4 Considerations in Using Composite Decking Products.While many high-end decks and boardwalks use premium tropical hardwood decking species such as Cumaru or Ipe, composite decking products are certainly on the rise. With issues such as durability and sustainability … [Read more...]
Large Timbers, Cracks, and Why You Shouldn’t Worry, Part 2
In Part 1 we looked at what causes checking in large timbers and how it varies based on species. Regardless of whether checking appears as multiple, smaller surface-deep checks or a single large crack, the important part is that they do not decrease the structural integrity of … [Read more...]
Large Timbers, Cracks, and Why You Shouldn’t Worry, Part 1
As described in the August 2014 issue of STRUCTURE magazine, many factors have come together to “reposition wood on the world stage.” This “renewed interest in timber as an architectural medium, combined with strong trends in sustainability, is promoting the expanded use of wood … [Read more...]
Four More Concerns with Composite Decking
Before constructing with composite decking, weigh carefully the pros & cons.In addition to environmental and comfort-level concerns, composite decking materials lack the resilience of tropical decking species like Cumaru and Ipe. From hardness and strength to weather and … [Read more...]
Three Environmental Concerns with Composite Decking
Why spend additional money on rebuilding with Ipe instead of composites?In the wake of widespread devastation from hurricanes, competing new construction bids and clashes over material types are slowing progress on rebuilding the many miles of boardwalk destroyed during … [Read more...]
Jatoba or Ipe? That Is the Question, Part 3
Both Jatoba and Ipe are excellent choices of decking species, but due to shortages of Ipe, alternative species are constantly popping under our radar. In this mini-series, we’ve been looking at some specific categories and how each species compares to the other.While Ipe … [Read more...]
Jatoba or Ipe? That Is the Question, Part 2
In part 1, we considered hardness and stiffness and determined that while the numbers favor Ipe, in practical use, both are more than sufficient. As we continue to compare Ipe, the classic favorite decking species, with Jatoba, a relative newbie to the world of decking, we’ll … [Read more...]
Jatoba or Ipe? That Is the Question, Part 1
Especially as Ipe shortages are making headlines, many of those typically devoted to Ipe are discovering rival species and wondering which is truly the best option. Obviously, if Ipe availability continues to plummet, then alternative species will be the only options. However, … [Read more...]
Millwork: Our Obsession with Quality Control, Part 2
While quality control starts with excellent lumber and carefully selected boards and millwork profiles, it also includes precision equipment that’s fine-tuned by experts who border on being obsessive about that task. Once the machine is set up in order to eliminate any unsightly … [Read more...]
Millwork: Our Obsession with Quality Control, Part 1
To recap from the first installment in this series, three important steps in creating quality millwork are (1) selecting the right species, (2) choosing or creating the moulding profile, and (3) employing the right equipment for the job. Once those initial steps have been taken, … [Read more...]
