Avoid the Top 5 Ipe Wood Deck Mistakes

Ipe hardwood is native to Central and South America. Ipe decking is said to have inherited the natural properties of the tree in order to make it the toughest as well as the longest-lasting decking material available in the hardwood industry. Although a large number of people nowadays are installing Ipe wood decks by hiring professionals or through DIY methods, it should be made sure that it is being installed properly. So here are the top five mistakes that should be avoided during installation: 

Adequate ventilation:  Be sure you have good ventilation below your deck.  If your deck does not have ventilation, you could get cupping.  Cupping is where the edges of the board “cup” upwards.

Over-application of penetrating oils:

Make sure to wipe off the excess amount of the penetrating oils as Ipe has the tendency to release most of the oil out. The residue left will stay on the surfaceand cause it to be gummy. 

Do not install the decking without applying end seal and allow sufficient time for drying:

Make sure to seal the cut ends with oil or wax on installation and give sufficient time to dry in order extend the life of the finish applied.

Do not avoid its periodic maintenance:

Just like any other material, Ipe also requires to be maintained periodically so as to last longer and give a good performance throughout its lifespan.  Cleaning is all that is needed.  If you desire to keep the natural color than application of Finisher is also needed.

Do not apply finish by sprayer:

Instead of using the sprayer, apply the finish in the old-fashioned way.  Use a long handled brush.  Be sure to wipe any puddling and your deck will look wonderful. 

Make sure you avoid these mistakes while installing your Ipe decking.

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What Do You Mean by Ipe Wood Decking?

When a builder, designer or enterprising do-it-yourself suggests Ipe wood decking for outdoor use, some property owners may find themselves scratching their heads. Although growing rapidly in popularity across the United States, this Brazilian hardwood isn’t known by everyone. Discerning property owners, however, are likely to find that Ipe wood decking is an exceptional investment that can pay off with an anticipated lifespan that goes well beyond other popular decking woods.

Ipe decking may be more commonly recognized by Americans as “Ironwood” or “Brazilian walnut.” This wood has the distinction of being among the hardest on the planet. It is, in fact, three times harder than a typical baseball bat, which means its durability is exceptional. This material is used in both indoor and outdoor applications and is known for these characteristics that make it such a discerning choice:

·         Its beauty – Ipe wood boards are generally medium brown in color, but do have variations that lend character to installations. Decking may, for example, have boards that are darker or lighter in color, which combine with a beautiful grain pattern to create an aesthetically pleasing finished looked.

·         Its durability – Ipe is one of the most durable woods known to man. Decking made from Ipe has an estimated lifespan of decades. Adding to its attractiveness on this front, the wood is fire resistant, insect resistant, and water resistant. Due to its natural hardness, Ipe also resists scratching. After all, this material is so hard it requires carbide-tipped tools to work.

·         Its ease of maintenance – Ipe wood decking isn’t completely maintenance free, but it is almost. Thanks to its hardness and natural resistances, there is no need to apply timber preservatives. UV blockers may be used to help maintain the appearance of docks. Unless a UV blocker used, Ipe will turn a silver-gray color after years of sun exposure. Beyond the color consideration, Ipe wood decking only requires basic sweeping and cleaning to maintain.

When Ipe wood decking is recommended for a project, quality goes along with the suggestion. This Brazilian hardwood is one of the world’s most naturally durable wood. If a deck installation is intended to stand the test of time, Ipe will deliver.

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/mean-ipe-wood-decking/

Benefits of Using Hardwood Decking for Your House

Hardwoods like Brazilian oak and ipe are the most popular choices for building residential decks. You might be wondering—why is hardwood the material of choice for decking applications? Below are just some of the many benefits of using hardwood decking in your property:

• Maintenance – One of the biggest advantages of hardwood is that it is easy to clean and maintain. Most hardwoods are resistant to dents and scratches. Scrapes can be fixed with simple sanding, waxing or varnishing. You don’t even need to use preservatives on most hardwoods as they can naturally resist decaying, rotting, and even termites and bugs.

• Strength – The best hardwoods are extremely durable, usually lasting for a minimum of 25 years. They boast excellent strength, durability, and stability that make them perfect for outdoor use and high foot traffic. You might also be interested to find out that some hardwood decking materials have fire ratings that are comparable to concrete. 

• Appearance – A wide range of natural hardwood lumber are available for your decking. You can choose from warm yellows to rich browns. There’s no need to varnish or stain your hardwood decking. Some hardwoods may even change colors over time due to natural aging or exposure to the sun. A good tip is to use UV finisher once your hardwood decking reaches your desired color. Many homeowners also appreciate the natural grains and streaks that make each piece of hardwood unique.

• Cost – Contrary to popular belief, hardwood decks can be made affordably you don’t need to break the bank just to get hardwood decking for your home. You can find a wide range of hardwood decking with excellent characteristics that are offered at reasonable prices. Even if you opt for pricier hardwood decking, you are actually saving money in the long run. Your deck will be long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free so you get more value for your money.

Source:

http://www.internationaltimber.com/news/hardwood-/4-benefits-of- 

Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/benefits-using-hardwood-decking-house/

Advantages of Decay Resistant Cedar Lumber

The species of lumber you use, especially for outdoor applications makes a big difference not only in the look but in the quality and longevity of your installations. Cedar lumber is one of the most commonly used materials not only for log homes but also for decks and outdoor platforms. It offers stability, efficiency, and extreme durability, and it can withstand the different seasons. Cedar lumber is also naturally decay and rot resistant, making it all the more practical and low-maintenance. In addition to decay-resistance, cedar also resists insects and has the highest R-value per inch out of other wood species used for these applications.

Durability and rot and insect resistance are among the main advantages of cedar lumber. Because it naturally produces oils, cedar wood is self-preserving. The same oils also help resist insects. Its durability is also unrivaled, especially when used for siding, roof shingles, fence posts, decks, and log homes. This natural oil-producing characteristic isn't found in pine and other commonly used wood, which makes them more susceptible to rotting, decay, and insect damage.

Cedar also has a lower moisture content, meaning they can be dried out fairly quickly. When logs dry fast, they reduce the need for constant checking for natural cracks, reducing time and work needed to complete a project. Cedar also has an R-Value of 1.4 per inch—this means it resists heat transfer better than most woods. This high R-Value also contributes to its ability to absorb, store, and release heat. Finally, cedar lumber is highly accessible and sustainable, making it a widely available material that isn't difficult to source. With vast resources for this kind of high-quality material, you save a great deal of time and money from having to wait for materials to complete your decking or flooring installations or any other indoor/outdoor projects you may have at hand.