Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your faded, worn decking or building a new deck, consider the sustainable floor solutions of IPE decking. It can give your deck, garden path, outdoor patio, backyard gazebo or swimming pool area a hygienic, versatile floor for all your outdoor flooring.

You might be wondering, ”What is IPE decking?” The answer is it’s a durable, sustainable outdoor decking with warm textures and colors.

Read more about why IPE decking is a gorgeous, hard-as-rock, sustainable alternative to traditional wood decking.

What Is IPE Decking?

IPE decking, pronounced ”ee-pay” is dense and strong. It comes from a collection of tropical, Central and South American hardwood species also known as Ironwood, Lapacho or Brazilian Walnut.

The wood is so dense, it sinks in water. Not only that, the wood is so hard, you can’t hammer a nail through it. You have to predrill holes with a carbide-tipped drill bit first.

It’s so durable and sustainable, it can last up to 30 years in outdoor weather conditions without using any chemicals. There’s no other wood decking that can last as long and cost so little in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of IPE?

IPE decking stands out for its long-lasting hardwood and amazing features. Here are some of the benefits of choosing IPE decking for your outdoor living spaces:

Resistant to Wood Decay

Because IPE wood is so hard, rainwater, dew and snow can’t penetrate the surface. This prevents rotting wood that cracks and creates soft spots.

Termite Resistant

According to the Forest Products Journal, IPE testing by the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) proved IPE resistance to termites. For the study, IPE, Merbau, giant bamboo and juniper sapwood were exposed to termites by burying the wood in termite-infested soil. The test evaluated resistance to fungus and termites.

Forty untreated wood samples were placed into the ground so termites could explore the wood. They observed the specimens at six-month intervals. The results showed that the IPE had no evidence of termite attack or fungus, while the juniper and bamboo were completely destroyed by termites after 32 months.

Class-A IPE Fire Rating

Most decks are constructed using wood, such as cedar, pine and redwood. No matter what type of wood you use, it’s always a fire hazard. If you select IPE for your decking, you reduce the danger of a spreading fire.

IPE decking has a Class-A fire rating, which has the greatest resistance to fire. This is the same rating given to steel and concrete. Although it’s not fireproof, IPE won’t catch fire or spread flames as fast as other wooden building materials. Since IPE is so dense, the wood fibers repel flames and embers.

A Class-A fire rating is important, especially if you live in a wildfire zone or host barbecues on your deck. You don’t have to worry about any embers or sparks that land on your deck.

Mold Resistant

Mold needs moisture to grow. Since IPE decking repels moisture, the mold can’t survive on this hardwood. Even in a tropical climate, IPE resists mold and mildew.

Stays Cooler During Hot Weather

There’s no more hopping from foot to foot when you walk barefoot on your deck on a hot summer’s day. IPE decking doesn’t retain heat. So, even though it feels warm, it doesn’t get so hot that you can’t walk on it. Not only that, the wood remains splinter-free.

Low Maintenance

If you want a weathered, silver patina for your IPE wood decking surface, just leave it alone and will weather naturally in a couple of seasons. This gives your deck a driftwood appearance.

But, if you prefer the natural beauty of wood tones of warm russet with golden highlights, you can apply oil to your decking each year. This will enhance the natural grain and color of the wood.

All of these benefits make IPE decking an exceptional quality wood for your deck, patio, sauna, fencing and roof decks. It’s resistance to humidity, heat and cold makes it ideal for all climates. IPE wood also features exotic patterns, and aesthetically appealing light and dark colors.

Types of IPE Grades

You can choose IPE in three different IPE grades we work with. These can vary according to sapwood, grain, color, and pattern.

IPE Number 1 Grades – FAS/Prime

This is also called first and seconds (FAS). It’s the best IPE grade. This is not the same as A Grade Ipe or Premium. Also, it shouldn’t have any splits, roughness, or holes. The board should be clear on all sides and have a straight grain, rather than tiger stripes or reverse.

The ends of Number 1 Grade IPE are waxed to seal them. When IPE wood meets with the Number 1 Grade requirements, it’s close to perfect.

IPE Number 2 Grades – Select – FAS-1 FACE

Number 2 Grade IPE, also known sometimes as Rustic, allows sapwood and varying grains. The good side of the board can have minor flaws, such as knots and other minor imperfections.

The back of the board can have broken knots. But, this grade doesn’t allow splits or any structural defects. Sanding Number 2 Grade IPE helps make any small imperfections less noticeable and enhances the grain of the wood.

Choosing IPE Grade for Your Home Projects

Depending on where you want to use IPE decking, consider the benefits of Number 1 vs Number 2 Grade IPE. If you want a rustic look for fencing or siding, Number 2 looks amazing.

On the other hand, if you want a more uniform look, Number 1 Grade IPE is a good choice. Select your IPE decking according to your personal taste.

Is IPE Right for Your Home Construction Project?

Now that you have the answer to ”What is IPE decking?’,” you can decide if this durable, eco-friendly hardwood is right for your deck, fence, roof flooring, or siding. Its long life makes it economical and the gorgeous wood tones and textures can boost your home’s curb appeal.

If you’d like more information on exotic, natural IPE decking for your home, contact us for a free estimate. We’re also happy to answer any questions you have about our hardwood decking products and installation.

FSC® Certified Ipe Rundown

While we adhere to all legal processes, Ipe Woods USA is also FSC® certified. We work with many companies that do work with the FSC® certification process and we are FSC® Certified at this time. If you are looking for FSC® certified Ipe, give us a call. It is very important to note that a company can have an FSC® logo on its site but sell non-FSC® certified wood. You will want to make sure you procure the correct documentation and on your invoice, it states it is FSC®.

A new deck is a great way to add value to your home. Not only do well-built decks look amazing attached to homes, but they also give you more living space even if it is outdoors. For those who love to entertain or relax outside, a deck is a great option.

If you’ve been considering building a deck, but aren’t sure what things need to be taken into consideration first, then you’ll want to stick around for our help. You’re not alone. Many homeowners don’t understand all of the essential details to keep in mind when building a new space such as a deck.

If building decks isn’t something that you do for a living, then you might be in need of some helpful tips. Don’t let the idea of such a big project stress you out. Continue reading below for 9 important factors you should think about before getting your deck started!

1. Know What You Will Use the Deck for

The first thing you’ll want to determine is what you’ll be using the deck for. Will you be using your new deck to throw parties on and entertain guests? Do you plan on using it as a second dining room for family meals?

Maybe you want the deck for a space to sit back, read a book, and enjoy the fresh air. Whatever the case may be, it’s essential that you know what the deck’s main purpose will be before building it. If you want to use the deck for family meals, then consider how big the table will be.

You need enough room to fit the table and still have enough space to move around it. If you plan to entertain on your deck, then you’ll need enough room for cooking and the prepping station. You could consider adding in built-in seating around the deck’s perimeter to save space.

As you can see, the use of the deck is a big factor to take into consideration before just building a deck of any shape or size.

2. Measure the Space Beforehand

If you have an idea of what shape and size you want for your deck, it’s a good idea to measure the space out beforehand. You can use string and stakes to map out what the deck would look like and how big it would be. Once you have the measurements drawn out using the stakes and string, you can then add in the different furniture pieces into it.

See how the furniture fits into the given space and how you can arrange it. If you feel like there’s not enough room to fit everything that you want on your deck, then you can decide to go with a bigger deck and vice versa. This is also a good way to see what different designs would work well in your front or backyard.

3. Easy Care vs Aesthetics

Once you have a good idea of how big of a deck you want or what shape you want it to be, you can then decide on what aspect of it is most important to you. Do you need a deck that’s easy to take care of with low maintenance? Or, do you want a deck that has more of an aesthetic appeal to it?

The type of materials used to build your deck will determine if the deck is more easy maintenance or aesthetically appealing. You can have beautiful patterns made out of the flooring to give a wow factor to your guests. You can also use materials that are easy to take care of when you have a large family to keep up with and several little ones running around.

4. It’ll Increase Your Home’s Value

Adding a deck to your home increases your home’s value. It adds more living space to your home, and everyone loves a nice outdoor space. It also adds to your home’s curb appeal when building it in the front or around the sides.

All of these things added together are a great way to increase your home’s value if you ever plan on selling it.

5. It’ll Promote More Outside Time

When creating a deck to add to your home, you’ll promote more outside time for yourself and your family. You’ll experience a much more comfortable outside environment when you have a place to sit and relax. If you build a deck and create an outside space that you love, then you’ll be more tempted to spend time outdoors.

This could be to have a family game night, eat a family dinner, or enjoy a weekend BBQ. Spending more time outdoors means that you and your family will enjoy more active lifestyles.

6. Decks Can Be Custom Built for You

Different families need different things from their home deck. Depending on what your specific needs are, your deck can be built to accommodate those needs. Hiring a professional company to install your deck is the best way to ensure that you get everything you want and need out of it.

All of the different aspects of the deck including the design, style, size, shape, materials, and patterns will be build with your needs in mind.

When Considering Building a Deck, Keep These Things in Mind!

If you’re considering building a deck, then you’ll want to keep these things in mind. Hiring professionals will ensure that the deck is safe and meets all of your needs.

Click here for our list of prices of our services, and see how we can help you today.

When it comes to home improvement, there’s much more than just remodeling a bathroom or kitchen.

Decks add outdoor entertaining space to your home and help to boost its functionality and curb appeal.

If you’re thinking about adding a wooden deck to your home, read on for 10 reasons why it’s a smart investment.

1. More Room to Entertain

If you love spending time outside, a deck can do wonders for outdoor entertainment. These awesome additions give you plenty of room to serve barbecue, drinks, and spend time with friends and family.

A wooden deck is basically adding an entire room to your home, except that it’s outside. This area will become a favorite place for gatherings where you can spend some time with guests and enjoy the great outdoors.

2. You’ll Add Value to Your Home

For many homebuyers, a wooden deck can entice them to seal the deal. Decks make any home look better, and it gives potential buyers lots of possibilities for their own family.

In most cases, adding a deck can boost your home’s resale value by thousands of dollars. It also makes the home look more appealing and therefore, allows you to get a higher asking price.

3. A Wooden Deck is Versatile

One great think about decks is that you can give them your own personal touch to make it your own. Whether you add some comfortable patio furniture or choose a dramatic stain, your deck can be anything you want it to be.

Place potted plants around your deck for a nice outdoor container garden. Use accessories like string lights and umbrellas and you can create all kinds of possibilities that will give your deck a pop of personality and style.

4. Decks Are an Affordable Upgrade

If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your home that won’t break the bank, adding a deck is a viable option. It’s much less expensive than other outdoor additions such as installing an inground pool.

A wooden deck is easy to adjust to fit within your budget based on custom size and the choice of wood you use. This means it’s simple to get a deck that won’t go over budget but will still give you the beauty and functionality you’re looking for.

5. Decks Are Beautiful

Adding a deck to your home will certainly make your home more aesthetically pleasing. Decks make the outdoor space look and feel cozy and they’re the perfect solution to fill up larger, barren backyards.

When you install a new deck, it makes your home look new again. It’s also a great way to boost your curb appeal and give the entire home a nice touch of visual interest and beauty.

6. They’re Quick to Build

Sometimes home renovations can seem to take forever, which can add a lot of stress to your daily routine. Luckily, most wooden decks can be built within a matter of days (depending on the weather of course).

If you’re looking for a simple upgrade that doesn’t take a ton of time, decks are an ideal option. Not only are they fairly quick to build, but all of the mess also stays outside so you won’t need to worry about construction mess and debris inside your home.

7. Decks Can Give You More Outdoor Storage

You might not think of a deck as a storage alternative, but they can be surprisingly helpful when it comes to keeping your stuff organized. Consider adding a few benches to your deck with a hinged lid so you can hide items inside.

Many people also choose to store things underneath their decks to keep things safe from the weather. Ask about some storage options that you can try that will incorporate storage right into the deck for even more versatility.

8. Durability

A wooden deck is extremely durable which means it should last for many years. With the right treatment, the wood should hold up well through all kinds of weather.

With some easy maintenance, your wooden deck will hold up for a long time as long as you take good care of it. You can depend on this type of deck to bring you years of enjoyment and outdoor entertaining.

9. You Can Get Creative

Your deck doesn’t have to just be a flat section of wood with some railing. Talk to a deck installation company that can help you come up with a few unique designs.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to making your deck your own, so draw out a few ideas that will inspire you to create something truly unusual. Decks are extremely flexible in terms of design styles, so see how creative you can get for a deck that stands out in the neighborhood.

10. You’re Increasing Your Home’s Square Footage

Think of your deck as an extra room of the home, only it’s located entirely outside. You can use the deck for almost anything you want including extra storage and seating.

When you give your home more square footage, you’re naturally increasing the value. This new outdoor space will become a favorite area to relax, eat, and entertain in a nice, open area outside of the home.

Start Your Deck Dreams

Now that you know about the many benefits of adding a wooden deck to your home, it’s time to start the planning process. From a beautiful outdoor space to giving your home more value, a deck is certainly a smart investment for any homeowner.

Visit our website for more information about decks and contact us today so we can help you get started on your dream.

Hardwood floors look gorgeous and stand the test of time. Of course, they only do both of those things as long as you care for your floors the right way! Cleaning your hardwood floor might seem tricky at first.

When you choose hardwood flooring over carpeting or other flooring materials, you pick a type of floor with plenty of advantages. Hardwood floors are great for allergy-sufferers, while carpeting can be a catch-all for dust and allergens. Plus hardwood floors can match just about any design style.

“They” say hardwood floors are easier to clean than other floorings, too! But, how do you clean your hardwoods to keep them looking nice for longer? Here are nine tips for cleaning your hardwood floor in the right ways.

1. Keep up With Dust!

Carpet holds on to dust more so than hardwood floors, but that doesn’t mean your hardwood floors are dust-free.

It is, however, easier to see and clean dust from your hardwood flooring. Use a soft-bristle broom or a micro-fiber dust mop once or twice a week to gently sweep away dust and other debris from your floors.

Be sure you get into the corners and underneath furniture. A quick dust removal doesn’t take long and helps your floors retain their luster.

2. Beware the Legos!

Larger objects, like small rocks or (if you have small kids) Legos, can damage your floors if kicked or trampled. Never leave toys or other dropped objects on the floor.

While you’re sweeping for dust, pick up debris and notice any damage left behind. You’ll want to keep an eye on dents and dings to make sure they don’t grow into bigger problems that might require repair.

3. Vacuum With Care!

Yes, you can vacuum your hardwood floors! If dusting isn’t removing enough dirt before you deep clean, use a vacuum to remove more dirt and debris.

Choose a vacuum that is ideal for wood floors. Make sure the wheels won’t damage the surface of your hardwoods. When running the vacuum over your flooring, avoid using the spinning brush. You don’t want to leave bristle scratches on the surface of your beautiful floors!

You might find that a small, automatic robot vacuum is perfect for cleaning hardwood floors. The bristles are gentle and it can get in those hard-to-reach places a large vacuum can’t reach.

4. Never Leave a Puddle Behind!

Moisture is one of the most dangerous things for your hardwood floors. That’s one reason why you won’t often find hardwood flooring in bathrooms.

When humidity or puddles of water have time to sit on your hardwoods, it causes the boards to warp or bow.

You don’t have to completely avoid using water to wipe up a mess on your floors—just be sure you don’t allow time for water to sit or soak in. Be sure you never leave wet cleaning aids to sit on the surface. If you splash water or find a puddle that someone else left behind on the floor, dry it right away.

5. Clean With the Right Cleaners!

When cleaning hardwood floors, you can use cleaners to help disinfect or return your floors to their like-new original glory.

Try vinegar when it’s time to deep-clean your hardwood flooring. For those of you who prefer to use fewer chemicals in your household, vinegar is an excellent choice to clean a variety of surfaces—including your hardwoods.

Use a mixture of water and white or cleaning vinegar. Avoid balsamic or red wine vinegar! Using a soft mop, wipe the mixture over the surface of your floors. Don’t overload your mop with too much of the mixture. You don’t need to soak the flooring. A light touch will do!

Let the floors dry, and they’re clean! There’s no need to rinse when using this mixture on your hardwoods. Apply an appropriate polish to restore the floor’s luster after cleaning.

6. Avoid the Wrong Products!

Hardwood floors have been in homes for a very long time. Before there were other types of floorings, people realized that wood could make an excellent floor.

Because wood floors have been around so long, they’ve existed through a variety of cleaners, polishes, stains, and varnishes. Still, it’s easy to use the wrong products on your hardwood floors.

Avoid soapy cleaners that can dry out your floors and leave a waxy residue. When polishing, stay away from waxes that leave floors slippery or gummy.

7. Never, Ever Steam!

We mentioned that humidity can warp your flooring. Wet steam can, too! While steam cleaning is an excellent chemical-free option for vinyl or tile flooring, never use steam to clean your hardwood floors.

Steam can affect the sealant of your floors. Plus, the heat and moisture can cause bowing that requires repair.

8. Be Consistent!

If you have carpet in your home, you probably vacuum a few times a month. If you have kids and pets, you might vacuum more often.

With hardwood floors, consistency is key, too! Aside from frequent dusting, deep clean your floors—using the suggestions above—at least 4-6 times per year. When you let your floors go too long without cleaning, grime can build up on the surface and in any cracks or crevices.

9. Refinish When Needed!

Quality hardwood floors can look nice for several years before needing to be refinished. To extend the life of your floors, plan to sand and refinish them every few years.

Sanding removes stubborn grime and residue buildup that your regular cleaning doesn’t resolve. A new finish gives your long-time flooring fresh life.

Don’t Overdo it When Cleaning Your Hardwood Floor

Consistent cleaning keeps your hardwood floor looking beautiful, but don’t overdo it when cleaning your hardwood floor. Harsh chemicals or the wrong tools can leave your floors in worse condition after using them for a “thorough” cleaning.

If you’re ready for new hardwood floors or you have questions about how to care for your current floors, contact us! We offer a free quote on Mother Nature’s greatest wood for your floors!

A deck is a great addition to any home. It provides a place for family and friends to congregate, host barbeques, and enjoy the weather. A well-built deck can even add significant equity to your home.

However, not all decks are created equal. And a poorly built deck will not only lower the value of your home, but it could also pose a potential safety risk to you, your family, or anyone else who steps foot up there.

Learning to avoid deck building mistakes is essential to your project. Keep reading for our list of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them to create a beautiful, equity-boosting deck that’s safe and secure!

Deck Building Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Truth be told, anyone can slap some wood together and call it a deck. However, if you want to avoid potentially hurting people, facing lawsuits, losing home equity, and needing to rebuild after a short period of time, follow along.

Using the Wrong Materials

A common deck-building mistake people make is using the wrong wood throughout the project. 

First, repurposing wood is a fantastic green initiative. However, if the wood is old, rotted, or weak, it’s not the best choice for a deck. Additionally, soft pressure-treated woods are great for posts, but not for planks.

You also need to consider if you’re going to use hardwoods, exotic woods, composite boards, etc. Make a gameplan and figure out your budget before you start this deck building project.

Not Using Proper Post Footers

Another common deck-building mistake is failing to use the appropriate post footer.

If you live in an area that experiences freezing and thawing cycles, you need to dig your post holes four feet deep, to prevent and fluctuating posts. Otherwise, your deck will shift, sag, and lean over time.

It’s also a good idea to use post stirrups. These stirrups go deep underground into your concrete but keep the wood posts above ground and free from constant moisture.

Not Pulling Permits

One of the most tragic deck building mistakes we see is when people build without pulling permits. If they violate any codes, they then have to either tear down their beautiful new deck or pay hefty fines. It also makes the home difficult to sell if things are out of code.

Do yourself a favor and pull permits before you build!

Not Making the Deck Level

As simple as it is, building a deck that isn’t level is one of the most common deck-building mistakes out there. There a few adjustments you can make to tweak the leveling during the process, but it’s best to start on the right foot.

Starting your project off level is much easier than trying to force it at the end!

Using Inadequate Support Joists and Posts

Based on how large your deck is, what materials you use for the planks, and how much weight the deck needs to support, you’ll need a varying amount of support joints and posts.

For example, composite planks will need floor joists spaced together closer than hardwood planks. Make sure you have a full understanding of what’s required. It may not be a bad idea to ask a professional to take look.

Using Poor Attachment Methods

Another of the most common deck-building mistakes involved skimping on materials and using poor attachment methods.

For example, you should never screw the support beams into the side of the posts. Instead, groove out the top of the post and rest the beam firmly or using appropriate mounting brackets.

Using Inadequate Hardware

Speaking of mounting brackets, make sure that you’re using quality metal hardware. The last thing you want to do is buy cheaper hardware that will be vulnerable to rust.

Not only will this choice put your deck’s structural integrity in jeopardy, but you’ll also get rust stains from the materials every time it rains.

Not Putting Up a Railing

Surprisingly, another one of the more common deck-building mistakes people make is not putting up a railing around it or on the stairs. 

It may not seem like a big deal to some homeowners, but it violates coding laws in about every county. Stair railings provide extra support for people climbing up and down and can be necessary for balance when the stairs are wet or icy.

On the deck itself, a railing provides a barrier between people standing on the deck and gravity. It would be incredibly unfortunate to fall off a deck and break an arm because it lacked a railing!

Building Bad Stairs

Next, you want to make sure you build your stair competently, and this means more than just adding a railing. 

Many DIYers build stairs with steps that are too tall, too steep, or too narrow. Make sure you build stairs that are easy to climb and provide plenty of space for each step. 

Not Sealing the Deck Properly

Another common deck-building mistake made by homeowners if failing to seal it adequately. Sometimes, people try to save money and don’t use enough sealer or none at all. Other times, they get short-sighted and lazy and decide they’ll seal the deck another time, but that time never comes.

Wood left exposed to the elements won’t last long, especially in areas with extreme temperatures and a lot of moisture.

Lack of Planning

Lastly, if you’re not starting with a plan, you’re making one of the biggest deck building mistakes out there! You need to ensure your deck is fully planned out, from what you plan on using it for to the blueprint of how to build it.

Think about how many people you want to provide seating for. Where are you going to place the grill or smoker? It shouldn’t be too close to where your guests are seated or things will get uncomfortable.

You also need to think about what type of view you want off of your deck. Your deck must have railings, but how will you design it so they won’t obstruct the view?

 These are just a few of the considerations to be aware of while building a deck!

Remember to Ask for Help

Remember, you don’t have to do this on your own. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it to avoid common deck-building mistakes! 

If you’re in over your head, it’s better to get a helping hand than finish a sub-par project that you’re not happy with.

Be sure to check out our top five tips for building a deck for extra help before you get started!

If you’ve done much research into building a deck, you’ve probably run across mentions of ipe wood. Ipe has become the gold standard for decks due to its incredible density and resistance to wear and tear. But ipe is expensive; what if you could have the gold standard for less?

Garapa wood is the literal gold alternative to ipe wood. This lighter Brazilian hardwood provides all the benefits of ipe with a much lower price tag. Read on to discover why you should look at garapa wood decking for your next home improvement project.

What Is Garapa Wood?

Garapa wood comes from a tree native to South America and makes an excellent option for wood decks. The tree can grow up to a hundred feet tall and five feet in diameter and tends to grow fairly straight. This means that garapa wood has a straight grain with minimal variations.

One of the more beautiful features of garapa wood is its chatoyant quality. This is the same quality you see in cat-eye gems, where there appears to be a shifting band of light under the surface of the wood that moves as you move your head. The wood glues and finishes well and is reasonably easy to work with.

Garapa vs. Ipe

When you start looking at tropical hardwood decking material, generally you come up with two varieties: garapa and ipe. Ipe, pronounced “e-pay” and also known as Brazilian walnut, is an extremely hard tropical wood option. It’s about five times as hard as pressure-treated wood, and it has a gorgeous dark color.

But ipe wood comes at a high price; building a 10’x10’ deck from ipe deck tiles would cost you a little under $1,000 in material alone. Garapa wood, by contrast, is a little more affordable and is comparable in terms of density and hardness. Garapa has a minimum 25-year lifespan as a deck material, and ipe offers at least 40 years.

Cost

Garapa wood is the number one price-conscious alternative to ipe wood for decking. Compared to other hardwoods, it is on the higher end of the price scale. Garapa is more expensive than mahogany or cedar, but it offers benefits neither of those woods do.

Garapa wood can run around $1.58 per linear foot for 1×4. So let’s say you’re building that 10’x10’ deck out of garapa 1×4; you’re going to need about 300 linear feet of material. That’ll run you a little under $500, about half the cost of building your deck out of the ipe deck tiles.

Color

One of the big attractions of garapa wood is its light color. Garapa wood is blonde, much lighter than ipe wood and many other popular deck woods. It ages to a lovely silver color over time, but new, it’s a rich, honey color.

Architects have come to value this light wood color over a dark deck in many cases. It makes for a much less visually heavy addition to the house, which can help it blend with a variety of styles. If you have a white house or light brick exterior, a garapa wood deck can help keep things light and elegant.

Durability

One of the major draws of garapa wood is its outstanding durability. Like ipe wood, garapa wood is extraordinarily dense, making it highly resistant to rot. If you want to preserve the golden color, you may want to seal it, but you won’t need to seal it for durability reasons.

Garapa wood is also resistant to pest damage, so you’ll never need to worry about termites or carpenter ants boring into it. If you have a pool in your back yard, you’ll also love garapa’s resistance to rot. The grain is so tight that nothing can penetrate it, helping it to last for decades.

Fire Rating

Whether you live somewhere where wildfires are a concern or you just want to have barbeques on your deck, you want a deck wood that has a good fire rating. You don’t want to have to worry about hot coal falling on the deck and setting the whole thing on fire. Luckily, garapa wood has an astounding fire rating.

Garapa wood comes with a great fire rating,  so good usually only awarded to inorganic material.

Care

Many decks, especially ones not made from hardwood, require refinishing from time to time. This can be a problem since it means sanding down the whole deck, staining it, and resealing it. But garapa wood will stay in good shape with minimal care for decades.

Because garapa wood is so dense, it won’t wear down and absorb dirt in the same way as other woods. In fact, once you finish it once, it will be good to go for a number of years to come. But because it’s so dense, it may have a hard time absorbing some oil-based finishes; always test them on a small non-visible area first.

Learn More About Garapa Wood Decking

If you want the durability and luxury of a Brazilian hardwood deck without the price tag of ipe wood, garapa wood decking is a great option. It is, for all intents and purposes, just as sturdy as ipe wood, but it comes at a much more reasonable price. Plus the gorgeous honey color will make for a beautiful addition to your home.

If you’d like to find the best garapa wood decking, check out the rest of our site at Ipe Woods USA. We offer ipe and garapa wood decking, as well as a number of other imported hardwood options. Check out our decking options to find the right wood for your deck project today.

You’ve invested time and money into building a stunning wood deck for your home. The last thing you want is to let that investment wash down the drain through improper deck maintenance.

Taking care of large wooden areas the right way may seem daunting to some. Fortunately, we’ve got a simple guide of 5 essential practices to keep your new deck looking it’s best, and lasting it’s longest.

Deck Maintenance: 101

Rotting, wear and tear, weather damage, all these and more are threats to your snazzy new deck. But, with the right preparation and care, you can preserve your deck from most damage and enjoy it for decades.

Proper care and maintenance can even ensure that if accidental damage does occur, you can avoid replacing the entire deck and have minimal repairs. Here’s how it’s done.

1. Check Your Deck

If your deck is brand new, or you’re thinking it’s time for maintenance, there are a few things to check to verify the deck’s condition. First off, do a water test.

A water test can be done by dropping a few small drops of water onto one board of your deck. If proper sealing has occurred (or is still up-to-date), the water should bead on the surface of the wood.

If the water is absorbed into the wood, you know it hasn’t been properly sealed, or that it’s time to reapply the sealing.

If your deck is still new, the sealing will take 60-90 days. Once this time has passed, you can move on to staining.

Other important signs to look for when checking your deck are chipping paint, loose boards, loose nails, or flaking bits. If any of these problems appear, your deck could be ready for some repair/care.

2. Scrape the Deck Surface

Before reapplying wood sealing or stain, your deck must be properly cleaned and sanded. As mentioned, tighten or replace any loose nails or boards,

It’s best to use a scraper to remove any peeling paint or finish. If there are boards or areas that are damaged, use a scraper to clear them down to just the bare wood again.

Areas that are worn or peeling may also need to be sanded until you see bare wood.

Once all damaged or flaking areas are smooth, it’s time to crack out the scrub brush. Clean off dirt, stains, or flakes with the brush so your wood is ready for new coats of paint or stain.

3. Scrub Your Deck

This step can be done whether you’re having to replace paint or not. Scrubbing and pressure-washing a deck is a part of good deck maintenance that should happen regularly.

Keep your deck clean using proper wood-cleaning agents and power washing. This will prevent mold, bacteria, unwanted plant-growth, and other problems that could erode the wood and shorten the life of your deck.

The brush you clean your wooden deck with will be important. Stick neck brushes are more effective at working the cleaner into the wood and getting it totally clean.

Find a stick neck brush with an extension or long handle to help you reach difficult areas and cover larger surfaces quicker.

Just be sure you use the right kinds of cleaners that are specifically made for outdoor wood. You don’t want to be the reason your deck becomes damaged because you used harsh or inappropriate chemicals to clean with.

Pressure-washing after scrubbing with cleaner will make sure no residue is left before you add paint or stainer.

You may even consider adding the occasional coat of oil or end grain sealer.

4. Reapply Deck Stain

Before you apply or reapply deck stain, be sure the wood is completely dry. If you’ve recently pressure-washed, it may be wise to give about 24 hours to let the wood dry.

Don’t apply stain if it has rained recently or snowed.

Before you begin applying your deck stain, read the manufacturer’s instructions on the product you have chosen. Some deck stains require specific tools for proper application.

Once you’re positive you have the right tool, (it could be anything from a brush, a pump sprayer, pad, or roller), begin applying on your cleared and clean wood.

Different wood stains require that you reapply them at different times. Again, read the instructions and see how often you should reapply your stain. Keeping up to date with your deck stain will help preserve the long life of your deck.

5. Replace Broken or Damaged Boards

Unfortunately, damage and accidents do happen that can require you to replace areas of your deck. Luckily, that doesn’t mean your entire deck is ruined.

Most repairs can take place one board at a time. Isolate the damaged area by pulling up just the damaged boards using a claw hammer.

Once your damaged boards have been removed, replace them with new pieces that have been measured and cut to fit the areas needed.

Be aware that due to weathering, stains, and other factors, sometimes the new boards can look slightly different in color or quality than the originals.

If uniformity in your deck’s look is important to you, then your best bet is to replace all the deck boards at one time. Doing this will leave you with a uniform look and quality.

Replacing all the boards together will also work to preserve the structural integrity of your deck.

To keep your deck lasting longer, choose a wood that’s pressure-treated, natural, and has advanced composites. These types of wood have improved quality to make your deck boards last longer so replacing them is rare.

Choosing A Deck That Will Last

Keeping with proper deck maintenance and care will go a long way in preserving the life and quality of your beautiful wood deck. Even better than simply caring for your deck well is selecting materials and professionals who will install the best deck for you.

Browse our wide variety of Ipe decking options to see what options are available. You can use our calculator to determine the amount of wood you’ll need.

We’ll work with you to meet your budgetary needs and personal tastes. Let us help you build the stunning deck of your dreams.