planningtobuildadeck - Tumblr blog

planningtobuildadeck · 1 year

Text

How to Buy Decking Wood For Your Outdoor Living Project

There are several important factors to consider when it comes to choosing wood for your deck. These include cost, durability, ease of maintenance and aesthetic appeal.

You'll want to buy the best lumber possible for your deck. This will help ensure your project goes together smoothly, lasts longer and gives you a beautiful, natural look.

Aside from the type of wood you're planning to use, other considerations to keep in mind when it comes to a new deck are your budget and what style of outdoor living you prefer. You'll also want to think about the level of environmental responsibility you're willing to take with your decking materials. Browse on this website to familiarize yourself much better about decking wood.

For example, if you want to make sure the wood used in your deck isn't contributing to deforestation, look for a product that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These certifications are an excellent way to make an environmentally friendly decision when it comes to choosing a wood deck material.

If you're looking for a natural look, you can opt for a variety of hardwoods, including ipe, mahogany and teak. These woods are long-lasting, beautiful and require little to no maintenance. However, these natural hardwoods are more expensive than PT and composite decking, so you'll need to carefully budget for them.

Another option is to go with a lower-cost softwood like pine, Douglas fir or hemlock. These woods are naturally resistant to rot and insects, but they can still deteriorate and attract pests if they're not treated with a preservative at the time of purchase.

Alternatively, you can choose to go with a pressure-treated wood, which is often cheaper than redwood or cedar. This kind of lumber has been sprayed with a chemical preservation treatment, and although it is rot and insect-resistant, you will still need to apply a wood preservative or stain every few years and power wash your deck regularly.

You can also opt for a wood that has been kiln-dried to make it more stable and easy to work with, but be aware that this process does add to the board's weight. You should also be aware that many species of kiln-dried hardwoods expand and contract slightly throughout the width, so be sure to follow the supplier's recommendations for setting gaps in your decking. Visit this website to get well educated about wood decking.

A final consideration is what sort of railing you're going to use on your deck. You'll be able to pick from a number of different styles and finishes, but square-cut posts and balusters are common. Turned balusters are also available in numerous configurations, which can create a more refined architectural look for your deck.

The look of a new deck can have a huge impact on your home's value. It isn't uncommon for homeowners to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new deck in the hopes that it will increase their property's value.

When you're ready to start building, here are a few tips on how to buy the right wood for your new deck:

Calculate the amount of wood you'll need by estimating the number of boards you'll need. This will give you a general idea of how much stock to buy, but be sure to factor in scraps and other waste. Explore more on this subject by clicking here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_lumber.

0 notes

planningtobuildadeck · 1 year

Text

Where to Buy Decking Wood

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or building your deck as part of a home remodel project, there are many factors to consider. One of them is the material you’ll use for your new deck, which should be chosen based on the type of deck you want to have as well as your budget and aesthetic preferences. For a better overview about deck woods, look here for more info here today.

Choosing the right wood is an important decision, as it will affect your deck’s longevity, maintenance needs, and overall cost. Depending on the wood you choose, you may need to apply a sealer or stain every few years. Alternatively, you might opt for composite boards, which are made from recycled materials and come in a variety of colors and styles.

Aside from looking at the material itself, you should also pay attention to where it came from. Often, woods for outdoor use are sourced from unsustainable sources. Check for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which ensures that the wood was harvested responsibly and does not harm the environment.

Softwoods, such as cedar and redwood, are popular choices because they are naturally resistant to rot and insects. However, these species will need to be treated with a preservative or stain every couple of years to extend their lifespan and maintain their vibrant color.

For a more natural look, try using a combination of both hardwood and softwood. Both contain oils that resist decay and insects, but hardwoods tend to require more frequent treatment than softwoods do, including staining or applying a wood preservative.

Imported lumber, such as ipe or cumaru, can be a more expensive choice but are extremely durable. If you plan to spend a lot of time on your deck, these exotic woods can be a good option.

Modified wood, like Kebony, takes sustainable softwoods and adds a non-toxic liquid that changes the wood cell structure to make it more dense, similar to tropical hardwoods such as mahogany and teak. This gives it better dimensional stability and makes it more resistant to termite damage.

In addition, modified wood can be a great option for homeowners who have kids and pets because it contains no harmful chemicals and is safe to play on. It comes in both clear and character grades, so you can select the look that suits your family’s preferences.

Pressure-treated lumber is another popular option, as it can be readily found and is easy to work with. It’s permeated with chemicals that deter insects and inhibit mold and mildew. But it’s important to wear protective gear while working with it, as the chemicals can be toxic if inhaled.

Aside from being easy to find and cut, pressure-treated lumber can be relatively inexpensive. But the chemicals that are applied to it can be expensive, so you may end up spending more on maintenance than you would with a higher-quality, nontreated deck.

As with all types of materials, wood’s longevity will depend on how much care you take of it. You’ll want to make sure that you can get at least 10 years out of it before replacing your deck. The best way to do that is by ensuring that you have a high-quality, UV-inhibiting penetrating oil on hand that will help preserve its beautiful color and keep it in good condition. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deck_(building).

0 notes

planningtobuildadeck · 1 year

Text

How to Buy Decking Wood the Right Way

If you’re thinking about building a deck, it’s essential to select the right material. The type of wood you choose will affect the price, durability and look of your finished product.

There are several options available, including traditional PT lumber, western softwoods like cedar or redwood, and composite materials. Which one is best for you depends on your budget, style and the weather in your area.

Pressure-treated lumber is the most popular option for many homeowners because it’s affordable, easy to find and resists fungus and insects. However, PT lumber can be prone to warping, splitting and cracking, and it needs ongoing maintenance to extend its lifespan. Check out here to learn more about T&G Ceiling.

To extend the life of your PT lumber, use a preservative treatment every couple years and do an annual power wash to keep it clean. The more preservative applied to a board, the better it will resist rot and mildew.

Consider the amount of a preservative you’ll need to apply per square foot. A low preservative concentration is suitable for above-grade applications (near the ground), while a high concentration is ideal for ground-contact uses like railings and fence posts. You’ll also want to check the label for a concentration that suits your needs.

For more protection, try a clear or toner sealant that blocks water, mildew and UV rays. A clear sealant provides no color, while toners highlight the grain of the wood and provide protection without changing its appearance.

Buy full-length boards to avoid butting them end to end, which is more likely to splinter and split. If you do, place a spacer between each board to create a solid surface.

Stack the boards on a flat surface, keeping them away from direct sunlight and moisture. If the boards don’t kiln-dry, wait for them to dry in a climate-controlled environment for at least a few weeks. If you’re unable to wait, insert 2x2 spacers between the boards.

Hardwood is the traditional choice for decking, but there are more options now than ever before. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, which is typically used in above-ground construction, tropical hardwoods like Massaranduba, teak and cedar are naturally rot-resistant and can be staind or painted to match your home’s decor. Click here for more detailed info about hardwood decks.

If you’re concerned about a hardwood deck’s impact on the environment, choose FSC-certified lumber. Often marked with the Forest Stewardship Council’s logo, FSC-certified lumber comes from forests managed in an environmentally sound way.

The more rot-resistant you want your deck to be, the higher the preservative content it should have. The preservative should be rated to the pounds of preservative it retains per cubic foot, with a higher number indicating better protection against fungi and insects.

To prevent splintering, choose boards with rounded edges. If you plan to stain or paint your deck, make sure the boards have no knots, as these can splinter and become slippery.

A wood deck is a wonderful addition to your home and will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. But, as with all projects, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and the costs and benefits before choosing your decking material. If you probably want to get more enlightened on this topic, then click on this related post: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deck_(ship).

1 note · View note