teak Wood for decking floor construction, here is a list of things that you should be aware of:

• Teak is a beautiful wood type, perfect for use in a variety of applications. This fine grained wood has an even texture and medium luster. 

• High quality teak is available in yellow to dark golden brown hues which often takes on a silvery and grayish appearance upon aging.

• It is a highly durable and strong wood type – perfect for use in outdoor construction and installations like patios and backyard decks. 

• Teak is one of the few timber types that can even withstand the heat of a desert – so no need to worry about your deck bleaching away in the sun! It can easily withstand the effects of sun, rain, frost as well as snow.

• Teak wood is moderately hard with increased shock absorption, excellent decay resistance and reliable dimensional stability. It doesn’t catch fire readily which is an added safety feature.

• Treating teak with oils and other chemicals is generally not required. While its color will change over time, teak flooring will retain its strength and resistance for many years to come without much maintenance needed.

• Teak also has a high natural oil content which gives it a unique aroma, often comparable to leather. The inherent oil also makes the wood water, rot as well as insect resistant. Termites won’t be able to damage your deck made of teak wood.

• Teak wood is costly, considering the fact that this timber naturally grows in very few parts of the world like India, Thailand, Malaysia and Central America. However the benefits offered by the wood definitely make it a worthy choice for use as decking floor.

• Even your carpenter will be happy using teak wood to construct your home deck. The wood yields well to manual and machine cutting, turning and carving. Staining and finishing is also easy.

So go ahead without any fears – you are definitely making the right choice by using teak wood for your decking floor.

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Cedar Wood: Adding Beauty to Porches, Patios and Decks

Planning to get build a new porch, deck or patio in your property? If yes, then you must be utterly bamboozled right now, trying to figure out which wood type will be best suited for the construction. This blog post is here to help you make the right choice! Out of numerous varieties of wood available, cedar wood is most preferred by homeowners and designers due to its versatility and durability. If your requirements include elegant looks, exotic colors and an increased lifespan for your porch, patio or deck, then cedar wood will prove to be the top choice for your needs. Here’s why: 

Cedar is cited as one of the most widely used wood types for outdoor furniture and installations. It is ideal for porches, patios and decks due to its quality of being strong, damage resistant, versatile and durable. Have a look at some of the features of cedar wood that makes it an ideal choice to add beauty and elegance to your porches and patios.

• It ages very gracefully into an even more exotic color and finish.

• It is highly durable and stable 

• Cedar wood is not prone to warping or sagging 

• It is less expensive than teak and is lighter than oak

• It is naturally resistant to decay, water and bugs 

• Highly recommended for porches as they offer everlasting look and sturdiness

• Cedar wood has natural oils that provide a lovely fragrance as well. 

Cedar wood is valued for its strength and resilience and is an excellent choice for creating alluring patios, beautiful porches and robust decks in properties. The amazing qualities and features of cedar make it the most suitable wood for adding beauty to your backyard.  

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05 Tips for the Better Maintenance of Ipe Deck

There are ample options and choices for hardwood flooring and home décor available in the market these days. One of most the widely used varieties however, is the exotic Ipe hardwood – a decking material that is highly preferred by contractors, designers and homeowners alike. Ipe decking is unbelievably strong and impenetrable, while being resistant to rot, ants, termites and mold. With these stunning characteristics, the wood also demands proper maintenance and care. Here are 5 tips for the proper maintenance of your Ipe deck.

Tip 1.

It is always recommended to apply a coat of sealing agent on the wood while installing an Ipe deck in your home. A good sealant will certainly safeguard your Ipe deck against water decay, keeping the surface smooth and scratch free.

Tip 2.

While Ipe is highly resistant towards damage and rot, you should still apply proper finishing and varnish onto the wood to create a protective layer on the same. Choose a good quality water-seal product to get best results.

Tip 3.

The deadly effect of UV rays can cause your Ipe Deck to lose some of its brilliance and allure. To avoid such damage, apply a UV-inhibiting sealant and oil finish on the wood to preserve its natural look.

Tip 4.

Take proper care of your Ipe deck by preventing stains as well as unnecessary accumulation dirt or dust. If you accidentally spill something on the wood, immediately clean it off with a soft brush or cloth. 

Tip 5.

Lastly, regular care and maintenance is a must to preserve the original look and feel of your Ipe Deck. Make sure you carefully clean it on a recurring basis and closely examine the same for any signs of damage so as to take corrective action at the right time.

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Adding the Beauty of Tiger Wood Decking To Your Home

When it comes to adding a deck to your home, one of the most baffling choices will be selecting the material to construct the structure with. While most homeowners begin their deck construction plans thinking of using composite materials, wood emerges as the clear and more preferable choice in the end. And anyone who has checked the market for decking wood varieties will find Tiger Wood to be the most suitable option to choose. Adding the beauty of Tiger Wood decking to your home will definitely make your backyard come alive with style and elegance. Here’s why:

When it comes to choosing the right wood for constructing a deck in your home, low maintenance and increased strength will be your top priorities and Tiger Wood definitely checks out on both these requirements. This hardwood type is extremely durable, naturally strong, hard as well as rot and scratch resistant, making it the perfect choice for construction of outdoor structures like decks and patios.

But the real value of Tiger Wood lies in its exotic look and appeal. With its red, brown and amber hues, Tiger Wood will make your backyard deck extremely stunning and alluring. Its innate black striping definitely catches the eye. In fact, companies have created wood stains just to mimic its unique appearance – a fact that speaks volumes about the true beauty of genuine Tiger Wood. Using it to construct a deck in your property will give you everything that a homeowner could possibly expect – strength, durability, low maintenance, lasting construction and a striking look that is truly unmatched.

What more can you ask for! When it comes to building decks, there is simply no better choice than the glamorous and beautiful Tiger Wood.

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Different Lumber Choices for Trailer Decking

Trailer floor decking can be done using various types of wood. The choice of the material is dependent on factors such as the type of goods the trailer will carry, whether it will operate on the interstate or will it deliver goods from the container depot to the dock or airport and back. The weather also has a role to play here. For instance, whether you want a wood that is water and mold resistant, or you want something that can withstand extreme heat. The choice of the wood is determined by all these factors, in addition to your budget and business practices.

A few choices of wood are described here so you can choose the correct lumber for trailer decking.

Southern Yellow Pine: Used to create a standard pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine lumber, the tree is found in the southern region of the United States. The lumber has a high load bearing capacity. It is one of the hardest pines and provides good trailer floor decking, though the lumber has knots.

Douglas Fir: The lumber from this tree is known for its dimensional stability. It is sourced from the Western United States. It is a strong wood and has natural rot resistance. It is a low priced wood but can again have some knots in certain places. The knots are less than those found in Yellow Pine trees. The trick is to choose lumber with no or minimal knots.

Cotton Wood: The cotton wood lumber is one of the lightest and cheapest options available in the market, with trailer makers preferring the white poplar variety. The fact that the lumber does not splinter makes it a better choice than hardwood lumber. However, the life of this lumber is very less, sometimes as low as 2 years.

Oak: It is considered the toughest flooring choice for trailers. It is more durable than Standard Pine and Douglas fir though also costlier. White oak is a popular choice among trailer owners.

Apitong: This variety is a popular choice due to its hardness that makes it great for rough use. Also known as Keruing, the lumber from this tree is harder than Oak and Southern Pine lumber and almost three times stronger than both of them. However, it is also heavy and not easy to install on the trailer – but can last for years once installed.

Blackwood: This lumber is often used as an upgraded wood. It is upgraded with high-quality rubber infused panels. It goes under a computerized process in which the warping is minimized. It is safer to use and provides extra traction while loading or unloading.

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Classic and Stylish Cedar Timber

Real cedar timber can be the right material for your building project. It highly admired – not only by business customers and homeowners – but also by builders as it has natural defense system against rot, molds, and insects and looks great on top of that. It leads to a construction that is highly durable and beautiful.

Using real cedar timber has many advantages. Here is a brief look at some of them:

Beauty: When it comes to adding a charm of its own to a home, there is no substitute to cedar timber. It has a crisp tone with elegant natural beauty. You can do almost any flooring or decking experiment with it. Whether it is outdoor gazebos, inspiring traditional home décor or cutting-edge architecture, real cedar helps make elegant dreams and designs come true.

Versatility: Western red cedar is pitch and resin free. This means you can give it a wide range of finishes easily. You can opt for elegant dark stains, chic bleaches, traditional solid colors and naturally beautiful semi-transparent shades. Cedar offers a wide range of lumber dimensions, surface textures and various grades of quality that suit very budget. It does not matter what type of finish and dimension you want, real cedar has everything for your needs.

Sustainability: Studies have proven that when it comes to surviving the weather, natural products such as cedar are far better than artificial ones. Natural cedar wood is superior in every possible way. It does not change its dimensions according to the weather. It is not affected by humidity or dryness, summer or winter. Though, many types of wood warp in humid conditions, cedar stays exactly the same. Its wood products can be painted or stained but they do not lose their grained appearance and structure.

Optimal for Homes: Cedar is a porous material and also a great insulator. This makes it a perfect choice for household projects. Porous wood absorbs noise and stays cool in the harsh heat.

Environment-friendly: Western red cedar is eco-friendly. Unlike other building materials, cedar is biodegradable and recyclable. It does not affect the balance of nature at all because it is extracted from the most sustained forests in the world.

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What Makes Ipe Wood Decking Best for Outdoor Use?

Ipe is a special and unique type of tropical wood that is found only in South and Central America. As compared to the other decking materials, ipe is much stronger and resistant to pests and weather. It has a natural dark red and brown color that many people prefer, though you can also go for more intense and darker shades if you want to. Some homeowners simply seal it without adding any stain or color to enjoy its natural shade.

Apart from the hardwood, an ipe deck consists of many other materials such as concrete, ledgers, beams, bolts, etc. and cost of all these materials are added to the cost of overall decking. Many owners play safe and use other hardwoods for beams and other things and ipe as a surface material. This lowers the overall cost and also gives the deck a wonderful look.

Here some factors that make ipe one of the best woods for outdoor usage:

Rugged and Durable: Ipe is one of the world’s densest woods due to its dense cellular structure. It is a rugged wood that is resistant to rot, mold, insects like termites, and even fire. The wood does not even need any external treatment to help it repel pests. The reason it is so resistant is because of its natural oils and dense cellular structure. Its expansion and contraction ratio is lesser than any other material. All these benefits result in a wood that is not only good looking but can also outlast other decking options.

Low Maintenance: Ipe wood decking is a low maintenance surface. Though not necessarily needed, you can, for additional protection, seal it with a rose oil based sealant like penofin and wash it annually with a hydrogen peroxide based cleaner. The cleaner will remove the grime and mold spores. If you want to maintain its natural brown patina you can apply a coat of penofin after the annual cleaning.

Non-Slippery Surface: Ipe decking is non-slippery due to its cellular structure. This makes the wood extremely useful in places that are close to pools or as outdoor decking in areas that see frequent rainfall.

Cool Surface: Ipe wood retains lesser heat than its counterparts and remains cool even in harsh summers. It also develops far lesser cracks than other woods so you do not have to worry about any splintering.

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Brazilian Harwood Decking – Highly Durable and Fungi-Resistant

Brazilian hardwood is world renowned for its strength, elegant looks, and durability. It is found in the northern regions of South America, and has become a popular choice as people become more aware of its quality and features. The wood is harder than regular teak wood and also less expensive. It comes in natural shades of red-brown and yellow-brown that can go with almost all kinds of decorative themes. It does not require any artificial staining because of its unusual but exquisite natural shades.

It has a tight, dense and fine grain structure that makes it resilient and stronger than red oak wood. It has a natural oil build-up that inhibits moisture from entering inside the layers. It can be used in humid areas because of its dense structure and remains immune to any damage from moisture. It is also easy to clean – a definite plus for the owner.

Besides its regular yellow-brown and red-brown colors, the hardwood sometimes comes with dark mahogany colors and dark black stripes. These shades are natural but rare. If left untreated, the wood develops a natural patina with age. Water based urethanes are considered best for cleaning this glaze.

Here are some important advantages of Brazilian Hardwood for you to consider if you are looking for a tough but beautiful wood for your deck:

• It has a lower total cost than composite decking.

• It is naturally resilient to mold, termites, and decay. You do not need to use any toxins and harsh chemicals to keep the pests away.

• It has a minimum lifespan of 30 years if maintained and cleaned properly.

• It is non-slippery, safe and fast drying, unlike any other wood.

• You can opt for various stains and colors to match your interiors or go with the natural finish.

Installing Brazilian hardwood is best left to professionals or seasoned DIY enthusiasts. The reason being that the wood is very hard and needs carbide saws and drill bits to cut or for the saw to penetrate through. Cutting old growth lumber is prohibited due to environmental reasons. As such, the best way to ensure an eco-friendly choice is to choose a supplier who delivers second growth lumber. It is better if the firm has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

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Using Durable Cumaru Decking on the Floor

Cumaru wood is better known as Brazilian or Golden Teak. Being a golden brown hardwood, it is one of the best choices for decking, furniture, flooring, bearings, and handles. The wood is rot and decay resistant and lasts longer than most others. It is a dense wood with Janka hardness of 3,540 (12% m.c.). Its basic specific gravity ranges from .80 to .91. This makes it a good choice for scratch resistant flooring in a house, even in high foot traffic areas.

Cumaru is a popular choice in outdoor decking and gives off the touch of an interior décor style wood finish. The grain of Cumaru wood is coarse, giving a beautiful rich texture on the surface with grain variations. It is a reddish-brown wood that makes the flooring look exceptionally elegant. It is advised to consult an architect and follow the building and construction policies, but there is no reason you should be afraid to experiment with this versatile and strong natural building material. Plan and take a day to understand the quantity and quality requirements and search for available resources. When purchasing Cumaru wood, consult with the seller to know its specifications. If you plan for a DIY decking session, then follow the architect's plan. There are standard variants available with pre-grooved decking. But, professional work ensures a good finish.

Some of the reasons why Cumaru is a great wood for flooring and decking are listed here:

• Density and Durability: It is the second densest hardwood used for decking or flooring. It is decay resistant and has a lifespan of fifty years without any preservatives.

• Appearance and Finishing: Cumaru is a golden brown wood that makes the household or outdoor decking look extraordinarily beautiful. However, being alkaline, not all polishes do well. There are specific oils that work as a polish and can be used after a span or one-two years. Cumaru is best in when used with its natural looks and veining pattern.

• Rot and Decay Resistant: For the wood to be functionally used, it is important to have a variant that is resistant to insects and worms. Further, it should not decay in harsh climatic conditions and local weather changes. Cumaru meets both these requirements.

• Cost: Cumaru wood is of moderate cost and its longevity makes it a better alternative to other tradition decking woods and materials. The overall cost incurred over the complete lifecycle is much lower.

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Advantages of Using Tigerwood Deck for Your Flooring

Tigerwood has become one of the top choices for house owners and builders. It is largely regarded as the finest quality hardwood in the industry. Tigerwood lasts for thirty undisturbed years easily without the need for any preservatives. You can also use pre-grooved tigerwood flooring that is easy to install.

Here are some of the properties that make tigerwood stand on the priority list of the homemakers.

• Durability: Tigerwood resists denting and wear with time. It is a dense and heavy wood with Janka hardness of 2160 and specific gravity of 0.45. Moreover, it is used not only for outdoor railings but also for interior furniture as it resistant to decay and prevents fungal growth naturally without any preservatives.

• Visual Appeal: The wood features light golden and reddish-black color with bold black and brown streaks. This makes for flooring that looks exotic and lavish. Tigerwood is preferred for its dramatic grain patterning that cannot be achieved with any other variant.

• Slip Resistant: Tigerwood flooring gives a fine finish and texture to the surface. Unlike other polished floors, it does not become slippery or glossy. This also complements the furniture well.

• Customized Designs: The woods from different areas show different colors due to the difference in soil and environmental conditions. One can also darken the color of the wood by exposing it to sunlight.

• Dimensional Stability: Tigerwood air dries with only minor warping. It is dimensionally stable and does not shrink or swell in extreme weather conditions. It is resistant to twisting making the floor even more durable.

• Moisture Content: The moisture content helps to determine the longevity of the wood. It makes preservation easy and prolongs its life. Tigerwood’s favorable moisture content makes it viable for import and export as well. For a home, this means years of maintenance free floors and decks.

• Working Experience: Hand tools are not ideal for tigerwood. Pre-drilling and nailing have become a necessity to get the desired finishing. On the flip side, this means that there are almost no mistakes or errors when laying your deck.

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Protect your House from Bugs and Termites with Brazilian Wood Decking Material

When buying wood, one considers various factors. One of the most important considerations is termite resistance. Not all woods attract attacks from termites or bugs. There are some varieties of wood that are safe from the action of termites due to various reasons. For instance, wood treated with cycles of extreme pressure or vacuum blocks the pores of the wood and slow down the decay process. This reduces the likelihood of termite infestation drastically. Another variety of such woods gets its bug-resistant properties from the toxins ones found in the suburban terrain where they grow. They are absorbed into the wood and repel termites and other wood harming bugs.

Depending on the type of furniture, there are different varieties of wood that are best suited for the purpose. Cherry, walnut, and chestnut being hardwoods are typically reserved for furniture and cabinetry. Woods like garapa, jatoba, and tigerwood offer elegance, reliability, and strength that no other decking wood can match. Making the furniture termite resistant frees you from regular investment in furniture and decking repair and maintenance.

While almost all the woods you find can be attacked by termites or bugs, there are some that are naturally resistant to it. The central wood of some trees become less permeable, darker, and dense making the central cells non-living. The most commonly found trees under this category are Redwoods, Laotian teak, and Alaskan cedars. The cellulose content on such tree trunks is minimal thus allowing them to avoid termites to a large extent.

Brazilian hardwoods are particularly renowned for their natural resistance to bugs and termites. In life, they stave off attacks from several hundreds of species of bugs, and as a building material, their resistance ensures your decks and floors remain termite free.

You can make your Brazilian wood decks termite resistant by using chemical mixtures like ACQ, CBA, Borates, etc. On its own, Brazilian hardwoods offer exceptional protection against infestation. When augmented with appropriate chemical treatment, they can last for decades without any need for termite or bug treatment.

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Usage of Brazilian Teak Decking for Swimming Pool

Brazilian Teak wood is a hardwood native to South America. It is extremely dense and five times harder than traditional pine or cedar. Its color and appearance makes it a good choice for swimming pool decking. It gives an elegant finish to the surroundings and blends well in outdoor environments. Its durable properties makes its installation and maintenance economic and hassle free. The wood is termed reliable and untwisted because of its Janka hardness of 1155. Brazilian Teak can be air dried to attain 8-15% moisture content to support easy decking of swimming pools.

How to use Brazilian Teak Decking for Swimming Pool:

Before using the teak wood for swimming pool decking, it is important to equalize the moisture content of the wood with the environment it is going to be in. The process takes some time but gives the deck the desired stability.

• Store the wood in an area with similar moisture content to that of the final installation site, i.e. the swimming pool.

• Stack all the decking boards at an elevated level from the ground to ensure air flow between each layer for wood.

• Ensure that the wood is not covered or trapped. Keeping the wood covered-up generates a greenhouse effect making it deficient in the desired moisture content.

Teak wood decking is an excellent choice for swimming pool decking because of the benefits it offers. Some of these are enumerated here:

• Durability: Teak wood is derived from the matured teak trees and thus it can endure heavy loads and drastic climatic changes.

• Easy Cleaning: Brazilian teak has a smooth finish which makes cleaning and maintenance simple. Simply wiping your decking with warm water will help a great deal.

• Decay Resistant: This wood is resistant to red decay or white fungal decay making it last longer. The traditional teak wood decking lasts for over fifty years without preservatives.

• Appeal: The perfect bold texture and rich coloring complements the swimming pool well and makes the ambiance look elegant and tastefully done.

• Eco-Friendly: Teak tree grows comparatively faster than other decking wood trees. Moreover, teak wood can be reused for other purpose and does not cause any side effect to the environment.

• Worthy Deals: Brazilian teak is a moderately priced wood as compared to other outdoor decking woods. But its maintenance cost and durability makes it worth the investment.

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/usage-brazilian-teak-decking-swimming-pool/

Tips to Help You Understand the Originality of Cedar Wood Decking

While many identify cedar as ideal and premium wood for furniture, it is a proven fact that western red cedar wood is perfect for outdoors, especially decking. This is mainly due to the nature of the heartwood, the color and the reasonable hardness.  Getting the right wood from the right sources is important to ensure that the decking wood will last long and give great value. Here are a few tips that will help you to winnow your choice down to the best grade of cedar wood to grace your outdoors and decking:

Western red cedar from among the different types of cedar available globally

Cedar wood is available in many locations, and known by various names including names such as Chinese incense cedar, Mexican white cedar, Western red cedar etc. Not all the varieties are suitable for decking. Each type meets a specific purpose and the most suitable of these varieties for decking is Western red cedar. This is because decking wood will remain exposed to the elements constantly and thereby should meet certain standard parameters measured through radial and tangential shrinkage etc.  The Western red cedar meets all requirements, qualifying as the most suitable and proven wood for decking and outdoors.

Heartwood of cedar is hard with inbuilt decay fighting qualities

As with all wood, the heartwood of the western red cedar is hardest at the center.  It also possesses amazing inbuilt qualities that fight decay caused through fungi. The hardness of the heartwood and the fungi fighting abilities combine to rendered cedar as a natural choice for decking and outdoors. Additionally, cedar wood has higher shock resisting abilities and greater tensile strength.

Lumber with some of the straightest grains

Cedar has the distinct characteristic of having some of the straightest grains and uniform texture. Not coarse or fine, but even and uniform, this helps in easy handling of the lumber while cutting, sawing etc. Its consistency has rendered it highly resistant to splitting and it has the advantage of favorable ratings during impact bending tests. 

These qualities combine to make cedar wood one of the most sought after wood. Traditionally, cedar has been quoted in historic texts as wood with the highest quality. This is proof of the amazing and incredible characteristics that make it most suitable for use as decking wood and for other outdoor requirements.

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/tips-help-understand-originality-cedar-wood-decking/

Know Why We Use Decking Material for Beach Homes

Simply put, beachfront homes are dream homes. Nothing quite matches the experience of living in a beach home, watching the sun announce the day as it breaks over the horizon or the waves lapping on the shore. It is mesmeric, it is pure joy to possess beachfront property. To be able to enjoy the sights and sounds for a long period, it is essential to ensure that the decking material lasts long. Typical coastal climate will take the sheen out of most material when exposed constantly. We help you refocus on the reasons for choosing a particular type of decking material for beach homes.

High moisture levels in the atmosphere

The air is always heavy near the coast, due to the heavy moisture content. This damp climate, this moisture ridden air will easily sound the death knell for wood or materials not suitable for such harsh climate. The classic category of wood such as Ipe, cedar, redwood, and other Brazilian hardwood have qualities to combat rot naturally, and are popular choices for decking and other surfaces in beach homes.

Constant glare of the sun

With literally no protection, the glare of the sun, coupled with the high reflection from the sea will bleach surfaces and dry them into warped shapes. Hardwood such as Garapa and Ipe are natural choices that stand up to the harsh rays of the sun, primarily because of the nature of the wood.

Salinity that corrodes steadily

Salt water corrosion can take the best surfaces down by constantly and steadily working on the surfaces to degrade, almost as if with a dogged determination.  Hardwood that can withstand rot actually translates into the default choice for decking and other exposed surfaces in beachfront homes. With the right kind of pre-treatment, these rugged varieties will admirably withstand the effects of corrosion.

Winnow choices to the best online timber suppliers

While the internet offers a very wide choice, it is prudent to choose right. Reputed suppliers of timber are without exception large entities, with an extensive range on offer. Ideally such operations would include a string of warehouses spread across the nation. The availability of a comprehensive quality control team in-house will be a reassurance of the timber that is taken on inventory. Always look for a working customer support service from the supplier. This will help you to clear apprehensions or seek clarifications at any stage of your purchase.       

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/know-use-decking-material-beach-homes/

Ipe Decking Wood - Give Your Deck a Facelift

There is near unanimity on how wood elevates decks with texture, grains and hue of nature. Decks have acquired an air of showpiece quality largely due to the visual grandeur of wood.  Ipe decking wood is a popular choice among home owners for a variety of reasons, including durability, appearance, and maintenance and refinishing advantages. Let us draw closer to the amazing features of Ipe wood that will give a timeless charm to your deck, enhancing the overall appearance of your home.

Ipe wood – hardwood that keeps going, naturally

The innate quality of Ipe wood keeps the decking long-lasting, without the need for chemicals. With a consistent hardness that outdoes most of the other varieties of wood, Ipe wood is ideal for use in surfaces that will be constantly exposed to harsh elements of nature.  Known in timber circles as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe wood is tough and extremely durable, will decompose naturally at the end of an amazingly long service.

Exquisite grains and colors to keep you riveted

The main attraction of wood is the grains and the texture. Ipe wood with naturally exquisite grains and texture has a fascinating attraction. Drawing an instant connect with nature, the hues, dark in most instances, are a beauty to behold. Conveying richness of the wood and texture, the dark shade commands respect. Also available in lighter shades and the rare red, Ipe wood is a perfectly natural combination for all design elements and colors.

Extremely and totally resistant to WDO

The number one factor that degrades wood are WDOs that are natural foes of wood.  Ipe wood is one among the few categories of hardwood that are naturally and totally resistant to all wood destroying organisms. With a hardness that makes it difficult for any WDO to inflict any kind of damage, Ipe wood does not require the use of chemicals to keep WDO at bay.  It combats all organisms naturally, whether as a tree or as lumber.

Ipe wood is ideal to adorn residences, and is the preferred choice for decking material. With widespread demand globally, this Brazilian hardwood is renowned both for its tough characteristics and for the stunning appearance it gives to finished surfaces. With minimal maintenance, such as a UV polisher to retain color, this is probably one of the best wood that will outlast most of the other belongings. A simple refinish will restore the naturally graying shade to its pristine original hue.

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/ipe-decking-wood-give-deck-facelift/

Explore Cumaru Wood for Decking

Decking wood needs to meet dual requirements of durability and captivating appearance. Precisely one of the reasons why Cumaru wood is much sought after. With intrinsic qualities of hardwood that has weathered the Amazon climate and a battery of WDOs, coupled with graceful shades and grains, the Cumaru is a winner all the way, adorning decks. A formidable variety of wood among the famed Brazilian hardwood family, Cumaru has complemented homes with great charm and appeal. Let us take a close and informed look at the reasons for the soaring popularity of Cumaru as decking material. 

Impressive scores in radial and tangenital testing for hardness

Originating from the Amazon rainforests, Cumaru wood has a very high rating on the Janka scale. This is primarily because the tree has evolved over generations to become harder and resilient to withstand constant attacks from insects and from the swings in climate.  This has rendered Cumaru wood strong and hard, making it one among the top Brazilian hardwood, which by itself is one of the finest globally. This quality when transferred to decking material makes it highly scratch resistant and extremely durable, easily lasting more than two decades.

Emphasized grains – with a standout quality that is endearing

One of the first observed qualities of wood are the grains. Cumaru has very distinct and special characteristics in grains. They are highlighted and stand out in a manner that is appealing. This distinct quality of Cumaru by itself increases the style quotient and lends an earthy charm to the decked space.

No warping, minimal maintenance

With high levels of dimensional stability, Cumaru wood does not warp over time. Perhaps the only maintenance that may be required will be the application of a UV blocking finisher to keep the wood from graying. This graying of the wood is natural and is common across all categories.  With good modulus of rupture, the wood is reliable and has a high threshold.  The natural resistance of Cumaru wood to all WDOs has made it one of the most durable and cost effective options for decking.

Among the top categories of deciduous trees popularly known as hardwood, Cumaru wood is the perfect foil to decking, which can lend a graceful contrast to dark shade handrails and posts. Executing the right design can very well turn the deck space into the most used location in homes.

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/explore-cumaru-wood-decking/

CYPRESS DECKING: THE BEST ARCHITECTURAL WOOD FOR HOUSING AND OTHER STRUCTURES

No matter if your house is new or old, wooden décor accents are something that needs to be replaced from time to time. When you are out in the market looking for decking material, the most confusing question is what kind of wood do you need to purchase? With so many options out there, what would be the right choice that would stay economical and last long? Weighing all the options can be a frustrating task, surely. So why not leave all the effort behind and choose the best architectural wood for housing and other structures - Cypress! Let’s have a look at what it is all about:

• Cypress is an American product. It is considered as a softwood but is known for its stability and durability. 

• It is naturally resistant to fungus and pests - especially termites, which means you may never have to treat the decking structures made of Cypress with pesticides and harsh chemicals.

• Cypress brings a natural tenacity in structures to stand up against expansion and shrinkage.

• It can be easily stained to contrast or match a house's color scheme and also be sealed with a clear penetrating sealer.

• The wood itself is not as exotic as teak, or aromatic as cedar but it is very cost efficient when compared with composites.

• Other popular options for decking are significantly more expensive. The popular brand of composite decking may cost as much as three times more than cypress.

So, why choose any other material. Go for Cypress decking today! 

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/cypress-decking-best-architectural-wood-housing-structures/