Now that Spring has arrived, it’s time to get started on all of those exciting outdoor projects. One popular item that starts flying off lumber dealers’ shelves this time of year is tropical decking. Whether you’re installing a residential deck or a commercial boardwalk, selecting a high-quality product can make a tremendous difference when it […]
Lumber
Ipe Lumber – An Introduction to This Amazing Wood
Ipe wood, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is an exotic hardwood notoriously known for its durability and strength. In this article, we will broadly explore the basics surrounding Ipe wood including its history, properties, alternate names, applications and uses, grading, color and color variations, drying methods, and installation. Ipe lumber can be purchased from J […]
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 3
Ipe faces a number of difficulties, starting with considerable seasonal variations in supply and cost linked to its inherent availability constraints as a result of the Brazilian wet season (see Part 1). Add to this the fact that several of Ipe’s most desired qualities also make working with it challenging in some particular ways (see […]
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 2
Ipe is unquestionably unique among tropical hardwood decking species. Ipe stands head and shoulders above other decking species with a number of desirable qualities such exceptional hardness, density, and dimensional stability. You might begin to comprehend why Ipe is so well-liked if you take into account its 40-year lifespan and class A fire rating. However, […]
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 1
What do Walnut, Ipe, Teak and Spanish Cedar have in common? They are all distinguished from other species of lumber by a number of unique traits. Simply put, you’ll be in for a surprise if you anticipate their costs, availability, grading, or overall qualities to be comparable to those of any other (read: typical) lumber […]
Learning About Wood Movement, Part 2
You’ll be in a better position to use this fantastic natural resource as you get more insight into wood movement (see Part 1). While we can’t stop wood from naturally expanding and contracting, we can prepare for that movement and take measures to lessen any issues that may arise as a result. Minimizing Warping The […]
Learning About Wood Movement, Part 1
We’re going to look at wood movement in an effort to close the “expectation gap” that many people encounter when planning a project involving wood. Although we can’t change the reality that wood moves, we can learn to anticipate it and make the most of it. When we do, not only will we be better […]
Why Large Timbers Tend to Crack & How to Prevent It
One of the challenges of working with large timbers is their tendency to crack. At the very beginning of this discussion, a disclaimer is in order. There’s really nothing you can do to completely prevent large timbers from cracking. There are, however, some proven strategies that can lessen the number of cracks that develop in […]
FAS Walnut Grading Explained
If you regularly purchase different species of wood you may notice some surprising cost discrepancies when comparing Walnut to other species. Exotic imported species such as Mahogany can often cost less than Walnut. Many customers seem puzzled that a domestic species would be more expensive than a prized imported species, especially one that is as […]
Exploring Tropical Decking Options – Part 3
Tropical hardwoods are prized in large part because of their durability, and also for their exotic beauty. In this article, we’ll look at several more options (see Part 1 & 2) you could consider if you’re thinking about installing a tropical hardwood deck outside of your residential or commercial property. Pros and Cons of Tigerwood […]
Exploring Tropical Decking Options – Part 2
Putting in a deck or other outdoor application requires a wood with certain characteristics like durability, hardness, and stability. Ipe is by far the top performer in these categories. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to purchase large enough quantities for this desirable option. We already mentioned Cumaru as a top contender when it comes to […]
Understanding Wood’s Tendency to Change Color – Part 3
Wood changing color over time is an inevitable reality. As we mentioned in the previous articles (see Part 1 and 2), much of this change is due to both environmental factors, such as wind, weather, and sunlight, and also to chemical components like extractives and lignins. When these chemical components come in contact with the […]
Understanding Wood’s Tendency to Change Color – Part 2
When it comes to wood, color change is practically inevitable. Rather than seeing this fact of nature as a negative, you can choose to look at the process as just another exciting aspect of working with this unique, organic building material. People do, however, have their preferences when it comes to the color of wood. […]
Understanding Wood’s Tendency to Change Color – Part 1
Perhaps you found the ideal color of wood for a specific project, such as a wood floor or deck. After installation, you were disappointed to discover that the wood didn’t stay the same color that it was when you initially selected the product. Since it can be somewhat upsetting if you’re not expecting to see […]
Tropical Hardwood Decking Dilemmas: Saving on Time, Tools, and Totals
There are so many things to love about tropical hardwood decking! For instance, it’s absolutely stunning! It’s also weather-resistant and extremely hard and dense — all qualities that make it likely to last for decades. However, if you’re accustomed to installing lower-end decks made with softer material, you might be in for some surprises. For […]