Affordable And Elegant Tropical Decking: 3 Facts To Consider For Hardwood Decking Projects
If you are building or renovating a deck, when it comes to choosing the right material for the surface, there are many different options. Everyone likes the look of wood, and tropical materials offer the real, natural look of wood but they can also be costly. There are many different materials to choose from, such as ipe and ironwood. Depending on the materials you choose, it can costly a small fortune to cover a large surface. Here are some facts that will help you find the best materials and price for tropical hardwoods on your deck:
1. The Common Myth That All Tropical Lumber Is Evil
Many people are concerned when it comes to choosing tropical hardwoods because they think rainforests are being chopped down to give them a fancy deck. The truth is that many modern suppliers get their materials from reputable dealers and sustainable forestry practices. This means that only trees that are ready to be harvested are cut down, and this is something that actually helps sustain a healthy forest by making room for new growth on the forest floor when a tree is past its maturity.
2. Choosing From More Plentiful And Affordable Materials
When you hear about tropical lumber, one of the materials you hear a lot about is ipe. It is an expensive hardwood materials but not the only option. There is also Brazilian bulletwood or Massaranduba, which has a nice red color and a similar strength. The good news is that this material is also one of the more affordable hardwoods when it comes to tropical lumber. Cumaru is another option, which is available in several different colors but you will want the kiln-dried materials to avoid problems with shrinking as the wood dries out.
3. The Reality That Tropical Lumber Typically Outlasts Treated Materials
When you are thinking about the cost of tropical lumber, you may be concerned about the expense and when it needs replacing. It is important to know that these materials can often outlast conventional treated materials by many years. This means while using treated lumber, you may need to replace the decking several times, during the lifespan of a tropical hardwood surface.
These are some of the facts that you will want to consider when looking for tropical hardwood decking. If you have an idea of what you want, contact a lumber supplier like Henning Building Supply Co Inc and talk with them about the materials they have in stock that meet your needs, or have them order it for you.