There are four basic processes that compose an entire hardwood decking building project. In order to ensure you deck is completed correctly, you need to take the necessary time and progress through each process. You should not move onto the next one until the prior one is fully completed. In addition, by reviewing each of these, you can decide whether this is the type of project you want to do yourself, or if you might want to hire an experienced contractor, instead. Continue reading
Garapa, or Brazilian Oak, is for people who want a lighter color wood deck. This timber is a fine grained yellow with streaks of brown. Just like other Brazilian hardwoods, it is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations. It does not require any sealants or protectants, unless you want to preserve the original color. Without any sealants, over time from exposure to the UV rays of the sun, the wood does change to a russet golden brown color. There will be variations in color and grain that add to the individual character and are common when using wood decking boards. You can also darken the wood with an approved tinted finisher prior to installation. Continue reading
You may be looking at cedar wood for sale as the wood you want to use for your new deck because of its durability to be used in a variety of settings outdoors. Just remember, you want to select the heartwood, as this is the cut which is approved for outdoor usage without preservative treatments, since it contains extractives that are toxic to decay-causing fungi. In the event heartwood is not available, you could use a different cut, but you have to treat the wood prior to installing your deck. Continue reading
When you are getting ready to build a brand new Ipe deck, you want to make sure you use equally durable materials and supplies elsewhere in the deck construction. Your Brazilian walnut wood is designed to last a very long time. However, if the underlying materials are not properly prepared before placing your deck boards, there is a risk the support structure will fail, long before the deck boards. Continue reading
It is possible to increase the living space of your home by adding on a new deck, creating outdoor areas where you and your family can play, relax, and cook meals, sit in a hot tub, and roast marshmallows with the kids over the fire pit. The size of your new deck is only limited by the size of your property and home. You are free to add as many different types of elements and items you want to incorporate into the design. Continue reading
Some people like setting a large number of different items, furniture, and cooking appliances on top of their deck. It is important to remember that your deck is designed with a maximum weight limit, based upon the type of supports used underneath it. If you overload the deck with an excessive amount of weight, the boards could curl on the ends, or the supports might give out, and the entire deck would then fall down. Continue reading
The most important component to a new deck is the foundation, base, and frame. Prior to installing your Brazilian teak wood over the structure, it is vital to ensure it is level. If you install your decking on an uneven base and frame, there is a chance the boards will not be fully secured. You could end up with gaps on one side of the deck, in between the flooring and the frame. Further, leaving exposed sections of the frame can result in water accumulating in these areas under the deck floor and cause the structure to deteriorate at a faster rate. Continue reading
Any time you are designing a new deck, you need to remember to include the finishing touches like Fortress railing. Adding railing around the perimeter of the deck helps prevent accidental falls, since most decks are raised off the ground. You should also consider using this style of railing stairs leading up or down to the main deck areas. Continue reading
Getting started on a new deck project requires the proper planning and preparation. One of the most common mistakes people make is starting this project without any real plan in place. They decide one day they want a new deck and proceed to rip out the old one. Then they head over to their local decking supplier and guess how much wood and materials are needed to build a new one. Not only does this increase the likelihood of purchasing the wrong materials and supplies, but also results in going over budget. Continue reading
You have different options any time you are shopping for new wood decking. One option some people come across is called tongue and groove (T&G) decking. This type of decking is similar to the press and place floating hardwood floors you may have installed into your home. However, T&G decking is not waterproof when used on exposed decks. This is because you have to allow for drainage and ventilation, as well as space for the wood to expand and contract with changes in temperatures. Since water drains under the decking, it is possible that it will not be fully dry, even if it is elevated off of the ground. Continue reading