The Luxury of Hardwood Decking

Hardwood decking offers a luxury option for high-end clients. It’s incredibly durable and has natural resistance to fungi and decay. Some options, like ipe, are also sustainably sourced, ensuring that your investment isn’t contributing to deforestation.

Another option is modified wood, which uses a non-toxic liquid to make softwoods dense and perform more like tropical hardwoods. It also ages to a stunning silver-gray color, enhancing the look of your deck.

Durability

Durability is a major consideration when choosing the right material for your deck. Hardwoods are a dense, natural option that can be used without the need for impregnation with harmful chemicals.

Ipe is a beautiful South American wood with an olive-colored finish that resists fungi, termites and wood-boring insects. This natural hardwood has been used for boardwalks at Coney Island and Atlantic City. Garapa is another durable choice with a color range of mid-tone honeys to dark red-tinted browns. This natural wood also resists fungi and has a Class A fire rating.

Cumaru is a dense and versatile South American hardwood that ranks just below Ipe on the Janka hardness scale. This natural timber can be oiled to preserve its color and offers rot, mildew and insect resistance. This type of timber is a more affordable alternative to Ipe. However, it is a bit difficult to work with and increases labor costs. It is best to install kiln-dried hardwoods so that they are stable when cut, drilled and fastened.

Aesthetics

Hardwood decks can be built from a wide range of species and offer the homeowner a choice of colors and grains. In addition, the natural appearance of hardwood decking gives it a warmth and cosiness that can enhance the interior design of an outdoor space.

A reputable builder should use the best-performing materials that will provide longevity and beauty to their clients’ wooden decks. In this way, they will be able to create a deck that is suited to their home and their aesthetic preferences.

Unlike softwoods which require treatment to defend against fungi, many hardwoods naturally resist the likes of fungus and algae. This means that a natural look can be maintained without the need for regular staining or painting.

For example, ipe is popular for its olive coloration and exceptional resistance to insect infestation and fungi. Cumaru and garapa are also great options for a durable hardwood deck. Both of these woods darken as they mature and can be matched with light-colored babassa for an exotic design.

Recyclability

Hardwood decking is a green option because it can be reused or recycled. It can also be used to build trellises and arbors, which are a lovely way to add color and shade to your deck or patio.

A good quality penetrating wood preservative will help protect your hardwood from the elements and slow down its aging process. The best options are those that contain UV-inhibiting properties.

When selecting a wood to use for your outdoor deck, consider the climate in your region. Hardwoods sourced from tropical climates are durable, but may require more maintenance than other woods.

Garapa decking is a durable option that grows in temperate climates and shares the same rot and insect resistance as other tropical hardwoods. It has a golden yellow hue and ages to an amber glow with silver highlights over time. It has a class A fire rating and is 10 times stronger than composite materials. It is also a less expensive alternative to Cumaru or Ipe wood.

Maintenance

Hardwood decking can last a long time, but it does require some attention. While ipe or other exotic hardwoods are naturally resistant to rot, mold, and insect infestations, they do need to be stained on a yearly basis to keep the natural color and protect against sun exposure.

Regular sweeping and cleaning can prevent leaves, dog hair, and debris from accumulating between boards, which promotes rot. Sweep and wash your deck at least once a week with oxygenated hardwood cleaner or soapy water, using a soft brush or pressure washer at the lowest PSI setting.

For a deck that will be largely outdoors, it is recommended to use an oil-based UV protective sealant after each cleaning. If your deck has faded, sanding with 220 medium-grit sandpaper may help to recover some of the original color. Also, regularly check for loose boards and tighten any that need it. Loose boards shorten the lifespan of your deck and can be a safety hazard.



from Decking Central Coast https://ift.tt/viObcKP
via IFTTT

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Garden Decking Adds Value to Your Property

Image
Garden decking is a popular patio option that adds value to your property and can be very eye-catching. Whether your garden is large or small, it is possible to achieve an envy-inducing deck, even with the smallest of gardens. Use a dual coloured composite decking layout for a neat picture framing effect. Cladco’s bullnose boards easily fit around the edges of your deck design. Easy to maintain Decking is an excellent alternative to grass for those with less green-fingered garden ideas. Keep it looking good with a regular hose-down to wash away dirt and mold. It’s also a smart option for creating a pathway, adding a boardwalk feel to gravel gardens that would otherwise become difficult to navigate. Choose a dark shade for a contemporary look that won’t fade or mix it with pale boards to suit cottage-style gardens. For a touch of drama, use a railing idea for your deck, whether to add height or create a divide between seating areas as seen here. Pick a metal railing for enduring s...
Read more

The Benefits of Adding a Deck to Your Home

Image
A deck can transform your backyard into a gorgeous al fresco family room or dining area. It can even be a place to entertain guests or enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Depending on the purpose, the amount of slides needed for a deck may vary. Some decks include videos or GIFs that add a visual impact to the presentation. They Add Value to Your Home Adding a deck to your home can boost its value if you choose to sell it in the future. Decks are a popular addition to homes because they provide a space for dining, relaxing and socializing. They are different than porches and patios because they are built off the ground and attached to a house. Having a well-maintained deck is a big selling point for prospective buyers. The structure consists of a ledger, joists, posts and a railing or balustrade. The joists, which are made of pure or pressure-treated wood, support the deck boards. The ledger, which connects the joists to the house, helps keep water away from the house. The piers...
Read more

The Benefits of Decking

Image
Decking is a structure that provides easy access to the yard from your house. It’s typically made of wood (or products that look like wood) and is attached to joists and footings. Square up a starter plank and run it parallel to the wall at the front of the house. This will help ensure that odd gaps and butt joints don’t compound by the time you reach the last board at the entrance area. Natural Beauty Whether stained to match the home’s color scheme or left bare to showcase the beauty of the wood, natural decking adds warmth and charm to outdoor living spaces. This wood is easy to maintain, with a natural look that lasts longer than other materials such as pavers, concrete and synthetics. It’s also barefoot-friendly, with no cracks or splinters to hurt the feet of children and pets. Composite decking , such as Trex, also looks great if left bare or stained and is less prone to damage from wood-eating insects. Responsibly sourced and manufactured, composite decking is eco-friendl...
Read more