About Wood

 

Wood is the preferred material for decks. Not only is wood beautiful, it is also stable, durable, and easy to work with. Wood is susceptible, however, to water damage and should be checked regularly. Boards that are split, cracked, or have raised nails indicate a possible problem with moisture penetration. Wood is also a porous material, like skin; and like skin, wood pores can become clogged and deteriorate. One way to prevent problems with your wood is to have it sealed and maintained. Below is a list of commonly used woods for deck construction.

 

 

Types of Wood

 

Pressure-Treated Pine:The most popular choice of deck materials in the US, primarily because it is long-lasting and the most economical. About 80% of pressure treated wood is Southern yellow pine, although other plentiful local species are used in some areas. Grain patterns are prominent; its initial greenish color becomes a honey brown before fading to gray.

The chemical preservative is forced into the wood cells under pressure. Pressure treated wood usually has a warranty against decay and termite damage, in most cases for the lifetime of the original purchaser.

 

Pressure treated lumber is ideal for outdoor construction as it has a long, useful life span and is much less expensive than alternatives. Treated wood can last more than 40 years.

 

Preserved lumber is also used for fencing, landscaping, walkways, and other backyard projects.

 

Cedar and redwood are never treated. The drawbacks to using pressure treated wood are rapid discoloration, prone to splitting, and many chemicals are in the wood that can discolor it. As with all woods, it is always best to have your pressure treated wood seasoned, cleaned, and sealed so that these natural drawbacks can be avoided.

 

Cedar: The wood from this large, coniferous evergreen tree is a popular favorite for decks. It not only looks and smells wonderful, it is also extremely durable. The texture of cedar is soft, and the grain of cedar is intricate and beautiful. Cedar produces natural tannins that are thought to be naturally resistant to insects. These tannins, however, can spot, especially after rainfalls, and this continues until the wood becomes fully acclimatized (about three years). Sealer colors that work particularly well with cedar are the natural redwood or cedar tinted, or clear. These sealers allow the natural grain of the wood to show through, while at the same time protecting the wood through a color tint. To add beauty and durability to your cedar deck, use a penetrating stain.

 

Redwood: Used frequently in timber construction, redwood is (as the name suggests) a reddish wood. Outside of the color, redwood is very similar to cedar.

 

 

Mahogany: Honduras mahogany is a true mahogany. There are other species like "Philippine Mahogany" that try to take the well-known name. Philippine mahogany is a tight-grained hardwood that resists pests and rot.
True mahogany has a woven look to the grain with a courser texture.

Not all mahogany has the resistance to decay needed for outdoor use. The medium to dark red and brown species are more resistant to decay.

Using mahogany decking will help you have an exquisite deck that you will be proud of. However, since mahogany is real wood, this decking does require annual maintenance, such as treating it with stain or paint. The red color of mahogany decking is what makes it unique. Mahogany comes from several different countries and the colors are different, as are the prices of this exterior decking.

Although mahogany does take stain or paint really well, one of the best ways of treating mahogany decking is to use a clear sealer. This does not change the color of the wood and you want to keep it looking its best when you don't mind paying the higher mahogany decking prices. This type of sealer allows the natural color of the mahogany decking to show through. You will need to re-apply a coat of sealer every year, preferably in the spring before you start using the deck on a regular basis and before you put out your patio furniture

 

 

Redwood: Used frequently in timber construction, redwood is (as the name suggests) a reddish wood. Outside of the color, redwood is very similar to cedar.

Ipé:Ipe is an almost magical South American hardwood. The USDA Forest Service Products Laboratory gives Ipe top marks for bug- and rot-resistance, and the wood is so hard, it's nearly as difficult to burn as concrete

 

Ipe Decking (Brazilian Walnut) is olive brown to black often with variegated striping. The Texture of Ipe wood decking is fine to medium, grain straight to irregular. Ipe is one of the hardest woods on the planet and an extremely popular choice for decking in Europe, Asia, and the United States.  Ipe Decking is perfect for exterior residential and commercial applications such as boatdocks, decking, boardwalks, pool decking, foot bridges, and so forth. Ipe wood can be sealed to maintain its natural color and beauty, or allowed to weather to a beautiful silver gray color. Ipe wood is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attack. Ipe Decking offers a 100+ year lifespan without preservatives! Unlike Composites, Ipe is a natural resource that will bio-degrade vs clog landfills. 

 

Tigerwood: Tigerwood Decking is used for the customer who would like a distinctive grain and brilliantly colored deck.

Tigerwood (Also known as: Goncalo Alves, Brazilian Koa, and Muiracatiara) is one of the finest quality hardwoods available that features a unique light golden-brown to reddish-brown coloring with exotic black and brown streaks.. Tigerwood is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, is an extremely durable HARDWOOD, and offers a 25+ year lifespan without preservatives! 

 

Garapa: Garapa Decking also known as Brazilian Oak, Apuleia Leiocarpa, Grapia, Amarealao, Marotoa, Muiratua, Muirajuba! Garapa deck boards are one of the finest quality hardwoods available that features a fine-grained timber that is yellow, often streaked with brown, becoming lustrous golden-brown to russet on exposure to the sun. Garapa Decking is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attack. Garapa Decking offers a 25+ year lifespan without preservatives!