All posts by ipewoodsusaarticles

Key Benefits of Ipe Wood for Your Exterior Renovation Project

Since the average American homeowner spends between $18.371-$76,017 on home renovations, it’s important that you get the most bang for your buck. This means using only the highest-quality materials and installing them carefully and meticulously. It also means investing in wood that is durable while looking amazing. When it comes to wood, Ipe wood is the most durable and attractive that money can buy. This makes it perfect for home exterior renovation efforts.

Read on to learn all about Ipe wood and its many benefits as a material for siding, fencing, and beyond!

What Is Ipe Wood?

Ipe wood, also known as Lapacho or Brazilian walnut, is a wood that’s found in South America. The trees that it comes from grow best in tropical climates, which make the Tropical Americas the perfect place to find it. The heartwood is a reddish brown, but it can also have olive or yellow hues in many situations.

Ipe wood also is very textured, which makes it attractive for exterior home applications. The medium grain has lines that come in various textures. Whether you want them to be patterned or interlocked or to come in clean, straight lines, there’s a cut of Ipe wood just waiting for you to find it.

Why Is It Ideal for Exterior Renovation?

Ipe wood is the ideal wood for exterior renovations for reasons other than aesthetics as well. It’s a very durable wood and is resistant to water damage and rot caused by insects. It also won’t be damaged by humidity or excessive heat. This makes it the perfect option for weathering the elements.

Additionally, Ipe wood is incredibly low maintenance. It doesn’t require any chemical treatments and doesn’t need to be replaced often. In fact, since it is the one of the densest and hardest woods on the globe, it can last for decades without needing replacement. Because it is resistant to flame and water alike, there’s also nothing that can stop it from functioning properly as siding or decking.

Our Ipe wood is also sustainably sourced, so you don’t need to worry about negative environmental impacts, either! The forests that it comes from in the Tropical Americas are sustainably managed and there is space for renewable usage.

Where Can It Be Used?

Ipe is a versatile variety of wood. Because of its durability, it can be used for a multitude of applications that many wood types cannot.

One of the main places that you will find Ipe wood outside a home is as siding. Wooden siding made from Ipe is notoriously low-maintenance and only needs to be polished once each year to retain its brown hue. However, if you don’t polish it, it will just fade to a desirable and unique yellow or gray. This is the more common approach.

Many people also use Ipe for deck or patio flooring. It’s the best decking wood on the market because it’s hard enough to handle foot traffic and even heavy object falling onto it like branches. Additionally, it doesn’t allow for mold growth, so the wood will last a long time even in more humid climates.

Another great application of Ipe wood is as fencing. If your home has Ipe siding, having a fence to match is essential to creating a cohesive exterior design scheme. Your house will look majestic and high-class when you use this heavy and majestic wood for multiple design applications.

Also, because the boards we sell for all applications are milled especially for each project, every order is customized. Working with us to create an Ipe exterior ensures that your home will be individualistic and one-of-a-kind!

Varieties of Ipe Wood

While Ipe wood doesn’t come in different colors or designs, we offer a variety of cuts so that you can choose the best option for your home. We offer planks in a variety of sizes so that you can choose the best fit for your siding, decking, patio flooring, and any other applications that you would like to use them for.

We also offer Ipe wood with multiple types of edging. Eased-edge Ipe, the standard variety, has smooth and rounded corners. This is especially important if the planks are being used on a deck or patio floor. After all, you don’t want to continuously poke your feet on sharp wood corners!

However, for easier assembly, you can select and purchase pregrooved Ipe. These cuts have grooves already installed so you don’t need to use any power tools or other machinery to apply them to their intended location. All you need to do is use the hidden fasteners to hold them together.

If you’re having professional installation done, eased-edge Ipe is generally the better choice. However, those doing DIY installation will likely prever pregrooved since Ipe wood is incredibly hard and notoriously difficult to saw through.

Start Your Renovations Today

While there are many materials that you can use when renovating your home, Ipe wood is the perfect choice on many levels. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s durable, long-lasting, and makes for one-of-a-kind exterior design that you’re sure to love.

Now that you know why Ipe wood is perfect for your 2020 exterior renovation, it’s time to get started! Contact us for more information on the Ipe siding, fencing, decking, and more. Our experts are happy to help you find the perfect cuts of wood for your home project, so we look forward to hearing from you soon!

8 Signs That You Need to Replace Your Wood Siding

Did you recently purchase a new home? What do you know about replacing the wood siding on the house?

Wood is an excellent, durable option to cover your home. It can last over 30 years and looks beautiful. But how do you know when to replace it?

If the siding is poor quality, it will need to be replaced before any damage occurs. Time and weather can wear away siding.

At any sign of an issue, it is best to replace your siding before any lasting damage costs you a fortune. There are many popular options to choose from.

Here is how you can tell if it’s time to replace your wood siding:

1. Broken or Cracked Wood Siding

Occasionally you will find a cracked piece of siding; this is no reason to replace the siding on the entire home. But, to prevent further damage, it is best to repair a siding board as soon as you see a crack.

If there is wood siding on your home that is cracked or broken, this could be a sign that you need to contact a contractor. There may be signs of damage or rot under the broken boards, which could damage your house.

2. Faded Wood Color

If your siding color is looking very worn out from the weather or the sun, this may be time to renovate! Good wood siding should last about 30 years if well taken care of. 

If you are re-staining or re-painting your home every few years, it is definitely a sign that your wood siding needs updating. Either your siding boards have reached the end of their lifespan, or there is an underlying issue.

3. Warped or Loose Siding

If your siding is loose, it is susceptible to the forces of nature. Moisture can work its way into your structure and damage the wood siding. When you come across a loose board, make sure the wood does not feel damp.

Weather and wear cause a wood board to become warped. Check of the wood material feels soft; if so, that is a sign of rot.

Replacing a board is easy, but if the siding on your home is warped or loose in many places, you need to call a professional. 

4. Bubbling on Wood

When water gets trapped in your siding, the wood will start to bubble. Bubbling is a sign that your wood siding is not sealed properly. The board needs replacement at the first sign of bubbling to prevent more serious problems.

Bubbling shows that there may be trapped water in your home. To prevent more damage to the structure, inside and out, have the siding replaced.

5. Signs of Mold or Mildew 

Mold on wood siding is very common. More than likely, you only need to clean your wood siding.

Mold and mildew appear when the wood siding is sealed incorrectly, or the wood is not keeping water out. Check the wood boards for cracks as mold can build up there.

There may be a more serious issue when you spot mold, mildew, or fungus around the siding seams. Mold and mildew around the seams and on large areas signal that moisture has damaged the siding.

6. Dry Rot

Dry rot is a fungus caused by moisture build-up in the wood. Like mold or mildew, dry rot is a sign that you need your siding repaired. 

Dry rot is difficult to spot because it can only affect the under layers of the wood siding. Here are some questions that will help you determine if your siding has dry rot:

1. Is there shrunken wood?

2. Is there any darkening or cracks in the structure?

3. Are there any cotton-like substances on the wood?

4. Is there a strange odor coming from the wood?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, contact a contractor to check your siding.

7. Peeling Paint Inside

When moisture is behind the paint, it tends to peel. If your walls need constant touch-ups from peeling and bubbling, this can be a sign that water is the problem.

Water damage inside the house can mean that the siding is causing this issue. If the siding is loose, rotted, or old, it does not protect your house from moisture.

When moisture works its way into the house’s structure; it can lead to paint peeling. It may be time to update your wood siding.

8. High Power Bills

Drafty windows or doors likely cause high energy bills each month. Although not common, it is possible that bad siding is to blame for your costly energy bill. 

Bad quality boards and improper wood installation could be at fault. Failure to seal the siding properly or using the wrong paints can also cause heat to escape your home. Leaving you with high power bills at the end of the month. 

If you notice a higher power bill and face any of the above issues, call your contractor!

We Can Help

Unfortunately, wood siding does not last forever. If you face any of the issues mentioned above, it might be time to look for a contractor for your siding needs. It is always best to repair it immediately, as you want to avoid any structural damage to your home.

Time to replace?

Wood siding is a beautiful, long-lasting option for your home. There are many options to consider. IPE Woods offer various color, durability, and prices to help you choose what’s best for you.

Check out Hardwood News to learn more about siding and hardwood! 

Crucial Steps to Winterize and Protect Your Deck

Soon, the crisp autumn weather will leave us behind and a healthy layer of snow will blanket the ground. When that happens, you need to make sure that you’re ready. You have to winterize your deck.

If you don’t, the snow and ice that comes with the chilly season will trap moisture into the wood and cause mold and rot. If that happens, you’ll have to replace your Ipe wood deck as soon as the warm weather comes back.

Preparing your hardwood decking goes further than sealing it to keep moisture out. Check out this guide for a full list of steps that you should take to winterize your deck.

Do a General Inspection

First things first, take a look around your deck to see how things look. It will be hard to make general repairs once your deck is covered in snow so, it’s best that you get it out of the way now.

Secure any loose nails that you find. If there are some boards that are looking a bit worse for wear, chances are they won’t last through the winter. Go ahead and have them replaced.

Clean Things Up

Once everything looks good and secure, it’s time to do a little cleaning. If you leave any leaves or pine needles on your deck, they’ll trap in moisture and cause the wood to rot.

Sweep all of it away and bring your potted plants inside if you can. Not only will the winter weather harm the plants but the moisture the pots give off might rot your hardwood decking as easily as the pine straw will.

Check for Weak Tree Branches

You can prepare your deck for the winter all you want but if a tree branch falls on it, all your hard work will be for nothing. Look for signs of tree rot.

If you see any dead branches, go ahead and trim them away. It’s good for the health of the tree and it will save your deck from any unfortunate accidents.

If you live in an area that sees heavy amounts of snow and ice, even a healthy branch might break. You might want to do some trimming just in case.

Power Wash

You don’t want to leave grease and other gross residue sitting on your deck throughout the winter. Rent a power washer and clean any and all mildew off your deck.

If you have an older deck, a power washer might do more harm than good. Instead, go over it with a bleach-free cleaner. This will be enough to get rid of grease and mildew without discoloring and chipping the wood.

Perform the Water Test

It’s time to test your wood to see how it holds up to water. Give your deck a small spritz with a garden hose and see if the water runs off. If it does, you don’t have much to worry about.

If it doesn’t you should re-stain your deck to create a layer of protection. You should pay extra attention to the areas where the water pools. It might be a good idea to have the boards in those places replaced.

Seal the Deck

As we said above, if your deck is no longer repelling water as it should, it’s time to re-stain it or waterproof it. Now, you can’t throw a sealer on it can call it a day.

You have to pay attention to the weather first. If you don’t, the sealer won’t be as effective and your wood will rot before the winter ends.

Play the Waiting Game

Your deck has to be completely dry before you throw a sealer on it. If it’s not, as the deck dries the sealant will come out of the wood along with the water.

The good news is that there are a few signs that your deck will give off when it’s ready to be sealed. The wood will turn a lighter color and you’ll be able to see a little bit of space between the boards.

Check with the Weatherman

Warm weather helps the seal dry faster and makes it more effective. This being said, check to make sure that the weather is going to be above 50 degrees for at least 48 hours after you seal the deck.

This is easier said than done. While fall and spring weather usually stays above 50 degrees during the day, the temperature may plummet during the night and ruin your sealant.

The temperature isn’t the only thing that has to be favorable. Take a look at the 5-day forecast to check for rain, snow, sleet, and other nasty weather conditions.

Store Your Plants and Furniture

Again, you want to store your plants away because the pots will trap moisture into your deck. The cold weather might also ruin your ceramic pots and kill your plants. Check the leaves for spiders and other creepy crawlies and bring the pots inside.

The same can be said about your outdoor furniture. You won’t be having a family BBQ in the middle of the winter so wash down your furniture and store it away until the warm weather comes back. If you don’t, you’ll be buying a new set when the springtime comes along.

Winterize Your Deck in Time for the Cold Season

You need to take the proper steps to winterize your deck before the icy weather brushes through. This way, you won’t have to deal with rot and mold in the spring.

Take the time to seal the deck, remove your potted plants, put away your furniture, and clean the wood. Trust us when we say you won’t regret it.

If you want your deck to be dry enough for sealing before the cold weather hits, it might be a good idea to begin your deck building project now. Check out our large selection of Ipe decking to get started.

Deck or Patio: Choosing Which One Is Best for Your Home

Whether you’re enjoying the view or entertaining friends, having a functional outdoor living space adds comfort and style to your home. If creating a new living space is on your to-do list, you may be wondering whether a deck or patio is right for you.

While many people use the terms deck and patio interchangeably, you may be disappointed if you ask a contractor to build one, and he creates the other. Designing an outdoor space that’s a good fit for your home can be tricky when you don’t know your options. If you’re ready to add an outdoor entertaining space to your home, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about designing the outdoor oasis of your dreams!

What’s the Difference Between a Deck and Patio?

While it may seem like semantics, a deck and a patio have some key differences that can help you decide which option is right for your home. First, let’s look at the way patios and decks are similar before we note their differences.

Unlike a three-season room or screened-in porch, a deck or patio offers an outdoor entertaining space without full walls. Either a deck or patio is appropriate around a pool. You can cover either with a pergola or awning for shade.

Decks and patios are great spaces for entertaining and dining. Both can house a grill or outdoor kitchen to minimize trips into the house.

While a deck is typically attached to the house, a patio can be detached or attached. Consider the flow between your house and the outdoor area before making a decision. Decks are elevated and extend from the house to enjoy a view, while patios are ground level and are generally intended as an entertaining space.

Another primary difference between decks and patios is what they’re crafted from. A deck is almost always made from wood or wood composite. A patio is more versatile, and materials can be concrete, pavers, gravel, tile, and more.

Generally speaking, if you see an outdoor space made from wood, that’s a deck. Otherwise, it’s likely considered a patio.

Decks and patios can have very different zoning and building requirements, so deciding which type of space you want is vital before you call a contractor.

Pros and Cons of Decks

Decks can offer a beautiful view of your property, making them a preferred outdoor space and a solid investment for houses in scenic areas. Multi-level decks or wraparound decks can add style and curb appeal to the front of your house, while a back deck provides a private oasis and plenty of space for entertaining.

If your backyard isn’t level or your home is built on a hill, a deck can provide a cost-effective outdoor space that connects to the house. One of the benefits of decks is for parties where guests may move between the house and the deck frequently. A deck can provide optimal flow for large groups and become a continuation of indoor living space.

Since a deck is often made of wood, decks may require year-round maintenance to look their best. That may mean cleaning, restaining, shoveling snow, and resealing each year to keep your deck looking warm and inviting.

Using durable wood products like Ipe can ensure your deck stays beautiful even after years of use.

A back deck often has railings along the sides and stairs down to the back yard. If stairs are something you are looking to avoid, a deck may not be an appropriate choice for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Patios

Patios are a great way to enjoy landscaping and create a lovely, low-maintenance outdoor space for your home. There are many ways to personalize the style and design of your patio space, so you can customize your space to fit your exact needs. A patio can be a great place to enjoy a fire pit, create an entertaining space separate from your house, or naturally expand your living space into your backyard.

If you like spending time in your backyard or front yard, a patio is a great way to connect activities happening in the yard to a covered entertaining space. While a deck can keep activities in the yard separate from the house, a patio can offer a more cohesive outdoor space since they are on the same level as your lawn. Patios can also provide a great lounge space around an inground pool.

Since a patio is on the ground level, they are not an ideal way to make the most of a view. Plus, while you may enjoy a customized patio, patios do not typically offer the same resale value as a deck does. They are often made from materials like stone, brick, or concrete, which can make walking or lounging in that space less comfortable than a deck.

Should I Get a Deck or Patio?

Before you choose between a deck or patio, make sure you have an idea of how you will use the space. That will help you decide what type of outdoor living area best suits your home and lifestyle.

If you love your land and have a view from your home, a deck can help you make the most of that view and increase your property’s value. A well-designed deck can offer an attractive addition to your house that increases curb appeal and brings warmth to your space. While a deck may require more maintenance, the wood look offers a classic design.

For a custom look, a patio can offer the flexibility to create a space designed precisely for your entertaining needs. While a patio may be less comfortable, they can be placed anywhere and offer a relaxing area connected to your yard. Patios are also a great way to dress up a pool and add space for lounging.

If a deck is right for you, we recommend beautiful Ipe wood to create a gorgeous space that’s built to last. Get started on building your outdoor space with Ipe decking today!

How to Choose the Best Wood for Fence Building

America has always been obsessed with wooden fences.

From the pine fences that defended our land in colonial times to the rise of decorative picket fences, we’ve always loved staking out our property with the right fence.

Once upon a time, the choice of fencing materials would have been simple, as lumber options were limited to the trees in your immediate area.

Today, however, there are so many types of wood on the market that it can be hard to decide the best wood for your fence. Balancing appearance with your local climate, and your budget with wood quality, can be a challenge.

Let’s take a look at choosing the right wood, and the types of wood you’ll want to consider.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Wood for Your Fence

Though you’ll find a range of wood types at your local home improvement store, some are more popular than others for fencing. The variety you choose, however, depends on several factors.

Is the wood insect-resistant?

When you’re building an outdoor fence, insect infestation is always a concern. If wood isn’t pressure-treated or naturally resistant to bugs, nuisances like termites could be eating away at your fence by the time you finish it.

What’s your budget?

Even for projects where you don’t need the most beautiful or durable option, it’s crucial to consider the quality of the wood. The best wood for fences requires fewer repairs in the long run, and you won’t need to replace it as quickly as an inferior option.

Wood comes in the common range of standard, better, or quality wood—think of this as “good, better, and best”—but these sometimes have imperfections and knots that affect the final appearance of your fence. Instead, you can opt for the more expensive options: construction, select, premium, or clear grade. The last two are the most expensive, but they also tend to last longer and present a higher quality final product.

What will the fence be exposed to?

Consider the weather where you live. Is it a rainy area, where the wood will often be exposed to moisture? Is the climate dry and sunny, meaning the fence may be bleached by the sun? The goal here is to choose the best wood for your climate, and to protect it against the elements most likely to affect it.

Popular Types of Wood for Fencing

Pressure-treated wood

As the least expensive type of wood, this popular option comes from pine or fir. It’s treated to defend against rot and insect infestation, but the chemicals used in the treatment are toxic to humans and animals. While the risk of health issues is mild, you should still be careful when working with it.

Pine

A popular choice for a lower budget, pine is a soft wood, making it easy to work with. It resists shrinkage and warping from moisture, making it a good pick for wetter climates. Pine’s lifespan ranges from 5-12 years.

Cedar

This popular choice isn’t maintenance-intensive, as its acids and oils make it naturally resistant to insects. It carries a pleasing scent and often has a beautiful tint of red in its grain. Cedar typically lasts for 15-30 years.

Cypress

Tan to red in color, cypress is a durable wood that works well in wetter climates, though it can warp if it’s improperly dried. Like cedar, it’s naturally resistant to insects and carries a pleasing scent.

Redwood

Also naturally resistant to insects, this option is a little pricier than the wood types above. However, redwood is both durable and beautiful, and high-quality lumber comes with a stunning deep red color. A sturdy redwood fence will last around 25-30 years.

IPE

It should come as no surprise we consider it the best all-around wood, period.

This very dense hardwood has a tight grain, making it naturally resistant to rot, insects, scratches, and splinters. IPE fares well in all climates, and its outdoor lifespan is unmatched at 75+ years. With a natural and luxurious appearance that comes with tints of amber and red, it’s a great option for beautiful, durable, and long-lasting fences.

Preserving Your Wood Fence

Once you’ve chosen a wood fence type that you feel good about, there are a few things you should do to preserve its beautiful color and extend its lifespan for as long as possible.

First, make sure that the fence posts are correctly installed. The goal here is to limit wood-to-soil exposure, as the last thing you want is for your new wooden fence to fail due to moisture or rot.

Second, if you’re choosing any wood of lower quality than IPE (which doesn’t require any treatment), it’s crucial to weatherproof the fence. This protects your finished fence from extreme temperatures and precipitation. The best weatherproofing solutions will also have UV protection, which will help prevent the sun from bleaching the natural color of the wood so quickly.

Weatherproofing should be reapplied on an annual basis for woods that need it, so make sure to put the task on your maintenance checklist.

Building the Right Fence

In the end, the best wood for fence building is the one that matches the aesthetic you’ve envisioned for the project and one you feel comfortable building with. Find lumber of the right quality, and you won’t have to worry about fixing or rebuilding your fence for years to come.

If you have questions about the right lumber for your project, or if you’re set on fencing with IPE, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help you find the right material for your needs!

7 Tips on Installing Ipe Decking for New Homeowners

Attaching a deck to your home can raise your property value by over $8,000.

And that’s just an average. Getting creative with the design or using exotic wood, such as Ipe, can make that number get even higher. However, working with exotic wood is a bit more difficult than using traditional wood types. 

We’ve put together this guide to help you learn seven important tips that’ll make installing Ipe decking easier, so let’s get started below! 

1. Let It Sit

You shouldn’t use your Ipe wood right after you buy it. Instead, you need to let it sit outside for at least seven days to give it a chance to acclimate to the weather conditions in your area. 

Start by creating a base for the Ipe wood out of bricks or blocks of wood (leaving the wood directly on the ground can dirty and damage it). Then layer the wood in a stack on top of them, leaving new blocks or wood shims between each new board. This will help ventilate the wood and make the adjustment period faster. 

Make sure you leave the wood uncovered during this time. Remember, you want each Ipe board to have enough ventilation, and a tarp or other covering will just get in the way. 

If you think it will rain during these seven days, you can put a large piece of plywood on top of the stack. However, you’ll want your Ipe wood to be fully dry before you build with it, so do you best to schedule the acclimation period during a warm and dry time of the year. 

 

2. Wear the Proper Safety Equipment and Use the Right Tools 

While your Ipe wood is acclimating, you should make sure you have all the right equipment and tools on hand. 

Keep in mind, Ipe wood is much harder and denser than other types of wood. Because of this, you may not be able to use your every-day tools. Using technical grade tools will give you the best results when building with this type of wood. 

You should also wear all the proper safety equipment at all times while working on your project. This includes things like gloves, safety goggles, dust mask, etc. This will protect you from sawdust and splinters. 

3. Leave a Big Enough Gap Between the Boards 

Ipe wood needs proper ventilation. Without it, the boards are more prone to damage, such as cupping or surface checking. Make sure you leave about 3/32 inches between each board. 

Without this space, the wood also won’t have enough room to expand and contract with the weather. While you likely won’t notice these changes, not giving the wood enough space to move can cause problems and lead to damages. 

4. Work as Far Away From the Edges as Possible 

Do your best to drill any holes or hammer any nails as far away from the edges of the Ipe boards as possible. This will reduce the risk of splitting the ends. 

However, depending on the design of your deck (or other projects), this might be unavoidable. If you have to work close to the ends, be careful. Taking your time and double-checking everything is the best way to keep your Ipe in good condition during the building process. 

5. Seal the Ends 

You should seal any fresh-cut ends right away. Sealing these edges will prevent checking, which will help the wood last longer. 

6. Finish the Wood With the Right Sealant 

Once you’re done building your deck or other structure, you need to decide if you want to seal the Ipe boards or not. Sealing the wood will protect it from the weather, stains, discoloration, and other types of damages. 

However, you don’t have to seal the wood if you don’t want to. 

Left unprotected, Ipe wood will fade to a beautiful silver/grey color over time. If you like how this natural aging process looks, you may want to skip the sealant. 

If you do want to seal your Ipe, you should check the wood for any sticker marks first. While these sticker marks will fade with time, you can get rid of them right away with a bit of light sanding, and you’ll need to do this before you seal the wood. 

7. Keep up With the Maintenance 

The most important part of Ipe wood maintenance is resealing.

Every few years (about two to three years), you need to sand off the current layer of sealing or any small surface damages. Then you can apply a new layer of sealant. If you don’t do this, the old sealant will wear off and be unable to protect your wood. 

You should also do your best to clean any spills or stains right away. Use a cleaning product that is safe for Ipe wood and spot clean the area. This will keep the wood from discoloring or damaging any farther. 

What You Need to Know About Installing Ipe Decking on Your Property 

If you’re getting ready to start installing Ipe decking on your property, make sure you follow the tips on this list. And remember, Ipe wood is heavy! You may need some help lifting it, moving it, and working with it. Trying to get through the project on your own isn’t worth the risk of getting injured. 

Not sure where to buy Ipe wood?

We’ve got you covered! Make sure you take a look at some of our Ipe wood options today! 

Carpet vs Hardwood Floors: A Side-By-Side Comparison

If you’re trying to sell your home, installing hardware flooring can improve your home’s resale value by 70 to 80%.

Deciding between carpet vs hardwood can be very difficult, especially considering if you’re trying to sell your house or just give it a new look.

There are pros and cons to both, but we’ll break it all down to help you come to a decision!

Pricing

Maybe you are buying a house with the flooring you’ll need to tear up. Or maybe you’re trying to figure out how much it will be to redo your own flooring.

Regardless, the pricing may be one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to deciding between hardwood or carpet.

The price is vastly different between the two, so if you’re trying to save money, you may just want to go with the carpet.

Hardwood is one of the most expensive types of flooring because it is a natural product. You can’t engineer it to make more of it unless you cut down more trees.

On average, hardwood could cost around $10 per square foot, but some of the nicer versions might cost even more.

On the flip side, carpet could cost an average of $4 per square foot.

Installation

Hiring a professional to install your flooring is going to be the easiest way to upgrade your flooring.

However, if you want to do it on your own, the carpet is definitely going to be easier to install than a hardwood floor.

To install carpet, you’ll have to staple a pad underneath the carpet and nail it down. Next, you’ll just need to roll the carpet over and attach it to the underlying pad.

It does take a little bit of work, but when you compare it with the process of installing hardwood, it is a lot easier and faster.

To install hardwood, you’ll have to lay out each individual board and then make sure it all lines up with the wall and the other boards.

It’s very easy to mess up this process, and most people end up leaving it to the professionals.

Aesthetics

Another thing you should consider is how the carpet or hardwood will look in your home.

The latest trend is to go with the look of hardwood, and carpet is now viewed as outdated to some people.

Carpet can be more comfortable and versatile in terms of texture and color, but hardwood also comes in all kinds of designs and colors.

Hardwood flooring can also go with just about any kind of interior design you want to incorporate in your space.

Carpet offers more of a soft, subtle look to a room. On the other hand, hardwood offers a bolder statement, so it really just comes down to personal preference.

Durability

If you’re going to be spending a lot of money on upgrading your flooring, you’ll probably want to know which one is going to last you the longest too.

Hardwood is more expensive, yes, but you’ll get more use out of it as it can last over fifty years. However, this does depend on what quality type of wood you get.

While carpet is cheaper, it will only last for about ten years, which means that you’ll be paying more money to replace it in the long run.

Comfort

Comfort is another factor that you’ll have to consider before deciding.

While the appearance of the flooring is important, you also want something that’s going to be comfortable for you.

Carpet can be nice and soft, but depending on how much you pay for quality, it could be rough and uncomfortable to walk on. In general, though, carpet is very easy on your feet and soft, which is why many people have it in bedrooms.

While hardwood can be harder on your feet and isn’t very comfortable to lay on, you could always get a rug for a room if you really wanted more comfort.

Environmentally Friendly

While hardwood might not seem environmentally friendly because of all the trees it needs, carpet actually is worse for the environment.

To make carpets, they have to use petroleum which is not good for the environment. Once it starts to break down, it can release harmful chemicals. If you do opt for carpet on your floors, you should get wool that is environmentally sustainable.

While hardwood floors use trees, they are biodegradable when you do get rid of them. Also, when they harvest the trees to make the hardwood floors, the Forest Stewardship Council is in charge of overseeing just how many trees can be cut down.

When you do buy hardwood flooring, make sure that there is an FSC® certification on it to ensure that it was harvested in an environmentally friendly way.

Noise

Lastly, noise is also something that you should consider.

The hardwood can make your home feel noisier since there won’t be anything to absorb the noise in your house. If this is something that you’re worried about, having rugs placed strategically on your hardwood floor can help reduce the echo effect.

However, the carpet will help to absorb that noise and reduce the echo that you’ll feel in your home.

Learn More About Carpet vs Hardwood

These are only a few things to consider when trying to decide between carpet vs hardwood, but at the end of the day, the decision comes down to what you want your house to look like.

Regardless of which one you choose, you should find a professional company to lay down your flooring and make sure that it is done properly and efficiently.

If you’re looking for a company to hire for this job, make sure that you check us out!

Building a Deck Frame 101: How to Choose the Perfect Wood for Your Project

Don’t use just any old wood for your brand-new deck. Before you build your deck, do a little planning.

A deck can make your home look bigger and better. When planned thoughtfully, it can also add some spice to your façade.

Decks make great outdoor entertaining spaces. If you reside in a scenic area, a deck is a great way to take advantage of the view.

If you’re going to build a deck, it helps to understand the basics of the project. Read on to learn the basics of building a deck frame.

Building a Deck Frame

Before you build your deck, always remember to check local zoning laws and apply for any necessary permits. You don’t want your dream deck to turn into a hotbed of trouble with the local authorities.

A reliable deck needs a good foundation. There are several ways to set the posts of your deck.

A popular method involves pouring concrete into the post holes. Next, you’ll set the posts in the concrete. Then, you’d backfill the post holes with gravel.

To keep your posts from rotting, you can set them in aboveground concrete footers. No matter what method you use, however, you should make sure that you set your posts above the frost line.

The frost line is the level where the ground freezes. By setting your posts above the frost line, you’ll prevent freezing ground from pushing the posts out of their foundation. The frost line is different in various regions, so you’ll have to find out how deep it is in your area.

You’ll also need to fasten the support beams and joists. It’s important to use hardware for treated lumber to attach your deck materials.

For instance, use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners. Standard fasteners will rust, ruining your entire deck over time – more on that shortly.

The Best Wood for Decks

There are many tasks involved in the installation of wood decks. One of those tasks is choosing the wood.

There’s a lot of wood types that you can choose. It can prove difficult choosing one, especially if you’re wondering about the best wood to use for decks.

Here’s a tip: Hardwood lumber is your best option. It’s beautiful and durable.

For instance, Ipe is the best wood for an outdoor deck. You may have also heard it called Brazilian Walnut or Pau Lope wood.

Garapa wood is approximately half as hard as you Ipe wood decking. Still, it retains many of the positive traits of Ipe building material.

Cumaru wood is another attractive Brazilian building material. It’s only slightly less hard compared to Ipe wood. Cumaru wood also retains many of the good qualities of Ipe wood decking.

You may have also heard Cumaru wood called Brazilian Teak. It has a medium-brown color and also comes in exotic purple tones.

Cumaru wood is more affordable compared to Ipe. However, it doesn’t have the flawless appearance of this more superior product.

Wood Deck Ideas

Now comes the fun part – picking the right finish for your wood deck. There are three options for finishing wood decks – paint, stain or raw wood.

It may seem unusual to paint a wood deck. However, there are benefits to using paint.

If you choose the right color, for instance, you won’t need to clean it often. Also, it’s easy to clean some high-quality paints. Furthermore, quality paint lasts long.

However, you need to make sure that’s what you want to do. Once you’ve painted your deck, it’s difficult to restore it to a natural wood finish.

Most people choose to stain their decks. Stain enables you to retain the natural beauty of the wood. With some woods, stain brings out the beauty of the material.

However, stain doesn’t last as long as paint. The amount of time that wood stain lasts varies depending on how many coats you apply as well as the quality of the coating.

Finally, you may decide not to treat your deck materials. One advantage of not treating your deck wood is that you can use it immediately. With diligent cleaning and maintenance, your deck will still last for years.

Redwood and Red Cedar resist insects and decay naturally. However, untreated wood will discolor, especially in high-traffic areas.

Still, the right raw wood will stand the test of time, as long as you don’t live in an environment with extreme weather. It will look different over time but will still retain its durability.

Designing Your Wood Deck

Before you build your deck, think about the big picture. As a rule of thumb, you should build a deck that’s no larger than 20-percent of your home’s total square footage.

You should also consider how you’ll make use of your deck. For example, you may want to use it for entertaining. In that case, you may want to consider including a fire pit feature and space for outdoor furniture.

It’s also a good idea to build your deck a few inches below your door. This method isn’t as attractive as building the deck flush to your doorway. However, it will prevent debris from making its way into your home.

It’s also helpful to have a deck that’s lower than your entryway when it snows. A deck that’s set a few inches below your door will keep snow from blocking the entryway in the wintertime.

Trust Us for the Best Wood for Your Deck!

There’s much more that goes into building a deck frame. However, this overview gives you an idea of the basics of building a beautiful outdoor area for your home.

Ipe Woods USA is the leader in direct-to-consumer exotic hardwood. Were also a member of the International Wood Products Association and the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

You can count on top-notch service from Ipe Woods. We’ve won the Houzz “Best of Customer Service” award two years in a row.

It’s our mission to provide the highest quality Ipe wood at the lowest cost. Contact us today at (844) 674-4455 for a free quote for your next deck project.

The Hardest Hardwood Floors: Are They Worth It?

You love the look of hardwood floors, but you’re worried about the dents that could come from everyday use.

This is a genuine concern that many people have.

Being a homeowner, you know that even the slightest movement of furniture can be enough to mark up the floors. You might have young children who use the floors as a playmat.

The hardest hardwood floors are your answer to decorating your home in a practical way.

While no floor can completely guard against dents, the hardest can do a great job at resisting it.

Are you interested in finding out why the hardest hardwood floors might work for you? Read on to find out why they’re worth the investment.

How Hard Is The Hardest Wood Flooring?

Hardwood floors are rated for their hardness using the Janka scale.

Each type of wood receives a Janka rating. The lowest numbers on the scale mean that the wood is more likely to dent, while the highest numbers mean that the wood can resist dents better.

The one thing that the Janka scale does not determine is how likely the wood is to get scratches. Instead, it determines the hardness of certain types of wood flooring.

The lowest ratings are typically in the hundreds, with the highest ratings usually reaching into the thousands.

When looking at the hardest of wood floors, you want one with a high Janka rating.

What Is The Hardest Type of Wood Flooring?

When looking into the hardest hardwood floors, there are a few options to decide from. Since all the options rank high on the Janka scale, your choice should come down to the floor that is right for you.

Hickory

Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods available for hardwood flooring. It ranks fairly high on the Janka scale at 1,820. It’s a good option that surpasses the industry standard of hardness, but there are many harder options to consider as well.

While hardwood from the United States is used for flooring, it’s not the hardest that’s available. If you’re looking for the hardest floors you can find, exotic species are the way to go.

Garapa Hardwood

Garapa is a hardwood that also takes on the name of “Golden Teak.” One great feature of Garapa hardwood floors is that they are golden in color. It’s one of the softer options when it comes to exotic wood as it has a 1,700 Janka rating.

Garapa is often used outside for decking, so it’s prepared to take on some of the toughest scratches. This makes it a great option for hardwood flooring indoors. It will brighten up a room while keeping up with high traffic.

If you’re looking for an affordable, yet durable option, Garapa might be the choice for you.

Tigerwood Hardwood

Looking for a unique hardwood floor with a lot of character? Tigerwood can give you all that and more!

You might know it better as Brazilian koa or African walnut. It’s a popular choice for hardwood floors for many reasons.

It’s a great option if you want your floors to stand out while protecting against marks and scuffs. Its Janka rating is 2,160, meaning that it surpasses the hardness of domestic woods.

This means that it’s a great option for flooring as it resists dents and damages well.

The lifespan of tigerwood is another great feature of this hardwood. That unique tiger print pattern can stand out for many years to come!

Cumaru Hardwood

Another name for Cumaru is Brazilian Chesnut. This falls in line with the beautiful brown color that makes this wood so stunning.

Cumaru ranks at 3,540 on the Janka scale making it one of the hardest hardwood floor options available.

Pairing its durability with its beautiful patterns, it’s a great option if you want some of the hardest wood available for your flooring.

Ipe Hardwood

Ipe or Brazilian walnut is top-notch if you want the hardest and most durable flooring on the market. It boasts a Janka rating of 3,680, making it extremely hard to dent.

Aside from its extreme hardness, it’s good for a few other reasons as well. One reason is that it’s available in many colors. This makes it a great option for you if you want a certain look to go with extreme durability.

In addition to this, Ipe is also fire resistant!

If you’re looking for the toughest of wood that will last a lifetime, then Ipe is the choice for you.

Are The Hardest Hardwood Floors Worth It?

Janka ratings that are over the standard aren’t bad choices. There are plenty of advantages to consider when going with the hardest hardwood floors on the market.

Consider the area that you plan to install the flooring in. Is it a high traffic area that is bound to see rough wear and tear? Is it an area that a pet will use often? If you said “yes,” then you would benefit from choosing a hardwood floor with a higher Janka rating.

This way, you wouldn’t see as many dents on your floors from impact and high traffic. Even if the kids came in and slid their chairs across the floor, they’d do a great job of resisting the scratches.

Finding a good balance between the look that you want and the durability of your flooring will help you reach the best decision for you.

If dents and scratches are your main concern, the hardest hardwood floors will be worth it.

Want to Learn More About the Best Hardwood Floors for You?

Choosing the right flooring is an important decision. Flooring is meant to last you for many years to come, so you’ll want something that can hold up over time.

At Ipe Woods USA, we have a large variety of durable wood choices, the main one being Ipe. You can trust that your hardwood flooring will stand the test of time and of course, the Janka test!

If you’re ready to invest in the hardest hardwood floors you can find, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us to find out how we can help you find the hardwood flooring that’s right for you!

Decisions, Decisions: Understanding the Different Types of Wood Siding

If you want to give your home a makeover, then the siding is a great place to start. The right siding can give your house that “wow” factor, and make it the envy of all your neighbors.

Visuals aside, your siding also serves a functional purpose, which is to protect and insulate your home and its occupants from harsh weather like rain and snow.

When you’re in the market for sidings, there are a lot of choices. There are so many types of wood siding options that picking the right one may be a bit overwhelming. The difference is not only in the type of wood but also in its grade and overall design.

If you’re looking for the best wood siding for homes, then read on to learn about the many types of wood siding out there.

Wood Siding by Type of Wood

The type of wood you pick for your siding determines its look, durability, and insulation capability. Here are a few wood siding options to consider:

Fir

Fir sidings are among the more cost-effective siding options. Fir is a softwood that’s relatively easy to obtain. It’s ideal for large houses because you can get fir in long lengths.

It’s also generally easy to install and leaves a lovely finish. Since it’s a softwood, you can cut it into various designs. So if you want it in planks, shiplap, or tongue and groove, you can easily get it that way with fir.

Ipe

Ipe sidings are among the lesser-known siding options, but they’re arguably the best type of wood siding. That’s because when you compare it to other wood options, ipe has a clear edge over the others.

First off, ipe is a virtually maintenance-free hardwood, requiring only one oil treatment annually to retain its color. It’s popular in some parts because of its ability to retain structural integrity even under the harshest weather conditions, among other benefits. That means you won’t need to replace your ipe siding for a good long time once you install it.

If you don’t maintain it, the siding turns a grey color, which is what most owners want. If you want it to get its original color back, you just oil it, and it’s back to brown.

Cedar

Folks love cedar for its lovely color. You can also reveal the grain through the stain to make the siding even more appealing.

It’s also relatively low-maintenance when you compare it to other wood species. That’s because cedar is resistant to rot and insect damage, unlike most other wood types.

If your taste is more of the red type of cedar, then prepare yourself to pay top-dollar for “heartwood” cedar.

Cypress

Cypress is an extremely durable hardwood that’s very popular across the country. In fact, it’s so durable that some folks can salvage it from demolished homes to reuse it, and it still lasts.

It’s also lightweight, which makes it easy to install. Plus, just like cedar, it’s resistant to rot and repels insects, hence it requires little maintenance. The downside to cypress is that it’s very expensive, and most people aren’t willing to spend that kind of cash on their sidings.

Siding Types by Wood Grade

Most people select wood sidings based on their appearance. As such, there are no building codes to stipulate wood grades. Some agencies, like the WWPA, create their own grading systems that many suppliers choose to adopt.

With that in mind, here are the most common wood grades.

  • Number 1: This is a clean, high-quality wood with little to no knots or defects. It gives a very high level of finish.
  • Number 2: This is also good quality wood, just not as good as Number 1. It has more knots and minor defects here and there.
  • Grade A to Grade D: These grades denote wood that has a considerable number of knotholes, slight warping, a few splits and checks here and there.

Siding Options by Style

When it comes to style, all your options boil down to two main types of sidings which are horizontal and vertical. Horizontal sidings are lovely to look at but are also harder to maintain than vertical ones. After you pick your sidings orientation, horizontal or vertical, you next have to pick a style.

When it comes to wood siding styles, you can choose from:

Boards

Boards are cut-outs from wood that you arrange either vertically or horizontally. They come in different lengths, widths, and thicknesses.

Color and Finish

The color and finish style has been all the rage for the past half-decade or so. After you install the siding, you finish it with a fresh paint coat of your preferred color. This style has immense visual appeal and also lengthens the lifespan of the siding.

Shingles

The stylish person can always settle for shingles because it gives the house a more classic, rustic look. It works well, especially with ipe and cedar sidings. You can order shingles in a variety of shapes to suit your style.

Choose Your Types of Wood Siding Wisely

With so many types of wood siding, you have plenty to choose from. While it’s only natural to base your decisions off of aesthetics, you should also consider durability and maintenance.

Also, remember to buy your sidings from a reputable supplier to get your money’s worth.

For beautiful, durable, and robust ipe sidings, contact us today, and we’ll help you out.