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.

Blog Source URL: http://www.abswood.com/blog/avoid-top-5-ipe-wood-deck-mistakes/

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/

Things to Know when Choosing Brazilian Oak Decking

Are you thinking of adding a deck to your home? Be sure to use a hardwood such as Brazilian oak—also known as Garapa—to get the best value for your investment. A Brazilian oak deck can definitely add elegance to your home and even boost the value of your property. Here are some things you need to know about this material and why it’s an excellent choice:

• Excellent color – Brazilian oak decking usually take on a rich yellow-honey color. Its irregular fine grain and medium texture adds interest. If you don’t want your Garapa to turn to a shade of gray, apply UV finishers. Some people prefer a vintage-like look to their Brazilian oak decking so they leave it out in the sun for a few weeks before adding a finisher.

• A very long life span – One of the main reasons why hardwoods can be pricey is because they offer excellent quality. Brazilian oak decking can last for over 25 years, depending on how you take care of it and the weather condition where you live.

• Naturally biodegradable – Unlike composite wood, Brazilian oak will not fill up the landfills. It simply returns to the earth.

• Cost efficient - When it comes to durability, Garapa is comparable to Ipe (another type of hardwood), but it is much more affordable.

• Needs little maintenance – One of the best things about Brazilian oak is that you don’t need to worry about it too much, so you can enjoy your deck fully. This material is very strong and durable. What’s more, you don’t need to pile chemicals on to it just to ward off the elements. Brazilian oak decking can resist everything from water damage to rot and decay. As long as water does not permeate the wood, your Brazilian oak decking will resist fungi and termites. 

Purchase Brazilian oak wood only from reputable sellers. The best suppliers source their Brazilian oak from sustainable managed forests from South Africa.

Source URl: http://www.abswood.com/blog/things-know-choosing-brazilian-oak-decking/

Cumaru Decking For Extremely Hot And Damp Weather

It can be challenging to build a deck in a location where the weather is typically hot and damp, so you need to be careful in choosing materials. Cumaru is a Brazilian hardwood that is perfect for that type of weather condition. Not only is cumaru extremely durable and hard with a lifespan of more than two decades—it is also naturally biodegradable. The wood hails from South American rain forests, so it has the innate ability to survive in humid and damp conditions.

Cumaru trees are naturally resistant to insect infestation, decay, and rotting, even after they have been cut. The wood maintains those characteristics after being installed as decking material. Cumaru grows faster than other hardwoods native to Brazil, making it a highly renewable resource.

One of the most notable features of cumaru is the pronounced grain on every piece. The grain can stand out further with a coating of sealant and any amount of stains. Aside from decking, Cumaru is a good material for fencing and seating, too. Its natural color ranges from medium tan to deep, reddish brown. At times, specific lots may be matched according to order, but there could be variations across a larger batch of orders like with any hardwood. The variations are part of Cumaru's natural charm and will provide a unique character to your deck.

The hardness of Cumaru is rated at 3540 lbf on the Janka scale, and this is significantly higher than oak and maple. This hardness is the reason for the wood's high resistant to scratching, too. But while it is damage resistant and durable, the wood does react to the sun's UV rays. Hence, it may turn gray without proper protection and treatment as it ages. You can prevent that by applying a UV blocking finisher if you want to retain the lovely color of Cumaru for years.