When you choose a durable and long-lasting hardwood such as ipe for your deck, you can enjoy your outdoor space for decades. You won’t have to worry about extensive and costly maintenance or replacing it within just a few years. However, installing ipe decking is not as simple as installing a typical wood deck. It requires expertise and the correct tools to ensure it’s built well. You also have to use the highest quality boards.
At ABS Wood, we are committed to bringing only carefully selected premium
grade ipe wood decking. We sell FSC ipe to
show our commitment to helping sustainably managed forests. Our expert team can
help you with material selection based on your project. We want to ensure you
are getting the most value from our products. So, for this blog, we want to
share the common mistakes you must avoid in ipe
decking installation to help you plan your project accordingly.
Using
standard tools
Ipe is so
hard no wood-destroying organisms like pine beetles and fungus can bite into
it. How hard is it? It’s 3680 lb on the Janka scale. Given this feature, you
need carbide-tipped tools and the sharpest brand saws. 80 teeth should be ideal
for a smooth and clean cut every time. For a smoother finish, use 80 grit on
your orbital sander.
Not
pre-drilling
Installing
an ipe wood decking is not as
straightforward as an ordinary deck. We recommend pre-drilling the wood for
screws and having extra bits on hand, just in case.
Not
getting the necessary permits.
One of the
worst mistakes you could make is proceeding with ipe decking installation without checking
if you need to get a permit for the job. If you violate local building codes,
prepare to pay hefty fines or tear down what you have already built. Plus,
building out of code makes it challenging to sell your home down the line. So,
take the time to check for the necessary permits and secure them on time for a
smooth sailing project and to avoid any delays.
Using
inappropriate post footers
You need
reliable post footers for ipe wood decking, especially when your area experiences extreme freeze-thaw
cycles. Ensure the post holes are four feet deep to prevent
sagging, shifting, and leaning over time. Plus, consider using post stirrups.
These will go deeper into the ground into the concrete to prevent moisture
buildup and keep the wood posts above ground.
Not
making it level
It sounds
simple, but not everyone builds a level deck from the get-go. As a result, they
had to make some adjustments down the road. Save time and effort by ensuring
the ipe decking installation
is level from the start.
Inadequate
posts and support joists
The amount
of posts and support joints varies depending on the size of your deck and the
weight it must support. Ensure there’s enough for the size and weight of your ipe wood decking to avoid problems down the
road. When in doubt, you can always ask professionals like us for advice.
Using
low-quality attachment methods
Another
common deck installation mistake is using inefficient attachment practices. In ipe decking installation, you should avoid
screwing the support beams onto the sides of the posts. It’s best to groove out
the post’s top part and firmly rest the beam on it. Otherwise, use the correct
mounting brackets.
Additionally,
some builders make the mistake of using inadequate metal hardware that is more
prone to rusting. Because of this, their deck gets rust stains and develops
poor structural integrity that compromises safety.
Forgetting
the railing
Some
homeowners believe railings and handrails are not a big deal, but these
structures increase the safety of your deck. Don’t wait until someone gets in
an accident or has to pay hefty fines for violating building codes. At ABS
Wood, we offer different deck railings to meet your personal preferences and
design goals.
Ready
to build your ipe deck?
Get a quote
for ipe wood decking materials here at
ABS Wood. You can also call us at 352-508-4990 or
404-549-4840 for advice
about ipe decking installation.
Source: https://abswood.com/blog/garapa-wood-for-outdoor-furniture-a-stylish-and-durable-choice/
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