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!

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! 

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!

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!

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!

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.

Hardwood flooring is one of the best amenities that you can add to your property. It spikes up your home’s resale value and makes jaws drop as they enter the room.

However, there are many misconceptions and “myths” out there in the marketplace about this flooring option.

Perhaps people believe that hardwood flooring is too good to be true. They think that there has to be a downside to something as beautiful as hardwood.

Whatever the case might be, this article is here to shut them down. Here are some of the most common hardwood flooring myths and reasoning for why they’re untrue.

1. Scratch or Faded Hardwood Floors Need to Be Replaced

As with any other material, hardwood will start to lose a bit of its coloring as the sun beats down on it over time. You might also notice that your hardwood floor has gained a few scars (scratches) from Lucky, the house dog.

The myth here is that your only resolution for getting rid of the scratches or faded color is by replacing the flooring. That couldn’t be further from the truth!

Hardwood flooring can be refinished and look as brand-new as the day that you first had it installed. In fact, you can refinish the same hardwood floors up to 10 times before they need to be replaced.

Many people doubt the strength and endurance of hardwood flooring. Be sure to inform yourself on everything you need to know about hardwood lumber.

2. High Heels Won’t Damage Hardwood Flooring

Ladies, you’ve probably had someone tell you that those high heel shoes you wear aren’t going to damage your hardwood floors.

But the truth is that any item that puts a heavy amount of pressure on a specific point (such as spiked heel in your shoe), will more than likely cause damage.

Every step that you take will put an excessive amount of force into a square inch of your flooring. That kind of pressure can severely damage the hardwood lumber that your floor is made out of over time.

That’s not to say you can’t ever wear high heels if you were to install hardwood floors.

Just try to be sparing about the number of times you wear them and try not to walk across the same room more than once or twice while wearing your go-to pair.

3. Hardwood Flooring won’t Scratch or Dent

Technically speaking, this myth has already been debunked in this article with the first paragraph.

However, it’s worth repeating so that customers won’t get a preconceived notion before their flooring is installed.

While it’s true that hardwood flooring can take quite the beating and will hold up nicely as it ages, no flooring material is entirely impervious.

Especially considering the high-traffic areas of your house, such as your kitchen, living room, and hallways, which take a much workload to keep its form.

Your hardwood flooring is bound to gather a few scratches and maybe even a dent or two. The important thing to remember is that it can be refinished!

Unlike many other flooring materials, hardwood allows you to make it look as good as new 8 to 10 times in its lifetime.

4. They Shouldn’t Be Used in Kitchens

This myth is utterly ridiculous. In fact, most hardwood flooring experts agree that a kitchen is one of the best places to install hardwood flooring in your house.

Because of how durable hardwood is, it can stand up to many different spills and can withstand the high level of traffic that kitchens attract.

They can provide a beautiful aesthetic to your kitchen while providing a much comfier flooring option over tile or other hard materials. It has just enough give to help your feet have more support as you walk.

If you plan to keep your kitchen looking as nice as possible, then proper kitchen maintenance is of the utmost importance. Hardwood floors are perfect for your kitchen maintenance. As long as you keep up with it, the floor will keep its shine!

Be warned, however, that continually mopping the hardwood floor can do more damage than good. Instead, try taking a microfiber cloth to it when it needs to be cleaned.

5. Fading Color is a Sign of Defective Hardwood

Many people confuse the discoloration or fading of their hardwood as a sign of defective materials.

No matter how high-quality the hardwood you purchase is, the color is going to inevitably fade over time. As has been pointed out in this article already, refinishing your flooring can bring that color back easily.

The faded color is not a sign of a defective floor. In fact, not even cupped or warped wood is a sign of defective hardwood. It’s just a natural part of the process.

Be sure to move your furniture around frequently so that you can prevent significant fading over a few certain areas.

Consider it like getting a tan: if you keep your sunglasses on too long, you’ll have a skin tan with an imprint of where your glasses were.

Have Your Dream Hardwood Flooring Installed Today!

Now that you’ve seen the debunking of several common hardwood flooring myths, it’s time to receive a quote for getting yours installed!

Be sure to read this message from our CEO on the details of installing hardwood flooring during the pandemic and why we’re continuing business as usual.

For more inquiries, please begin by reaching out via our online contact page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!

No kitchen remodel is complete without a new floor. But picking a material for your new floor can be hard. Do you want to go with a more traditional tile look, or do you want something a little more unique? What about hardwood? Hardwood might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine your new kitchen, but it’s more convenient than you might think. Here are a few reasons why you might want a kitchen with hardwood floors.

The Benefits of a Kitchen With Hardwood Floors

Using hardwood in the kitchen affords you many of the same benefits as hardwood in a living room. These include:

Cleanliness

Hardwood is one of the easier materials to clean. Dust and debris won’t get stuck to it as easily as tile. You can easily clean it with a simple sweep, vacuum, or mop.

With tile floors, you have to be extra careful not to spill anything too oily. The substance can easily get stuck between tiles and in the grout. Hardwood holds up to simple spills much better.

Plus, the shine you get with clean hardwood is really pleasing to the eyes.

Warmth

Tile floors can get very cold, especially in the winter months. If you tend to walk around barefoot, you know how shocking it can be to step onto a cold kitchen floor in the morning. Hardwood will keep warmer, meaning increased comfort for you and your guests.

Hardwood floors also help keep your home insulated. They’ll keep heat in during the winter, and expel it during the summer. You can even get a hardwood floor specially insulated to really reap the benefits.

Upscale Look

Hardwood is one of the most upscale looks you can get. It’s more expensive than tile or laminate floors, and that extra price shows. It gives your home a more rustic and warm look, and shows off your distinguished side.

Baby-Friendly

If you’ve recently had a baby, even they’ll benefit from the hardwood floors.

Hardwood is softer and warmer than tile, making it much more pleasant for a baby to crawl or walk around on. Hardwood is also completely non-toxic, and you can more easily see potentially dangerous stains.

Increases Home Value

Hardwood floors may not be the cheapest option, but the increase in property value makes it instantly worth it for many. Hardwood floors can actually improve your home’s value by around 2.5%!

If you plan on selling your home in the future, you should consider installing hardwood in the kitchen. The right company will offer you great prices on hardwood flooring.

Acoustically Pleasing

There’s a good reason that concert halls and theaters use wood flooring. It’s all about the acoustics.

Hardwood floors will lower echo and vibrations, and let you hear people across the room with unparalleled accuracy. It’s probably not the main reason you’ll want to go hardwood, but it’s a great little bonus. Especially if you like to sing or listen to music while working in the kitchen.

Durability

A good hardwood floor will last you years without wearing down. Some choose to have their hardwood refinished every five years or so, but it’s not necessary for everyone. Most of the time, you won’t have to touch your hardwood again unless it sustains damage.

You might consider using a sealant on your new hardwood floor to protect it from damage. Hardwood can warp or get stained if a spill is left on it too long. A sealant can help prevent that.

You should also try to wipe up any spill as soon as it hits the hardwood.

Customization

There are tons of different woods available for hardwood floors. These will all give you a different look. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Fir
• Cherry
• Pine
• Birch
• Hickory
• Walnut
• Ash
• Maple

Each of these has a unique grain and color. Make sure to sample a few of these before locking in to see what best matches the rest of your kitchen.

Hardwood floors look immaculate with the right kitchen furniture and appliances. You can contrast the floors with marble or brick, or compliment it with a further rustic, wood look. You can even customize the color of your hardwood to better fit the room by going with something darker or lighter.

Staying Organic

Hardwood is a great choice if you’re trying to make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable.

There are no vinyls, plastics, or non-renewable resources that go into hardwood floors. It’s just good old biodegradable wood. This makes hardwood floors one of the most environmentally conscious flooring decisions out there.

What About the Cons?

There are very few drawbacks to having hardwood in the kitchen, but there are some things to consider.

Price

Hardwood isn’t cheap, so it’s probably not the right choice if you’re on a strict budget. Although, as mentioned above, the increase in property value may make the price worth it in the long run.

Not Ideal for Pets

If you have dogs or cats, you might notice some small scratches over time. A good sealant can help repel these, but not all the time. The floor may also be slippery on paws, but that mostly depends on how your pet behaves.

Sun Damage

If you have a lot of windows in your kitchen, your hardwood floors might fade over time. To avoid this, try finding a sealant with UV protection. It may offer some relief.

Hardwood: A Solid Choice

Hardwood isn’t just for the living room anymore.

There are tons of benefits to a kitchen with hardwood floors. From durability to cleanliness to pure beauty, hardwood is a unique and excellent choice for any kitchen. If you want a kitchen floor that’ll bring a smile to your face every morning, go with hardwood.

If you’re looking for a good hardwood floor for your kitchen, see what we can do for you. Contact us with any comments or questions.

Research shows that a new wood deck recovers 106% of its value when you sell your home.

Backyard decking creates a focal point for get-togethers, adds style to your backyard, and sets an inviting ambiance for late summer evenings.

You’ve heard about tigerwood but you’re unsure how to introduce it to your decking project. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Tigerwood?

Tigerwood is distinctive because of its bold splashes of color. It’s also known as African walnut, goncalo alves, and Brazilian Koa, but tigerwood makes sense because of its tiger-like stripes.

They range from light orange to a deep brown, covered in either broad strokes to delicate lines. Unlike other hardwoods, such as garapa wood, tigerwood adds personality to any room or outdoor decking area and works best with simple furniture.

Benefits of Tigerwood

Before you choose ipe decking, consider the advantages of using tigerwood.

Durable

Tigerwood has an 1850 Janka scale rating, which means it’s more durable than popular hardwoods like maple.

It’s perfect for decking as its tough surface resists dents, so it looks great for longer. Also, as it’s softer than cumaru wood, tigerwood is more comfortable underfoot, which is great for families with young children.

Water-Resistant

Tigerwood has an abundance of natural oils, which helps it ward off water damage. Once laid down, apply a finish to stop it from warping or cracking even in a damp environment.

Affordable

Even though tigerwood isn’t classified as a budget hardwood, its price-tag as an exotic hardwood is fair. This is a great reason to use it for your decking as you’ll make a statement with this durable, moisture-resistant wood without breaking the bank.

Low-Maintenance

Not everyone has the luxury to scrub their outdoor decking frequently. Luckily, with tigerwood, the cleaning process is simple.

Use a damp mop to clean it once a week with a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar mixed in a quart of water. Or use 1/4 soap and 2 gallons of water as it works just as well.

It’s essential to use mild cleaners to cut through grime without harming the tigerwood’s finish.

Creative Ideas for Tigerwood Decking

Consider using these ideas to elevate your outdoor decking.

Add a Pergola

A pergola can dramatically change your backyard for the better. It welcomes the best of both worlds with an open roof. Pergolas offer some shelter from the environment so you can continue entertaining guests outside.

Use tigerwood as the decking to create an inviting spot to hang out during warmer months. You could also add a hanging garden, climbing plants like potato vine, purple clematis, and rambling roses.

Floating Deck

If you want to add elegance to your backyard, consider a floating deck. They’re great for pools, or gazebos, and doesn’t add any strain to your home because it supports itself.

Once you’ve constructed it with tigerwood, add potted plants, a cozy seating area, and while away the afternoon in your stunning backyard.

Get Creative With Lighting

From strings of fairy lights to tiki torches, highlight your tigerwood deck with lighting.

Create a relaxing atmosphere with recessed lighting, or if you’re environmentally conscious, there are many stylish solar-powered options too.

Think about where and how you’ll mount the lights. For example, you could light the decking’s stairs with recessed lighting which not only looks great but is safe too.

Create a Garden Path Deck

Encourage guests to explore your backyard by adding a series of interconnected decks winding throughout. It could lead to a more solid tigerwood decked area, but along the way, use flowers to line either side for an effective look.

Build a Decked Bar Area

There’s no better place for a sundowner than in your own bar area. Tiki torches with your tigerwood deck will create an inviting space for your family and friends. But lay a rug underneath the bar stools to prevent any potential slipping!

Be Bold With Color

Tigerwood is loved because of its vibrant color, so why not go the whole way?

It’s essential you choose complementary bold colors to make the best impact. Also, you have a chance to repurpose old furniture. Just give them a coat of paint so they look fresh. But remember to use weather-resistant finish so it’s long-lasting.

Layer Your Deck

Layered decking creates a visually interesting deck design, and works great with tigerwood decking. This style complements contemporary homes, useful for those who only have a small concrete area.

Tree-Hugging Deck

For a unique look, fit your tigerwood deck around a tree in your yard. It’s a stunning way to combine the two. Although, it’s important to consult an arborist to ensure the tree is healthy and to make sure you leave enough room for the tree’s mature size.

Master Room Decking

If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to go overboard, add a small tigerwood deck off the master bedroom. Add a pair of lounge chairs and a table so you have a private area to wind down.

Re-Vamp Your Shed

Sheds don’t only have to be a storage space for your kid’s toys or gardening tools. You can revitalize your shed by adding a mini tigerwood deck across the entrance so it complements your backyard.

Those Are Our Tigerwood Decking Ideas

Tigerwood is an exceptional choice for decking. It’s unique markings, deep color, and durability mean it’s a perfect addition for any decking project. Get creative by adding a decked bar, highlighting your backyard’s current foliage, or add a small private decking area.

Enjoy!

Are you looking for decking inspiration? If so, browse our collection here.

Installing a deck adds extra value to a house while also giving you a lot of extra space to enjoy the outdoors for years to come. This makes it one of the best renovation projects for any home. With so many options of wood to choose from, it’s difficult to know which material to choose for your home’s new deck. Hardwood lumber is the best choice, both for its beautiful appearance and longevity, but what else is there to know about this material?

Making sure you know everything beforehand saves you both time and money in the long run.

That’s why we’ve collected that kind of information for you down below. Keep reading to learn all of the information you need to know to get the most out of your hardwood deck installation.

Why Choose Hardwood Lumber?

Hardwood lumber comes from deciduous trees that are slow-growing, which means the wood grows compact and dense. This high density gives hardwoods extra strength and longer life. They’re able to withstand more without ever getting damaged, and it makes the wood less of a chore to clean as well.

This is why it’s important to choose hardwood for your decking material rather than softwood. It makes for a much better investment compared to softwood lumber.

Ipe Wood

This type of wood has other names such as Brazilian Walnut and Pau Lope. Regardless of what you call it, this wood stands above the rest.

With a hardness rating of 3,600, it’s one of the hardest woods on the market. Having such a high hardness makes Ipe very durable and long-lasting. It resists against common problems such as warping, denting, and has the same fire rating as concrete without additional chemical treatments.

It’s sold without any knots or blemishes so that its beauty shines without any distractions. Ipe has a natural color range in rich browns with black undertones that makes it a desirable choice for many homeowners.

Garapa Wood

At 1,630, Garapa wood has less than half of Ipe’s hardness, yet it still retains many of the same desirable qualities as Ipe. It’s durable, strong, and resists many kinds of damages without extra chemical treatments. The best part about it is that it is a cheaper option, making it a good choice for those on a stricter budget.

It’s resistant to warping, rot, and is also fire-resistant. Also known as Brazilian Ash, Garapa is unique because of its eye-catching golden tones.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Ipe and you love yellow-toned woods, Garapa is the choice for you.

Cumaru Wood

Another Brazilian-based wood, Cumaru wood, sits just below Ipe at 3,540 on the hardness scale and is as beautiful as its brethren. Cumaru, or Brazilian Teak, is the medium brown option between these three hardwoods. There are tones of purple in the wood, giving it a mystical feel.

Like the others, Cumaru has high durability and resistance to damage, rot, warping, and even fire. It’s a cheaper option when compared to Ipe, though it doesn’t have as flawless of an appearance as Ipe.

Common Defects

When you purchase from a trusted company, defects in your lumber are hard to find, but it’s still a good thing to keep in mind. Sometimes minor defects won’t cause any problems during the installation of your new deck. Other times, they’ll stall the entire project.

Once you receive your lumber, give each piece a good inspection for the following:

• Types of warping, such as bowing, twisting, or cupping
• Cracks
• Splits in the wood that go all the way through
• Grain separation
• Loose knotholes

Hardwood minimizes the chances of these defects from occurring, but make sure to call your provider if there’s a problem.

Installation

After you’ve chosen your desired wood material, it’s time to choose the right kind of cut for your project. Different installation plans require different cuts and fasteners. Purchasing your lumber pre-prepared makes the entire installation process easier.

Standard

This is the cut most of us think about when we think of lumber. It’s as basic as you get: a board cut only to the dimensions you set, without any other incisions. The edges of the wood are sharp corners, making it easy to lay the pieces up against each other.

This cut is best used with face screws drilled into the wood. Use wood plugs or other methods to hide away any evidence of the screws.

Eased Edge

An eased edge is the same as a standard cut of wood, except it has rounded edges. You’d install this type in much the same way as standard, but the finished deck has a different feel and appearance at the end of the project. This is also a great cut for making stairs and banisters.

Pre-Grooved

For an installation process that creates a seamless effect, pre-grooved is the way to go. Each side of the board has a small indentation, allowing you to fit the pieces into one another without the use of screws.

You’ll need special fasteners specific to this style to secure the lumber pieces together. Once you’re done, you’ll have a deck with nothing marring its natural beauty on the surface.

Groove and Tongue

This style of cut lumber comes with a large indentation on one end and a mirrored section sticking out at the other end. This is to help create a seamless look that hides aways any fasteners you use during the installation process.

Make sure to only select this style of lumber for places that allow for good water drainage. The grooves and tongues create hidden spaces for water to collect and cause damage to the wood over a long period. It’s a prime area for rot and mold to begin growing.

With the hardwoods listed above, you won’t have to worry as much, but it’s still good to keep in mind.

Always Choose Hardwood Lumber for the Best Results

Now that you know all of the pertinent information about hardwood lumber, installation is a breeze. No surprises wait for you around the corner when you’ve done all of your research beforehand.

When it’s time to figure out the logistics of your next hardwood renovation, make sure to check back here for everything you need!

Ready to get started on your new deck? Check out our lumber selection to find your home’s perfect match!