Building a beautiful rooftop deck is a great way to add extra outdoor space to your home or business and can also increase the value of your property. Here are the general steps to follow to build a rooftop deck:

• Check local building codes and permits: Before you start building your rooftop deck, make sure you check with your local building department to see if there are any zoning requirements or building codes you need to follow. You may also need to obtain a building permit.
• Hire a structural engineer: It’s essential to ensure that your roof can handle the weight of a deck, as well as any additional furniture, people, or plants. Hire a structural engineer to evaluate your roof’s weight capacity and recommend any necessary reinforcement or structural changes.
• Choose materials: Choose weather-resistant and durable materials, as your rooftop deck will be exposed to the elements. Popular decking materials include composite decking, hardwood, and pressure-treated lumber. You will also need to choose railings, stairs, and lighting options for your deck.
• Plan and design your deck: Decide on your deck’s size, shape, and layout. Consider the surrounding view, access to the deck, and any amenities you want to add, such as an outdoor kitchen or seating area.
• Build the frame: Use pressure-treated lumber to construct the frame of your deck. Be sure to follow your engineer’s recommendations for reinforcement and joist spacing.
• Install the decking: Install your chosen decking material over the frame of the deck. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, and ensure that the boards are spaced appropriately to allow for proper drainage.
• Install railings and stairs: Install railings around the perimeter of your deck for safety. Stairs should also be added for easy access.
• Install lighting and accessories: Add lighting to your deck to enhance its appearance and functionality. Consider adding outdoor furniture, a grill, or potted plants to make the space more inviting.
• Apply finishes: Apply a finish to protect the decking material from weather and wear. Choose a finish that is appropriate for your chosen decking material.
• Final inspection: Have your work inspected by a building inspector to ensure that it meets all local building codes and regulations.

Following these steps should help you build a beautiful and functional rooftop deck that adds value and livability to your home. Here are some additional ideas for rooftop decks. 

While traditional decking materials such as composite, hardwood, or pressure-treated lumber are commonly used, many homeowners are now exploring alternative materials like Ipe tiles for their rooftop decks.

*While the above steps outline a general process for building a rooftop deck, it’s important to note that every construction project is unique and may require specific considerations or modifications. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with an onsite expert, such as a licensed contractor or structural engineer, to evaluate the conditions of your specific rooftop and provide recommendations for design and construction. They can help ensure that the deck is built safely and meets all local building codes and regulations. The information provided above should be used as a general guide only and not as a substitute for the advice and expertise of a professional.

Choosing the right hardwood lumber for a fence can be stressful without understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of wood. Have you heard about Ipe wood? It’s increasingly popular for wood fences, and there are plenty of excellent reasons why!

Ipe wood (or Brazilian Walnut) originally came from South America. You’ll find it used in fencing, decking, and patio construction because it’s an ideal wood for long-lasting structures in almost any climate. 

Why should you consider Ipe fencing for your next project? Aside from the privacy benefits, here are ten excellent reasons to choose Ipe wood fencing. 

1. It’s Durable

You don’t want to build a new fence every few years. While some types of wood fencing materials can rot and warp over time, Ipe wood holds its shape as one of the most durable fencing materials.

The wood’s high density is the key to its long lifespan. A hardness rating of 3,600 means Ipe wood is sturdy enough for the long haul—even as long as 50 years. Once your Ipe fence is in place, you won’t need to worry about replacing damaged sections or the entire fence, repairing dents, or dealing with warped boards. 

2. It Looks Nice

Durability doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics. Your Ipe wood fence has a high-quality finish due to the wood’s range of colors. Choose medium or darker shades of this wood to match your home’s style or create a specific look and feel for your backyard oasis. 

With Ipe wood, you also won’t have to worry about your fence color fading over time. 

3. It’s Easy to Maintain

Since Ipe wood is so durable, your fence is easy to maintain! While Ipe fencing isn’t completely maintenance-free, other types of wood fencing require repairs or frequent re-staining to maintain the color and extend the life of the fence. During installation, a UV stain helps protect your Ipe wood and set the shade of brown.

Ipe is highly resistant to inclement weather, rot, and decay. These factors mean you won’t spend time replacing rotted boards or dealing with pest damage due to fence decay. You also won’t see signs of excessive wear-and-tear over time. 

4. It’s Fire Resistant

Can you imagine a fire-resistant wood fence? If it’s not Ipe wood, your fence could accelerate a fire and fail to protect your home.

While Ipe can’t prevent fires, its Class A Fire Rating means it is slow to catch fire or spread flames. With this type of fencing around the perimeter of your home, you have an extra layer of protection versus other types of wood fencing that can accelerate the spread of flames. 

5. It’s Distinct

Your fence can be a statement piece that completes your yard! No other wood fences look like an Ipe wood fence—and that can be just the look you need to enhance your home’s appeal.

This fencing material creates a contemporary design that won’t blend in with other wood fences in your neighborhood. Many Ipe fences lay the wood boards horizontally (instead of vertically) to create a unique look. Mix the dense wood with black or metal accents and posts to build a fence your neighbors will want!

6. It Stays Cool

The hot sun won’t overheat your Ipe wood fence. Extreme sun and heat can warp and crack boards. Direct sunshine can also make your fence hot to the touch. 

For families with small children or pets that spend time in the yard, an Ipe fence won’t burn or hurt small, sensitive hands or snouts. 

7. It’s Eco-Friendly

The durability of Ipe wood makes it a highly sustainable resource for fences. It’s a renewable natural resource that matures over about thirty years—and your fence can last longer than that! 

If eco-friendly resources are a priority for your home, Ipe wood is one of the best ways to love the environment with a long-lasting and beautiful fence. 

8. It Pays Off

While an Ipe wood fence can be more costly than other types of wood fencing at installation, its durability makes it a cost-effective option over time. Your fence made of Ipe will last longer than most wood, metal, or vinyl fencing—with less required upkeep—making it a better financial investment for your home. 

Choosing a less-expensive fence material can be a lower upfront cost, but you might have to replace that fence again in a few years. 

9. It Fights Termites

The density of Ipe wood is no match for termites! Try as they “mite,” termites won’t be able to work themselves into your Ipe wood fence—even if you struggle with termite problems in other places around your home. 

Dense woods create a natural barrier for pests that can more easily destroy softer wood fences. If pests are a problem near your home, an Ipe wood fence can withstand their attempts at destruction. 

10. It’s Good For Neighbors

Traditional vertical fence construction can leave neighbors looking at the wrong side of the fence. One side is the “presentable” side, while the other side shows supporting pieces that hold the fence together. 

With Ipe boards laid horizontally, both you and your neighbors enjoy the same smooth finish on both sides of the fence. Smooth sides also make it more difficult for intruders to climb over a fence and enter your yard. Protect your family and home with the unique style of a horizontal Ipe wood fence. 

Choose Ipe Fencing for Long-Lasting Beauty

Ipe fencing is the best choice for a long-lasting structure that surrounds a home or yard. When professionally installed, an Ipe wood fence will last for many years and retain its beauty throughout its lifetime. 

Ipe Woods USA has the best pricing and delivery options directly to your job site. Treat your customers to the many benefits of the best-quality hardwood fencing materials! Contact us to learn more. 

Inside a home, far more attention goes into how to decorate walls and the protective layers constructed outside of the bones.  It’s easy to forget how much effort goes into the procurement and betterment of materials for construction. 

Outside of a home, bare wood (or nearly bare) is a chosen aesthetic. This naked wood needs to be considered as an outer layer that also works as an inner layer.  Choosing the best deck wood, then, is about finding a material that holds both its strength and looks with the least maintenance.

This selection is partially based on a chosen aesthetic, naked wood versus painted, stained, etc. The other selection pressure is climate. An area with more humidity needs different materials than a dry area with lots of unfiltered sunlight. 

The following provides information on the most popular choices and explains their strengths and longevity. 

Best Deck Wood

At one point in time, deck wood was chosen by local availability or cheapest distribution. The local procurement made sense because wood growing in an area clearly was adapted to the area. 

Cheap distribution helped make replacements and upkeep cheaper by offering a standardized product. 

Today’s options expand on these two concepts integrating new technologies and time-tested materials that beat expense curves. This list breaks down decking material into broad categories of natural woods, exotic wood, and budget materials. 

Naturals

Natural woods provided the best appearance without resorting to treatments or stains. They create their own protective chemicals and are rich in color. 

That said, to expand the longevity of these woods, stripping, sealing, and eventually staining come into play.  Sealing of natural woods is recommended every three or so years. Stains for natural woods are less about coloration than they are tint.

Much like a window, the stain offers sun filtration that blocks light from bleaching the wood as quickly. 

Redwood

This softwood from the west coast offers a rich color and tannins that repel bugs and slow decay. 

Redwood comes in grades representing respective hardness based on if the wood is pulled from the inner or outer areas of a tree. heartwood provides the best in decay resistance but is somewhat firmer and always more expensive. 

Sapwood is softer but limited in its repellant qualities. Sapwood also tends to have more character in terms of knots and patterns. 

Recent investigations indicate promising directions for getting replacements to color match older boards, furthering the longevity of this wood.

Cedar

Red cedar has many of the same properties of redwood and similar aesthetics. Red coloration makes decks feel warm and lived-in over duller grey and brown colorings.

While grades of redwood concern the longevity and hardness of the material, grades in red cedar represent scales of most to least knotty. 

Cedar is a thinner tree and less prone to variation in hardness. The level knotty content changes the look but also structural integrity with exceptionally knotty wood offering more area for decay. 

Tropical Hardwood

These materials come from harder trees sourced from tropical locations. They are relatively new to the market but offer key resistances not found in northwestern woods.

These woods are dense and fibrous, making them resistant to weathering, especially from water. Like natural woods, they do best when treated with a protective stain that reflects light to keep the color longer.

Ipe

Pronounced ee-pay, this wood is also known as Brazilian Walnut. It is a deep mahogany in color and lightens over time to look a softer red. This is the decking material Ipe Woods specializes in because it’s the wood that offers the best in strength, appearance, and upkeep. 

The relative hardness of Ipe limits the fasteners used to hold it in place. Screws and nails work poorly without pilot holes. Clips and hidden fasteners both hold better and keep the deck looking flush.

Garapa

Also known as Brazilian Ash, Garapa wood resembles Ipe in many ways. The key difference is the color, which is a more rich brown that fades into ideal warm browns and ‘woody’ colors. 

It also keeps a smoother appearance, looking more like wood tile than the rich grain of Ipe or the natural woods. 

Budget

Budget options lower costs by blending materials or otherwise treating wood to add durability. These woods are functional but lack a lot of the natural beauty of natural and tropical woods. 

These materials also need more frequent upkeep. It’s always important to consider the impact of preservatives and stains, especially if applied annually.

Pressure Treated

Pressure-treated wood starts out soft and becomes denser from the aforementioned pressuring treating. Typically comprised of yellow pine, the material undergoes a process that provides resistance to weathering, insects, and decaying agents like fungus. 

It isn’t a very appealing color but is porous, making it easy to stain other colors. This porous construction does leave it vulnerable to taking in water which warps it over time.

A yearly wash and stain are recommended and a three-year treatment of preservatives to keep the wood water-tight. 

Composites

Composite materials cost more than pressure-treated but also bring in better longevity at the cost of looking more uniform and less wood.

This material almost doesn’t belong in this list as it isn’t so much deck wood as full-on deck ‘material’. Still, composite decking holds up to weathering well.

Composite decking requires the least maintenance with only semi-annual washing needed to keep it looking proper. 

Hem-Fir

A combination of western hemlock and Amabilis fir, these boards are sold together and may contain either or in any combination. 

Generally speaking, these are not great deck woods but are cheap and can be useful if treated well. 

For a deck that’s subject to punishment from physical blows or one that you want to paint a non-wood color, hem-fir offers low costs and low-aesthetics. 

Expect to strip and repaint the wood every other year and wash annually. 

Find Yours Now

Now you have an overview of the best deck wood options on the market for every budget. All decks require maintenance to last but some require more frequent than others. 

Keep in mind your total budget and don’t be afraid to pay more upfront to have a lower-cost per year and a more natural, lustrous deck. Contact us with questions about your property and for deck ideas and tips. 

Adding some kind of wood siding has been a common practice for many residential homes for more than two centuries. Wood siding has withstood the test of time for so long because it hits that sweet spot of form and function. It looks great and it works just as well. 

In recent years, Ipe siding has been one of those popular wood choices. But even with its growing positive reputation, many homeowners are unaware of this great option. 

If you’re a homeowner that falls into that category, let us fix the situation for you! We’ve compiled the top five reasons why Ipe wood siding is a great option for any outdoor upgrades you need! 

1. Unique Design

Let’s face it, a lot of exterior design choices can be pretty bland and a lot of houses look the same. Switching the material up to an Ipe wood exterior siding can give your home an extra dose of excitement to take it to the next level. 

Ipe siding is a natural wood found in the forests of Brazil. The coloring and grain of the wood bring out the exotic and luxurious feel from the very beginning. Many homes use a painted, vinyl siding, so going with natural wood is already outside-the-box thinking. 

But you also have the ability to really customize the look of your Ipe siding. Planks come in a variety of widths that can be installed in a variety of ways to create specific looks. You can go for a more traditional look or a fun Ipe shiplap siding design, both work and look great!  

2. Extended Lifetime

A major downside of many designs is that they don’t stand the test of time. They look great initially and even for a few years after that. But then they start to fall apart and the beautiful look you worked so hard to get is destroyed. 

That will definitely not be the case if you decide to go with an Ipe wood siding option. 

Ipe is an extremely strong wood that has a very strong reputation for being able to withstand the elements. Rain, wind, snow, dirt, and debris can’t do very much to damage its surface. Even after years of this, you won’t have to worry about needing to spend a ton of money to get your siding replaced. 

Since the wood grows in such extreme weather conditions, you know it will be able to stand up to whatever your local area brings! 

3. Environmentally Friendly 

As we mentioned before, Ipe wood is found in the Brazilian rainforests. These trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide. They’re extremely large, especially when you consider the environment that they’re growing in. 

One of the best parts about using this type of material for your home improvement projects is that it’s an extremely environmentally-friendly choice. Even though these trees reach incredible heights, they do it quickly. So it only takes a few years (relative to the average tree’s life) to replace the trees that are used. 

Most organizations that sell Ipe siding are sustainable resources that are making sure they look out for the environment that produces such a great material to work with. 

Ipe siding also doesn’t require any plastics or chemicals to be added to before it can be used as siding. The process to get it ready for use on a home is much more environmentally friendly than others as well. 

4. Cost-Effective Material 

There’s no getting around it, re-siding a home is an expensive project. It requires so much material that it’s impossible for it to be a cheap upgrade. But you can make a smart investment and make it work for you by going with Ipe wood exterior siding. 

When you use a wood that is going to withstand the test of time and does not need to be replaced for decades, you are going to be getting your full money’s worth!

Beyond its longevity, Ipe Wood siding installation often costs less than other siding options because of the way it’s purchased. Companies who sell this type of product often purchase in bulk from their suppliers. This action saves them money upfront which can be passed on to you at the price offered. 

It’s almost like double savings, you save upfront at the time of purchase and then down the road when you’re home looks great and you don’t have to redo the project! 

5. Added Safety Measures

There are so many ways that your home can be damaged, many of them are facts of life and nothing can be done. But there are ways you can try to prevent other types of major damage and the main one is by choosing the right material. 

One of the coolest traits of Ipe wood is that it’s fire-resistant. This doesn’t mean that it will never burn or catch on fire but it does mean that the chances are lower. Also if it does catch fire, it will burn much slower giving you more time to get to safety. It’s remarkable for a wood product to be able to do this. 

It’s also less likely to have infestations of insects as well. The wood is so hard that the bugs can’t get inside of it, which is a huge bonus! 

IPE Siding for Your Exterior 

Making any major decisions for your home can be a daunting task, you want the investment to last for a long time and still be something you love. This is especially true for the siding on the exterior, it’s such a major part of the home. 

This is exactly why Ipe siding is a great option for many homes. The material is durable, strong, and long-lasting. But it also gives you a unique design perspective with its eye-catching, natural beauty. You really can’t go wrong with adding it to the exterior of your home. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Ipe wood siding and your specific project, contact us today! 

When it comes to choosing the right wood for your deck, you don’t want to settle with just any type of lumber. If installed correctly, your new deck should last you anywhere from 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance.

So where do you start? Massaranduba hardwood decking is exactly what you need to keep your new deck looking brand new for years to come! Here are 10 things you may not know about massaranduba decking (but you should!):

#1. It’s One Of The Hardest Woods In The World

Yes, you read that correctly. Massaranduba decking is one of the hardest woods in the world making it an incredible choice for anyone wanting a deck that is durable and will last longer than other materials on the market.

Since massaranduba wood is so durable, it’s very versatile and is used on many types of build designs. From commercial to residential, you can’t go wrong with choosing massaranduba decking for your next project.

#2. Massaranduba Wood Is All Natural

If you know anything about composite decking, you know that it’s a mixture of plastic and wood pulp. These two materials together contribute to the pollution of our planet and are known to be very harmful to animal and plant life. Unlike these traits, massaranduba wood is 100% all-natural wood!

This means you can have a brand new, beautiful deck all while knowing you’re doing no harm to the planet or its inhabitants!

#3. Don’t Worry, It Will Last You Forever

Another great thing about massaranduba decking is its longevity. Due to its hardness, massaranduba wood is known to last decades, even while enduring extreme weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a material that won’t need to be replaced frequently.

#4. It’s Weather Resistant

Massaranduba wood is also known to be very weather resistant as stated above. Originating in South America, the wood was originally found in the forests. Here they could receive up to 400+ inches of rain a year. That is up to 10 times more rainfall than in the United States.

This makes massaranduba wood naturally resistant to heavy rainfall, rot, and even mold!

#5. Don’t Even Stress About Insects

Like other tropical woods, massaranduba wood is naturally insect resistant. Over time, massaranduba wood has evolved to withstand the insects of the South American forests. Though different species of insects live in North America, they are no match for the incredibly tough wood fibers of massaranduba.

This means more time relaxing on your new deck and less time buying insect repellant or calling your local exterminator. Sounds like a win in our book!

#6. Need To Replace A Board? No Big Deal

One of the most frustrating things comes when it’s time to replace some of the boards on your deck. Even more frustrating? When those new boards stick out like a sore thumb compared to the weathered and worn-out pieces that have been there for 5 years. Luckily, this applies to composite decking and not massaranduba!

Like other tropical woods, massaranduba is known for its durability, and this applies to looks too! No need to worry about when it comes to needing some replacement pieces. Since most tropical woods all have a slightly different look from the beginning, you’ll never be able to tell you had that board right in the center swapped out for a new one!

#7. Massaranduba Won’t Break The Bank

With its incredible qualities, you’d think that massaranduba wood would put a huge hole in your wallet. However, you may be surprised to learn that is not true. The upfront costs of massaranduba wood are actually around the same as lower-end composite options.

What’s even better? Massaranduba is known to last anywhere between 20-70 years depending on upkeep and weather conditions, unlike composite wood which can begin to rot around 4-5 years after installation. This means that you could replace your composite deck 4 times before you could possibly notice any changes to your massaranduba deck.

Overall, massaranduba decking is a cost-effective way to create a beautiful outdoor sanctuary right in your backyard.

#8. It’s Highly Fire Resistant

When it comes to construction material decision-making such as in large commercial projects, fire resistance is a huge deciding factor in product choice. Massaranduba wood is known to receive a high B rating in Flame Spread testing as it’s flame spread resistant. This means if a fire were to break out, it wouldn’t get far with the help of massaranduba.

#9. Massaranduba Wood Is As Beautiful As It Is Functional

Originating in South America, massaranduba wood is a naturally gorgeous color. It ranges anywhere from a deep plum color to a lighter brown, making it a great option for those looking for a natural, beautiful wood without having to use any artificial stains to achieve the color you want.

#10. It’s Slip Resistant, Too!

Like all of its other amazing qualities, massaranduba is known to be slip-resistant as well. Due to the fine texture of the wood, you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling on your way out the door when you’re running late for work.

Is Massaranduba Decking Right For You?

If you’re looking for decking wood that is going to last a long time, is weather-resistant, looks beautiful, and won’t break the bank, massaranduba wood is perfect for you! Being one of the hardest woods in the world, you know you can trust it for years to come to stay beautiful and be easy to maintain.

Contact us for more questions about massaranduba wood and how you can take your deck to the next level!

Adding a new deck can be one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home. It can be especially important to consider the type of deck you want. The reason being, all decks aren’t created the same. To save time and money knowing what type of wood to use for your deck is key. If you have started your research chances are you have discovered there are many types of woods to choose from. And with so many options you may be wondering which one is best for building your deck. We’ve found that one of the best wood for building a deck is cumaru wood.

To help you determine if this type of deck is right for your home, we’ve created an easy to read pros and cons list about using cumaru wood.

What You Need to Know About Cumaru Wood

Cumaru wood, also referred to as Brazilian Teak, is a type of wood found in Northern South America. It is known for its durability and distinctive color.

Cumaru wood is usually medium to dark brown. But sometimes it has been found with a reddish and purplish hue. It can also feature streaks of yellows and greens, that blend into its brown dexterity.

Grain interlocked, cumaru wood has a medium texture with a waxy feel. It is said that cumaru can give off faint cinnamon or vanilla-like scents when being installed.

Pros for Using Cumaru Wood

When it comes to building a deck you want wood that will last through all weathering conditions. One of the many pros of using Cumaru wood is that it is rot resistant. It tends to outlast many other types of decking wood such as Pine, Redwood, and Cedar.

Again, this speaks to the excellent durability that Cumaru wood has. It is known for having superior resistance to termites and other dry wood borers. If you live in humid climates, cumaru wood is also resistant to mildew and mold.

Cumaru would also have a “Class A” Fire rating. This means it has a similar level of fire resistance properties as that of steel and concrete.

The natural resistance to decay and damage is a major pro, making cumaru wood a top pick for decking wood.

Another pro is that cumaru wood is more affordable than other types of wood. Its moderate price point makes it a great alternative to other woods such as Ipe.

There are few other kinds of wood that can claim a life span of over 50 years. One reason for that is cumaru wood is also easier to maintain. Which is one more pro to add to the list.

Most importantly cumaru wood is known for its aesthetically appealing finish. And if you consider yourself an eco-friendly homeowner, you’re in luck.

Cumaru wood is naturally strong by itself, which means it doesn’t have to be treated with any harmful chemicals. It’s also 100% biodegradable, making it a pro for you and the environment.

Cons for using Cumaru Wood

While there are many pros for using cumaru wood for your deck, there are also a few cons to consider. One con is its workability. It can be difficult to install because it is dense and has an interlocked grain texture.

No matter if your using glue, screws, or nails, cumaru has a high oil content which can present problems at installation. Another con is the effect the wood has on tools themselves. Since it contains silica, there could be some moderate blunting on the cutting tools used.

There may also be the need to predrill or use specialized installation hardware to complete a cumaru wood install. Other notable cons are cumaru wood is heavy, stiff, and hard making it laborious to work with.

Other Things to Consider When Building a Cumaru Wood Deck

You should consider your budget for your decking project. Cumaru wood is a commodity so its pricing does tend to fluctuate. Factors that drive its pricing includes supply, availability, and the market.

You also want to buy wood that has been properly dried. That is what determines the stability of the wood and ultimately your deck. If this process has been done correctly it helps prevent your deck from warping.

When purchasing your wood you want to specify that it will be used for decking outside. There is a different drying process for cumaru used for indoor projects. Getting the wrong kind of wood can turn your decking project into a huge hassle.

Before installing your new deck you want to check with your cities rules and regulations for how and if you can build a deck. While there is no limation for using cumaru wood, you want to make sure you are clear on any specifications. It would be a travesty to build a beautiful deck only for it to go against city code.

Another thing to consider is making sure the underlying structure of your deck is built with quality products as well. You want to consider hardware that is specifically designed for tropical hardwoods such as cumaru.

This could include faster clips that blend in with the wood. You could also consider stainless steel screws for a seamless finish across your deck.

One last thing to consider is that your deck can change color over time. If your deck is directly exposed to the sun you could see some fading to its natural reddish color overtime.

A Cumaru Wood Deck Creates the Perfect Deck

There is nothing like having your own deck creating the perfect backyard oasis. Contact us today and let us help you build your brand new cumaru wood deck.