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Cumaru Wood Decking: 8 Benefits It Will Bring to You

It’s a great time of year to build or re-do your outside deck. The sun is out, the summer breeze is blowing and you can get your deck done in no time at all.

We offer one of the best wood you can use for your deck. What is one of the best woods’ name? Cumaru wood.

We are going to give you the eight beneficial reasons it works so well on your decking needs.

In general, Cumaru wood offers style and durability. What’s more, this wood is affordable and easy to lay as you build or re-do your deck.

Now we are going to get down to the specifics of why you need to know more about this one-of-a-kind decking wood.

Cumaru Decking

Cumaru wood is also known as Brazilian Teak wood. Cumaru wood comes in Yellow and Red. Although the red version of this wood is what we use the most for decking purposes.

We know you may be used to hearing about Ipe’s wood for decking jobs and it is a very good wood to use for that purpose.

However, Cumaru wood takes less time to produce and is two-thirds the price of Ipe’s wood. That is a big incentive to offer for deck builders.

We like letting our customers know they may need to apply a careful kiln to the drying process with the wood. This helps prevent any shrinkage which may occur during dry seasons.

The rich red color of Cumaru wood, when used for decking, stands out because of its color and density. 

This elegant wood has all the beauty of a hardwood floor you would use in an interior space. Except this beautiful wood is excellent outside because it is durable and weather-resistant. 

It can outlive many of the decking alternative woods like Pine, Cedar, Redwood or Douglas Fir.

The durability factor in this special deck wood is because it is a high-density hardwood native to the northern parts of South America.

The graining of the wood gives it a Brazilian Teak finished appearance. This wood is resistant to insects and has a long-lasting deck life.

One of the greatest benefits it offers is its price which is competitive with other decking wood options. Even deck options which include composite decking. That makes this Cumaru wood one our customers love to use on their planned deck jobs.

Cumaru Wood

If you decide to use this wood for your decking projects we are going to give you the eight benefits it will bring you. They are;

  1. This type of wood resists rot. This type of wood also has long-life and durability built into it. It is decay resistant and has excellent weathering properties.
  2. This wood is hard and strong. It has excellent longevity due to it being so stiff and firm. 
  3. It is hard to beat using Cumaru wood for your decking when you compare prices. The wood is inexpensive when it is imported and consistently offers low prices.
  4. Cumaru wood is diffuse-porous. It has narrow rays which are fairly close together. It offers heartwood mineral components which are confluent. It is also a large pore wood with no set arrangement.
  5. Cumaru is also known as Brazilian teak and Tonka Bean. This is because the tree is cultivated sometimes for its vanilla-cinnamon scented seed. Which also means as you are working on your deck project you receive faint vanilla or cinnamon-like aroma.
  6. The wood is dense and has interlocked grain. This helps make it strong and sturdy. But it also means pre-boring may be necessary when screwing or nailing the wood.
  7. The wood is rich, dramatic and beautiful to look at. There are no two pieces of Cumaru decking exactly alike. This helps make your deck look sophisticated and unique at the same time.
  8. This special wood has unique measurements. It is 3540lbs with a density of 1.07g/cm3 on the Janka hardness scale. This makes it over three times harder than the typical teak wood used in a lot of decking projects. It has double the strength of oak decking.

Cumaru

Marketing started for tropical hardwoods in the United States for decking and cabinetry about 2006.

Cumaru wood achieved a 2-3% growth rate per year by 2010 because of the woods’ natural durability and aesthetics.

This unique decking wood markets to consumers for their decking projects because it offers high quality with low maintenance. Also because it is a tropical hardwood it is very durable as well.

Consumers report they select Cumaru wood for their decking projects, in part, because the wood is also insect and decay-resistant.

Cumaru wood has five measured benefits which distributors, customers, and producers agree upon. They are;

  • 86% prefer this type of wood because of its durability
  • 71% prefer this type of wood because of its low-maintenance
  • 71% prefer this type of wood because of its strength
  • 57% prefer this type of wood because of its biodegradation qualities

Sometimes there is a wood which exceeds industry standards. Cumaru is that wood. 

Ipe Wood

If Cumaru wood comes in second place to any other wood it is Ipe wood. It is the decking wood most preferred by consumers

For the most part, this is because of its sturdiness and suitability for various environments. Ipe needs very little drying and has a 12-15% moisture content.

It is the preferred wood most of the time for restaurants, boardwalks, businesses, and homes which need deck wood.

Ipe wood or Cumaru wood are both are very good for any decking project. While Cumaru wood cannot beat Ipe wood in most categories it is still a very durable and strong wood.

Building my Cumaru Wood Deck

If you want to build your Cumaru wood deck reach out to us today. Right now, you have the perfect season to build your deck.

When you add this one-of-a-kind wood affordable prices you have the perfect combination to get your deck project finished now. 

Why wait to build your deck with Cumaru wood when the same wood was used New York’s famous Coney Island? When Coney Island needed to rebuild their boardwalk, Cumaru wood was selected.

This unique wood was selected because of its affordability, beauty, and durability. It is also FSC certified.

Don’t let another extreme weather season happen which decays your current deck or gives you a reason to wish you had built one when you had the chance.  

There is nothing like having the deck of your dreams add a little bit of sanctuary and beauty to your yard.

We will help you step by step with our Cumaru wood product and customer service. If you need it for your deck, we can make it happen. 

How to Build a Deck: 5 Tips From the Pros

Did you know that adding decking to your house could be 80% cheaper than you think?

Houses that have good quality decking installed often rise in value up to 80% of the cost of the decking. 

Of course, that is only installing the basic wood structure. After you install other items such as outdoor furniture its appeal rises further.

You may want to make your house look even better, but have never installed decking before. If you want to ensure that you are investing well, what should you look out for?

Check out our list of 5 tips on how to build a deck.

1. Choose Your Design Carefully

Experts say that you should not build decking that is 20% of your house’s square footage.

If you decide to go with this, you will need to plan carefully how you use each square foot. Will you use your decking area mostly for ornaments, or will you host garden parties?

Some add to the beauty of their decking by building more than one level. Perhaps they have the main seating area and a smaller area that is lower and tapers down to a yard.

When designing your deck, plan for your decking to be a few inches below door level. In winter leaves may pile up against the base of the door and, if the same level, the out-swinging storm door will push them into the decking.

This is not only ugly but can cause damage in the long term. Leaving this gap will also keep leaves out of the house.

2. Think in 3-D

If you are building substantial decking, you likely have favorable weather and want to sit outside and enjoy it. To shield you from unwanted sunlight you have a range of options. 

If you want to read in peace, you can go with a pergola and sun rays that creep through the wooden slats. To stay out of the sun completely, install an awning. 

Once you have shade in place, and a superstructure to hang things from, only your budget limits what you can do.

Elaborate lighting systems, heating systems to allow you to enjoy the decking all year round, TVs, audio systems, Barbeques – the list is endless. 

3. Choose Quality Materials

Depending on the weather where you live, your decking may take a pounding. Direct sustained sunlight in summer, followed by lashing rain in winter means you need to pick enduring materials if you do not want to replace timbers each year.

You have a choice between natural wood and composite boards.

Natural Woods

Natural woods such as Redwoods and Red Cedar are historically the most popular choice for checking materials. They are naturally resistant to decay, insects, and rot.

There are many other natural wood solutions available at a lower price to artificial solutions. However, it is true that they will show their age with just a few years.

Artificial Solutions 

Before you discount the non-natural materials, think of what they can offer you. 

Composite boards are a blend of recycled plastic and wood. This gives them incredible durability. They often come with a warranty of up to 25 years.

Since they have a plastic coating their finish is also guaranteed and will not significantly fade during this time. In fact, the time saved by not needing to maintain composite often persuades people to spend the extra money needed to purchase it. 

The appearance of the composite boards is engineered to look exactly like genuine wood and people often find it difficult to distinguish between them. 

4. Choose Your Fixtures Carefully

Even if you go for a long-lasting wood decking solution, this could still be undermined if you choose the wrong fittings. Choosing screws and other fixtures will damage the wood surrounds.

Choosing fixtures that will rust quickly will mean you have to take up the boards to replace the fixtures even though the wood may be fine. 

If you plan to use stainless steel nails or screws, we recommend 305-grade stainless steel or higher. A lower grade may discolor the wood surrounding it. 

A safe solution is the CAMO® Hidden Clip System. Rather than driving the screw into your decking panels, this system uses an unseen clip that sits in-between the panels. This houses the screw and protects the wood from discoloration. 

5. Choose the Right Finish

When your decking is in place you are ready to apply the finish. You basically have three options:

  • Paint
  • Stain
  • No finish

Painting

Painting a new wooden deck may seem unorthodox, but it does have its advantages. Depending on the color that you choose, you may not have to clean it as often as other finishes.

A good quality paints job is easier to clean by simple washing. It is hardwearing and will not fade easily. 

However, this is also a negative. Paint is very hardwearing. This means that one you have painted your decking, there is little chance of successfully going back to a natural wood look. 

Staining

Staining allows you to retain the natural beauty of the wood. If your wood has a naturally beautiful grain pattern, you may even be able to accentuate it with the right stain. 

The downside is that stain is less hardwearing than paint. Depending on the quality of the stain that is applied and the number of coats, it may not last many years. Particularly in areas of high traffic will it age more quickly.

No Finish

This is a surprisingly good option. Not only are you able to make immediate use of your decking, with correct maintenance and cleaning, the wood can also last for decades. 

If you took the option to use Redwoods and Red Cedar, you may be able to leave the surface of the wood completely untouched thanks to its natural resistance to bugs and decay. 

Of course, over time this type of wood will discolor, however, unless it is under very severe weather conditions it will not change in any way other than appearance. 

How to Build a Deck and Many Other Projects

These are the top tips on the subject of how to build a deck.

If you are planning to add a deck or any outdoor timber to your house, why not check out our blog to see what practical advice we have to offer?

Make sure to contact us today for a quote on the best wood you can buy!

 

Happy Memorial Day – Remembering Americas Heroes

On Memorial Day 2019,  Ipe Woods USA would like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to those servicemen who paid the ultimate price for our great country. Our gratitude cannot be put into words. We owe everything to the men and women who have forged this country and laid the path for us to be able and do what we do with the freedoms we enjoy.

Take a few minutes of your time off this holiday and read about Memorial Day. 

We also want to thank all of our Active Military and Veterans for their service. 

The Secret To Maintain Your Tigerwood Decking: What You Need To Know

If you have purchased Tigerwood decking then you are probably very pleased that you will shortly be the envy of your friends, family, and neighbors.

However, to ensure your decking looks the part and stands the test of time it is important you properly maintain it. As well as creating a proper routine for cleaning and repair, there are some specific tips and tools that are useful for cleaning Tigerwood decking. 

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Tigerwood Decking?

Tigerwood is a special type of wood from Africa or South America. It has an orange hue and dark vein stripes. This gives it an exotic and mystic feel that is unlike any other wood that can be used for decking. 

It is also known as Congowood, courbaril, zorrowood, bototo, muiracatiara, Brazilian Koa or African walnut. 

These trees dominate the forests in which they grow, reaching as high as 80 feet, and becoming so valuable that some African nations have placed export restrictions on them. So you are very lucky if you have managed to get hold of some Tigerwood.

One of the reasons Tigerwood is so popular is because it has a much stronger resistance to rot or decay than other decking woods. 

Tigerwood is also a lot more capable of taking footprints and scratching than other types of wood. So, although it is more expensive than other types of decking, it should stand the test of time. 

It can be a great addition to a garden if you are considering upgrading your porch or patio this summer.

However, even Tigerwood will decay eventually if it is not installed properly and then cleaned and tended to on a regular basis. 

Installing Tigerwood

To prevent problems with Tigerwood in the future there are a number of tips and trips you can follow during the installation process

Be Careful About Surfaces Where You Install Tigerwood

It is important to make sure that Tigerwood doesn’t touch any surfaces that might allow moisture or damp to collect underneath it. These include roofs, concrete or wood that has been green treated. 

Ignoring this advice can lead to the Tigerwood bending and contorting in ways which might eventually lead to you having to replace some planks. 

Avoid Direct Contact With Iron

Iron can create oxidation when it touches with wood and this can leave horrible black marks over your beautiful wood. If you are having a garden party then be sure to insist your family and friends use non-metallic coasters for placing their drinks down on the floor. 

If you are using a barbeque made from iron then be careful that it doesn’t have prolonged exposure to the wood. This should not be too difficult if the wheels are made from a different material. But to be on the safe side move the barbeque away from the decking and onto the grass. 

A Simple Cleaning Routine 

Some wood decks need a variety of tools and chemicals to ensure they get cleaned properly and do not end up damaged. 

Tigerwood has a straight forward cleaning process. A regular power wash of perhaps once a week is all your Tigerwood needs to look the part again. There is no need for re-stains or bleaching

Deck Oil

One crucial part of the cleaning ritual for Tigerwood is the application of deck oil twice a year for the first few years after installing it.

Deck oil is relatively easy to come by. You can find it at most DIY or hardware stores. It is also straight-forward to apply.

After a few years of twice-annual coats, you can stop applying deck oil as the wood will have been broken in enough that it can handle normal everyday weathering. 

Moisture Content 

The most important thing to consider when maintaining your Tigerwood deck is ensuring that no water has got in between the cracks. This could see your Tigerwood start to rot. 

Often the moisture won’t be easy to spot, particularly if it is just a few drops. But there is a scientific way of checking this. The sooner you catch any moisture, the sooner you can put a stop to it, stemming any long term damage. 

Tigerwood will generally be dried by the manufacturer before it reaches you to reduce any natural moisture. However,  the wood has been taken out of its natural climate in the forest or jungle and this will no doubt affect it. We are looking for a natural balance, known as relative humidity.

One way of checking this is with a wood moisture machine. Often these machines will have programmable settings for Tigerwood to ensure you get an accurate reading. 

Tigerwood – Worth The Money? 

Tigerwood is a premium product that can really make your garden stand out amongst the crowd. 

It costs more than most wood used for decking. This can put many customers off. But it is important to remember that it lasts a lot longer than ordinary wood decking and you do not need to hunt for complicated products to properly maintain it, such as bleach. 

Tigerwood is therefore worth the investment. However, only if it is installed properly and you understand that it will need extra attention in the first years after installation. 

Taken from the forests of Africa and South America, it is important to understand that Tigerwood is being imported from a completely different climate and will need to be tended to as it adjusts to your garden.

But after this process has taken place, Tigerwood decking becomes a breeze to maintain. 

If you are interested in purchasing decking be sure to check out our price list today.  

5 Most Shocking Reasons Why Ipe Decking is Becoming More Popular

Are you looking to build the ideal deck for your home? Thinking about what the perfect decking material would be? Ipe or Brazilian hardwood is the answer to your problem.

There are an estimated 30 million residential decks in the US. A good 10 million of them have only come up recently. We’re betting most of these decks use ipe wood for their materials.

Most people choose ipe wood because of its sturdiness and reliability. Get a decking material that can last your whole lifetime.

Read on below for the top 5 benefits of using ipe decking.

1. Low Ipe Decking Cost

In 2016, 25% of home remodeling projects focused on adding decks to already-built homes. One of the many reasons why ipe is a very popular addition to homes is its low cost. Ipe prices can even equal synthetic plastic deck material.

If you plan to DIY your deck, you can get the ipe wood boards for a cheaper price. Ipe deck boards could cost for as little to 3.50 USD to 5 USD per square foot. The added cost of labor could increase the total price to about 20 USD per square foot if you plan to pay professionals to build the deck.

Prices for random lengths are available in our shop. For example, a 1×4 ipe wood with eased edges can cost 2.24 USD per foot. Check out our price list for ipe wood costs at different lengths and functions.

The cost of ipe decking installation can vary with the size of the deck. A 200 to 500 square-foot deck can cost you around 7,000 USD. Smaller decks can cost only 2,000 USD or more.

Ipe wood can seem more expensive than most other wood materials. In the long run, it will be a great investment and will cost you less. We’ll further explain below the durability of the ipe wood.

2. Ipe Decking Has Durability and High Density

You want to create a wooden deck or porch that lasts for a long time. Ipe hardwood is tough as nails and has a high density. It’s not a surprise that it earned the nickname “ironwood”.

Ipe wood’s high density makes it the best decking material according to many deck makers. This dense characteristic makes ipe wood long-lasting and sturdy. Several resistances come from the high density of this redwood species.

Ipe wood has a Class A fire resistance rating. This is comparable to the resistance of steel and concrete against fire. The wood’s density, rugged surface, and natural moisture content help.

In the market, most wood materials do not expand like ipe wood. The contracting and expanding of ipe wood make it an adaptive material. Often, these changes will be due to the climate and temperature of the area.

As a note, excessive movement is a common problem with ipe decking. The reason is the wood still moves with changes in the temperature and humidity. The wood will compensate when it starts drying and can cause coupling, gaps, and buckling.

To prevent this, make sure that airflow on all four sides of the boards remains even. The boards and joints should have even spaces between each other. Also, allow some room for expansion and drainage.

3. Ipe Wood Is Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Among the various typical decking options, ipe wood has great sustainability. As discussed above, it is very sturdy. This leads to fewer instances of deck wood replacement.

Compared to most wood types for deck boards, ipe wood can last much longer. With the right maintenance, it can weather the elements for over 75 years. In the case of termite attacks, it can hold out against them for up to 15 years.

Although we say that ipe has good sustainability as decking material, the source itself isn’t so much. Due to its widespread use in many construction projects, many are overharvesting it. In time, further sourcing of ipe could lead to its extinction.

This is why you must be smart and efficient in using ipe wood. This incredible hardwood has much use to us and will benefit future generations. All we need to do is to be responsible for the usage of our materials.

4. Retains Cool Surfaces

In its original state, Brazilian hardwood or ipe has high moisture content. Through the slow drying process, the moisture content level goes down. This is to prevent the ipe wood from cracking and splitting.

For months, the wood sits in a warehouse to readjust to its new environment and acclimate well. If you buy ipe wood, it’s best to consider one that is premium or select grade. This will ensure that the woods will have the least amount of separation and cracks.

As a tip, when you buy ipe wood, it’s smart to let them acclimate. Let the boards sit for a few days on-site before you cut them. The longer they get to adjust to temperatures, the stronger they’ll be when you start the decking project.

There are some options for ipe decking, including air-dried boards and kiln-dried lumber. Air-dried decking has a moisture content of 12% to 18%. This ensures that excessive movement and checking will not occur during elemental exposure.

The kiln-dried wood has a moisture content of 6% to 8%. This is essential in climate-controlled interiors. Kiln-drying ipe allows more stability and prevents moisture loss.

Since ipe hardwood has a natural capacity to keep less heat, it will stay cool in the summer months. Using ipe decking will be better than using composite and plastic decking. It also has a tendency to crack less, giving you fewer chances of getting splinters.

If you can’t get access to ipe, some Ipe alternatives include cumaru, massaranduba, and teak.

5. Low Maintenance

Ipe helps create the ideal deck for many homeowners. It has great aesthetic value, great efficiency, and incredible stability. Still, without the right maintenance, it can wear out faster than it should.

The great thing about ipe decking is that doesn’t need a lot to keep it in tip-top shape.

All you need is regular cleaning. Sweep it every day to clear out the sap, pollen, and leaves. Should debris remain, rinse it out.

Sealing your boards after constructing the deck will help in its longevity too. If you want to give further protection to the finish, you can oil your ipe wood. Remember to reseal your boards every few years.

Exposure to the sun will make the board colors fade. If you want to keep the color from fading, use a UV protectant on the boards. If you can get an awning to protect it from the high sun, do it whenever your budget allows you to.

All Hands on the Ipe Deck

That’s it for the 5 reasons why ipe decking is becoming a popular choice among homeowners.

Did you enjoy this blog post and/or found it informative? Feel free to visit our blog page for more articles on Ipe decking.

Thinking of getting treatments for a beautiful finish on your ipe deck? Check out our main page for our products and services on all things ipe! You can also contact us and fill out a form for a quote.

Dress Up Your Deck: 8 Must-Have Deck Furniture Ideas

Is your home feeling cramped? Maybe you are constantly tripping over guests when you entertain? Expand your home’s livable space by transforming your deck and getting new deck furniture ideas.

Outdoor living rooms and kitchens are all the rage. More people are looking to their backyards to provide them with much needed livable square footage.

People are seeing the value of creating comfortable, livable outdoor spaces in their own backyard. But how do you take your deck to the next level?

Lucky for you, we put together a list of our top 8 deck decor must-haves. Keep reading for deck furniture ideas that will take your space from drab to fab!

1. Firepit

Heat your evenings up as the weather cools down with your own personal firepit.

Firepits are the most popular outdoor feature in American homes.

And we can see why. There is something so calming and conversational about an open fire. Lighting a fire transforms an ordinary night into something memorable.

The backyard firepit trend means there are tons of options for you. Custom fireplace and firepits are also a great option if you want something tailored specifically to your space.

You’ll also need to decide if you want a gas or wood-burning firepit. Wood-burning fire pits are classic. But they can take some effort to light and keep lit.

Gas firepits light quickly and maintain a consistent heat. While wood-burning firepit takes more effort to light and keeps lit.

If you live in an area known for wildfires or droughts opt for a gas firepit. A traditional wood-burning fire pit could be problematic during wildfire season. With a gas fire pit, you can enjoy a fire any-time, even during non-burn days!

2. Hammock

Nothing says relaxation like lounging in a hammock. Americans are among some of the most stressed people in the world. Chronic stress hurts our health and makes life more difficult.

Unwind from your daily tension with a cool drink and a weightless nap!

Hammocks naps provide a number of amazing, stress-busting benefits. The iconic hammock sway melts stress away and eases mental tension.

And say goodbye to stress-related insomnia.

Hammocks help you fall asleep and sleep more deeply. When you sleep on a regular bed your body conforms to its shape. But hammocks conform to your shape, resulting in a zero-pressure point rest.

3. Dining Set

Feeling couped up? Take dinner outside! The right dining set can transform your deck into a second dining room.

It’s tempting to get a large long table if you love dinner parties. But before you start planning a massive dinner soiree figure out how much space you have on your deck for a dining set.

Consider how many people can comfortably and safely fit on your deck along with your other furniture.

Table height is also important when deciding on the overall vibe of your dining space. Lower tables give a more casual feel to a meal. While high tables encourage you to sit upright and feel a bit more formal.

4. Outdoor Sound System

Music sets the mood for your evening. You can unwind with some relaxing ballads or kick it into party mode with a killer playlist. A great outdoor speaker system is indispensable to creating your perfect deck.

There are tons of speakers on the market. Splurge on an amazing outdoor entertainment setup that is completely weather resistant. Or maybe you want smart home outdoor speakers that can integrate with the rest of your smart home appliances.

Just make sure to set your speaker or speakers up in a place that won’t disturb conversations or a nice hammock nap.

5. Light It Up

Great lighting is vital to set the vibe for your newly improved outdoor space.

String lights are an outdoor decor favorite. They are inexpensive, easy to install and create a gorgeous ambiance. Plus there are tons of varieties for every style and budget.

Long strands of globe light provide tons of warm light for a modern bohemian deck. While twinkling fairy lights create a dim and whimsical ambiance.

Combine different lighting features to make your space usable at any hour. Make sure you get brighter task lighting for safety. Your deck’s steps should always be well lit along with any walkways or paths.

6. Comfy Furniture

Comfy cozy furniture is key to creating an inviting outdoor space.

Your outdoor furniture should look and feel comfortable. You want this space to be inviting. Invest in cushy, weather-resistant furniture.

Select furniture that matches the overall aesthetic of your existing deck and yard. For instance, is your space a lush, overgrown bohemian paradise? Or is your deck more modern and minimal?

There’s plenty of weather-resistant furniture available. You’ll be sure to find something that really goes with your style.

7. Cozy Textiles

Select colors and patterns that coordinate with your home’s exterior color and overall decor. You want to use these textiles to enhance the space and create continuity with your interior decor.

Pillows are a great way to make your furniture feel plusher. And they elevate the overall appearance of your outdoor furniture.

Outdoor rugs work wonders for tying your space together. Try a classy rug underneath your dining set for a dignified, cohesive look. Or you use a rug to make your outdoor living room feel more like a living room.

And some people are even hanging sheer curtains around their deck for elegant sun-protection!

8. Make It Shady

Sunny days are best spent in the shade. Make sure you have enough shade installed on your deck so you can fully enjoy it.

It can be as simple as a few well-placed umbrellas. Or you can invest in a nice pop-up gazebo or tent.

Asses your personal shade needs for your space and local weather. You should also select shade options that match your decor and home.

Best Deck Furniture Ideas for Your Home

Your deck is an extension of your home and living space. Make the most of that extra square footage by transforming your deck into an outdoor oasis.

Use our deck furniture ideas and plan your deck do-over today!