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.

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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.       

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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WHAT MAKES TIGERWOOD A RELIABLE DECKING MATERIAL?

Throughout the décor world, you will find many credible articles and reliable sources of information about how beautiful Tiger wood is. It is a wood that is so unique in its look and feel that no matter where you use it, the end result will come out to be unbelievably exotic. With its light golden brown hues and alluring black and brown streaks, this wood will become one of the most striking addition possible for your home. However, this blog covers some more interesting features of Tiger wood, i.e. the mettle this wood is made of that turns this to a reliable decking material for use in home.

Hardness

Tigerwood possesses a Janka hardness rating of 2016lbf. It is harder than maple and oak and possesses a higher degree of strength and robustness. Decking made from this wood will not buckle under pressure and will provide you with a 30+ year lifespan that is more than what you can expect from any other outdoor decking material.

Durability

Tigerwood is one of the most resistant materials that you will find for use in outdoor construction. It is so hard that most Wild Destroying Organisms are unable to find any traction in this wood, making it impossible for them to harm it in any way. Fungus, rot, pine borers, termites, decay, moisture damage - Tigerwood resists them all, making it the most reliable choice of material for your outdoor decking.

Preservation

Another great quality of Tigerwood is how well it can stand up against the sun and the damaging effects of the elements. A simple UV blocker is all you will need to prevent your deck from turning gray and losing that alluring luster that you so love in it. Low maintenance - that is the mantra to remember when using tigerwood as a building material for your deck.

Using it to create an outdoor decking and patio for your house can be the best decision you can make as a homeowner. 

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Why Doesn't Ipe Decking Need Maintenance And Care?

Very few trees and wood are endowed with the qualities that Ipe wood exhibits. This is because of the intrinsic qualities of the wood. The diverse and extreme conditions that exist in the Amazon forests have conditioned most of the flora and fauna to be rugged. And Ipe wood is no exception. Out of the near endless list of climatic conditions and the onslaught of insects, Ipe wood has remained tall, unscathed by the relentless attacks. It is this condition which moves into the furniture made with Ipe. Read on to understand why Ipe requires no maintenance.

Wood so hard, it compares with concrete for fire resistance

The fire rating of Ipe wood is comparable with concrete. Rated A1, in the same category as concrete, Ipe finds its place mainly because of its hardness. The wood is extremely compact, making it difficult for fire to find fodder to burn. This hardness offers it qualities that dispenses with the need for regular maintenance and care.

High density makes its literally bite proof from bugs

The high density of the wood is like compacted wood. Scoring high on the Janka scale with 3680 reading, it literally takes the bite off the bugs. Insects find it impossible to even make headway through the outer layers. This hardness has a quality that makes it maintenance free. For instance, any floor made of other qualities of wood may find scratch marks if heavy objects are dragged across them. Whereas, in the case of Ipe, the surface is scratch resistant, and in the event of an exceptionally sharp object leaving marks, all it takes is a little sander to take off the scratch.

Freedom from preservatives

Ipe wood whether in the forests or in your home does not require preservatives. It takes care of itself, regardless of its location. With density and hardness of levels that compare with other artificial substances, it really is not a wonder that preservatives are not in need. The only requirement would be an UV polisher to help retain the dark brown color and prevent it from aging naturally to a silk patina.

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Ipe Wood: Decking that Adds an Element of Beauty to Your Home

The moniker “Ironwood” may sometimes portray it as wood that can only be used for limited purposes. However, Ipe wood, also known as Brazilian Walnut or Ironwood is actually one of the best materials that can go into furniture, either interior or exterior. Popular all over the world for its unrivaled durability and appearance, Ipe wood is a favorite in Europe, and Asia, not to mention the traditional markets in the U.S. Here is what you need to know about Ipe that can lift the beauty of your home.

Fights WDO without your assistance

You actually need not lift a finger about wood destroying organisms. Ipe wood faces the onslaught of one of the most diverse insect life in the South American forests, standing tall without a scratch. The characteristics of the Ipe wood remain the same even after they have been made into furniture, because of the hardness of wood. Therefore, you need not worry about insects or termites. The only maintenance would be the periodic cleaning to keep the grime and dust away from the wood, apart from polishing in the event of a need to maintain a particular color.

Dark brown shade for rich appearance

Wood that is naturally and elegantly dark in shade lend a touch of royalty to the finished furniture or decking. Ipe wood is brown, inching its way through the color spectrum to darker shades. This makes it wonderful to have as material for furniture. It would be the perfect complement to elegantly arranged spaces and décor. In combination with subdued lighting, Ipe wood can show project royalty in the décor. Over the years, the wood will mature to an appealing silk patina, which can of course be turned back with a layer of polish periodically.

Lasts long, and decomposes without a trace

One of the greatest advantages of Ipe wood is its long lasting quality. It will last really long and when it is time to dispose of the wood, it will settle into the earth totally without a trace. This natural decomposition is a huge fillip to conservation and ecology, by not impacting the soil with the introduction of composites that will reside for years.

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Use Brazilian Walnut Decking To Put a Touch of Lavish Style to Your Outdoor Space

Brazilian walnut wood is a natural choice for its elegance and durability, for fabricating boardwalks, foot bridges and piers. Let us take a deep look at the important attributes of Brazilian Walnut decking in detail.

Decades of Solid performance – Brazilian walnut

Brazilian Walnut plays a vital role in decking and flooring industry and its lumber outlives other choices. Brazilian walnut contains natural tannic acid and oils that makes them highly resistant to decay, termite attack, and other voracious insects.  Another important aspect about the hardness of the wood is the heartwood. The best quality heartwood can enhance the sturdiness and is relatively more resilient to of the vagaries of nature. The most important aspect of Brazilian Walnut is its fire resistance. Janka scale rating is one of the standardized and acknowledged methods to check the hardness of wood. If the rating indicates near zero then the wood is very soft and completely unsuitable as a flooring material. Janka hardness of Brazilian Walnut is 3600 lbs which serves as the evidence of high ranking quality.

An extremely dense grained wood, it offers an appearance that is deep rich brown with a combination of red and tanned shades. When it is freshly milled it displays a colorful combination of shades. The grains on Brazilian walnut can be straight to irregular strokes. The intrinsic qualities of Brazilian walnut by itself improve the stylish look of the decked outdoor.

Proper maintenance to extend the lifespan

Though Brazilian walnut is recognized for its durability, routine maintenance is necessary to keep the deck beautiful and brand new. Water repellent wood preservative should be applied to protect the wood surface from weather and fine splits. Leading manufacturers promote oil-based penetrating stain for hardwood decking. Brazilian Walnut is one among the finest quality wood in timber industry. Globally, the demand for Brazilian Walnut is increasing steadily. It offers the chance to design and execute a perfect outdoor setting to enjoy and to impress visitors. The finish, the grain and the durability of the wood, makes it the ideal material for outdoor décor. 

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Garapa Decking -That Will Last And Look Great

Ever thought of giving a contemporary touch to your outdoor decor within budgets? The best option is to choose Garapa hardwood. Also known as ‘Brazilian Ash’, it possesses qualities of high density and natural durability.  

Reasons to choose Garapa decking

Garapa is premium quality hardwood that highlights pale yellow and vibrant golden brown shades. The bold hues with fine grains affordable cost are one among the many reasons to go with Garapa.  Garapa offers high resistance rate to fine splits, twisters, decay and fire as well. Due to its natural tannic acid contents and oiling, it is a great choice in the fight against termite attack.

Hardness of Garapa wood puts it on the leaderboard

Janka hardness is the most accurate attribute used to check the hardness of wood. Garapa’s janka hardness is around 1631, effectively meaning that Garapa is 26% harder than Red Oak. The bending strength of Garapa is around 12,000 PSI. Garapa decking is strong enough to hold the greater stretch with little or no bending. It actually offers a certain degree of bounce during movement on the Garapa Deck.

Requires minimal maintenance

Garapa wood is the easiest to maintain. Exposed to various natural elements, the Garapa wood acquires a pale silvery shade, dispensing with the need for a sealer. Garapa requires no chemical treatments, which actually is the primary reason for many to come forward in choosing it for decking material.  Garapa is naturally resistant to scratches and sanding all over its body. An added advantage of Garapa is the number of years of lifespan. It offers an astounding 30 plus years of lifespan without the need for any preservatives which is effectively, one of the most pocket friendly products.

The choice of Garapa wood for decking will eventually turn out to be one of the best choices. Mainly because of its affordability and reliability.  It adds a stunning look to the backyard and improves the overall appearance.  The shades can create many combinations under different lighting angles and be a feast for the eyes of viewers.

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Cumaru Decking Delivers Superior Performance Outdoors

When you want to add some more space or character to your house, the first thing you would want to consider is the outdoor flooring, that is, the decking. As outdoor living is becoming a more popular trend, every house owner is beginning to add this feature to their homes. The housing market has left no stone unturned taking advantage of this trend by coming up with huge varieties of decking boards to satisfy the demands of customers. But when the talk is about exterior decking, Cumaru decking delivers superior performance outdoors.

What makes Cumaru wood so advanced?

Its advantages are plentiful, to begin with:

• It is environment friendly as it is responsibly harvested from managed forests.

• It is a low cost alternative to expensive dense wood - Ipe.

• It is low maintenance and has a natural resistance to insects and decay.

• It is reddish brown in color, which adds a vibrant tone to your exterior.

• It is free of knots and splinters, and that is why it offers optimum performance when installed outdoors.

Cumaru fundamentally comes from South America, primarily from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Guyana. It can be a great choice for your residential or commercial projects. However, if you want your Cumaru decking to last longer, just make sure that it is kiln dried. In fact, a kiln dried Cumaru is likely to be more stable and consistent than air dried Ipe. 

Hope that helps! Have a happy summer.

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Ipe Wood - Decking You Don't Have To Replace For Your Lifetime

Many of you would be making plans to build new decks or renovate the old ones. But, the hardest thing about decking is choosing the right decking material, which is available in a number of options, including wood and synthetic materials. But you would want something that has an amazing strength, natural beauty, and extreme durability, wouldn’t you? That is what marks the best choice to Ipe wood - the decking that you don't have to replace for your lifetime.

Learn why Ipe is a best choice among decking materials:

• Strength: Ipe hardwood is addressed to be “tough as nails” by the Wall Street Journal because of it being one of the densest wood species. It is impervious to spoilage, so it has stable and highly mechanical quality.

• Durability: it is eco-friendly and sustainable and naturally resistant to insects and mildew. It expands and contracts less than other materials and can last for 50 years or longer.

• Cool surfaces: Ipe wood reflects heat rather than absorbing it and retains less heat than its plastic counterparts, which means it will stay cool in summer. 

• Low maintenance: Ipe wood's structure guarantees that you don't need to invest much time and energy in keeping up your deck. If you wish you can simply wash it annually with hydrogen peroxide based cleaner to remove grime and mold spores.

Consider it to be an elegant and low maintenance solution for your summer and fall oasis!

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Brazilian Teak Decking - Choosing the Right One Makes All the Difference

Brazilian Teak Decking is also termed as Cumaru Decking, is the most exotic and ultra-low maintenance decking used worldwide. Decks that are crafted out of Brazilian Teak decking are commonly loved by people who value those special moments they spend in their backyard or patio or any other outdoor living area. No wonder Brazilian teak decking is one of the most preferred among homeowners, constructors and developers due to its amazing and unique benefits. But making the right choice is all that makes the difference. One wrong decision on color, type or strength can ruin your deck’s beauty and durability. So while selecting one of the most reliable decking materials for your home, consider looking at some of the points below.

Gorgeous Look and feel: Installing Brazilian Teak decking gives a great visual appeal. Cumaru comes in a medium red-brown color, and is derived from the heart of the Cumaru tree very precisely. Rustic grade Cumaru is a rare one that offers a truly distinguished look to your home. Select the one that is better in color and grade, although clear grade is the most popular by far.

Robust and sturdy: Brazilian Teak Decking is nearly as hard as Ipe/Brazilian Walnut but far better than Red Oak and Santos Mahogany. Cumaru pulls in a 3540 rating on the Janka Hardness scale. This strength allows Brazilian Teak Decking to withstand heavy denting, traffic and scratching, making it robust and reliable for all your floorings.

Eventually, choosing the right one depending on the points discussed, like durability, strength, availability, colors and more will make your buy easy.

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Ipe Decking - Flooring with a Special Flair

The trend of designing a beautiful deck for a house has caught on and stuck with the public in full vigour. The beautification that a well-chosen decking offers to homeowners is incomparable. The increasing demand for good quality decking has led to innovations in the industry where decking material is concerned. One of the most popular decking materials is the Ipe wood. In this blog, you shall learn how Ipe decking is a flooring with a special flair.

Reason #1: The wood

Ipe is a kind of wood that hails from South and Central America. It is a hard wood with Janka rating of 3680 lbs. This being said, there is actually no competitor out there which offers such a hardness at highly competitive prices of the finished product.

Reason #2: Charm value

The dark brown to reddish hues of this wood will leave you spellbound. You can procure different shades of the wood to achieve a strikingly hued deck. It allows for such flexibility in design that the competitor woods stand no chance against Ipe.

Reason #3: Safety, hand-in-hand

The unique grain structure and color of this wood are not all the appeals it has. Ipe decking has an A1 fire rating which makes it equivalent to concrete when it comes to resisting fires. Its natural oils and dense grain make it strong and long-lasting.

Where else will you find a wood that offers chicness in combination with long life and safety?

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