#TimberTips Ipe vs. Massaranduba Is Massaranduba a real Ipe alternative? Let’s see what the data shows on this episode of TimberTips! If you are in the decking industry, you’ve probably heard of Massaranduba. No doubt you’ve run across a supplier, broker or website that promotes Massaranduba as an…more
Ipe vs. Massaranduba
3 Things Every Builder Will Love About This Hotel
#TimberTips 3 Things Every Builder will Love about This Hotel What do I love about the Carpenter Hotel? Originally home to Austin’s Carpenter’s Union, the Carpenter Hotel is a newly opened boutique hotel with a restaurant, bar, and event space. Developed by Portland-based Mighty Union and constructed by…more
A Plastic Footing that supports 1,700 lbs!
#TimberTips A Plastic Footing that supports 1,700 lbs! Could a piece of plastic replace traditional concrete footings? When building a deck, traditionally the builder will dig footings and pour concrete for the foundation. Another method for low profile decks is concrete blocks that can be placed directly on…more
The Worst Foods and Household Items to Drop on your Deck
#TimberTips The Worst Foods and Household Items to Drop on your Deck How stain-proof are different decking products? We put their warranties to the test on this episode of TimberTips. It’s inevitable that someone at some point is going to drop a burger or spill some wine on…more
The “Coolest” Decking Product: Temperature Test
#TimberTips The “Coolest” Decking Product: Temperature Test Is there a decking product that can beat the summer heat and not burn your feet? This week Ben Roberts was joined by Michael Rowland, a product expert at Gaiennie Lumber, and we talked about heat; specifically, heat as it pertains…more
Decking Scratch Test: Azek vs. TimberTech vs. Ipe vs. Cedar
#TimberTips Decking Scratch Test: Azek vs. TimberTech vs. Ipe vs. Cedar Is there a solution to a scratched-up deck? Nothing is more frustrating than getting a brand-new deck installed in your backyard, then having your neighbors come over and drag the outdoor furniture across it causing all kinds of scratches.…more
The Most Fire-Resistant Decking: Composites vs. Ipe
#TimberTips The Most Fire-Resistant Decking: Composites vs. Ipe What happens to deck boards when they’re exposed to fire? On this episode of TimberTips, we have four different types of decking that we’re going to put through a trial by fire and see how they did. The four different…more
Meet Ipe
Featured Video Meet Ipe Location Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Products Ipe This is the strongest wood decking on the market. Meet Ipe. Imported from Brazil, Ipe can last 50-75 years even when exposed to the sun. Ipe is so dense, it sinks in water. Overseas Hardwoods Company (OHC) Ipe has been…more
Why is Cedar So Expensive Right Now? What’s New in 2018.
Editor’s Note: This blog has been updated as of February 15, 2018 to reflect recent changes in Cedar and Softwood Prices. Western Red Cedar and other Softwood lumber prices have increased by 20% to 30% since the start of 2017, and it isn’t getting better at the start…more
The Best Fall Plants for Your Deck or Garden
The seasons are changing, and with the drop in temperature comes the perfect time to refresh your outdoor plants. From mums to Russian Sage, we’ve listed seven of our favorite fall plants to give your deck or landscape some pops of color during this season.
