There’s a reason the fencing industry earned nine billion dollars in total revenue last year — people crave the privacy, curb appeal and pet protection that fences offer.

Whether you want to tackle a fencing project yourself or hire some professionals, there are still things you need to consider before you commit.

You must know things like how to measure for a fence, what material to use, and how much it will cost.

In this article, we will go over this information and more. But first, let’s go over some reasons why you might want to consider building a fence for your property.

Why Should You Build a Fence?

Building a fence certainly isn’t for everyone. The process is lengthy and can be expensive depending on the size of your property and the type of material you use.

However, a fence does provide your home with some intangible benefits: privacy and security. While a new fence around your lawn or backyard fence might not add much in terms of tangible property value, it will help you sell your home.

A survey found that 33% of millennial homebuyers said the reason they’re looking for a house was to find a better space for their dog or cat. A fence gives the animals more space to roam without being tied to a leash.

Plus, a beautiful fence can improve the curb appeal of your property. If you combine an attractive fence with proper landscaping, then you can add between 6-15% of extra value to your home.

What Do You Need to Do Before Making a Fence?

Before you begin construction on your fence, the first thing you need to do is identify your property lines. Even if you think you know the property lines surrounding your house, it can’t hurt to double-check.

The last thing you want is a dispute with a neighbor or municipal agent after you build the fence. This process can drag the case into court and may require you to re-do your fence.

But where can you find the property lines for your house? One place is the official deed they gave you after buying the house. You can also investigate on plat maps found at a planner’s or assessor’s office.

If you can’t understand what the shapes or numbers mean, then make sure you get a professional to confirm it for you.

The Best Materials for Fencing

The material that you make your fence with can affect both the appearance and price of the final product.

It’s also important to explore the maintenance required for certain materials — some need more upkeep than others.

Pine

Pine is one of the most popular types of woods used on fences due to its affordable price and soft nature. The softness of the wood allows it to be molded into attractive fence designs.

Unfortunately, it also reduces the overall durability of the fence you make. If you get pine, you will need to maintain it often if you want it to continue to look attractive after the first year.

Ipe

If you want a more affordable wood solution that also looks attractive, then consider ipe wood — also known as Brazilian walnut. The wood is hard and dense.

It resists insects, rough weather and rotting. As such, it makes a great material for fences or yards.

Ipe can cost as low as $2.15 per linear foot, so it’s something you should keep in mind when selecting material.

Cedar

Cedar fence material looks attractive and is easy to maintain. The wood also naturally repels annoying insects like mosquitoes which makes it ideal for buggy location.

Unfortunately, cedar is much more expensive than cheaper woods like pine, ipe, and garapa.

Redwood

Redwood comes with a distinctive red color that can complement the style of certain houses perfectly.

It also serves as a natural insect repellent and comes with some excellent durability. Unfortunately, like cedar, redwood fence material can also be expensive.

Garapa

Garapa wood is another type of affordable Brazilian wood that’s much denser than other types of materials.

What’s more, it’s easy to work with, so if you have more elaborate designs in mind for your fence, then it’s a good option. It’s lighter in color and slightly cheaper than ipe, but it’s just as resistant to rot.

Vinyl

So far, we’ve only covered wood fence material, but there are other options too. One popular design in the suburbs is white vinyl fencing. This material is attractive and requires little to no maintenance.

Unfortunately, it’s expensive — between $20 and $25 per linear foot of fencing. It’s only cost effective for small properties.

The Best Way to Learn How to Measure For a Fence

You can hire a professional contractor to measure for a fence, or you can do it yourself with these six steps.

Make sure you always get 10% more material than you need. This tip will help you if you need more because of miscalculations or mistakes.

Outline Your Fence

When measuring for a fence, the first thing you need to do is decided the perimeter you want your fence to cover. Use stakes or similar devices to outline the shape you want for your property.

Measure the Perimeter

Once you establish the perimeter, get a long tape measure. Measure each side of the fence by starting at one corner and measuring it to the next side. Then measure the total length of the fence.

For example, a front lawn fence with three equal sizes of 20 feet would have a total length of 60 feet.

Find Out the Number of Posts

Now that you know how long your fence needs to be, it’s time for the posts. The number of posts you will need depends on the frequency of the spacing. Most fences have a post every 8 feet.

Divide the total length by the frequency of the post spacing. So, if we wanted a post every 8 feet on the three-sided fence, then we would divide 60 by 8 (60➗8 = 7.5). So, the fence needs around 8 posts in total — 2 for each side.

Calculate The Amount of Post Material You’ll Need

Now it’s time to figure out how tall you want your fence to be. Remember that the posts must be taller than the wall itself since ⅓ of the post goes into the ground for fence support.

How do you figure out the amount of material you’ll need for the posts? Multiply the height you want your fence at by 1.5. Then, multiply that number by the number of posts you have.

For our small, 3-foot front lawn fence, we would multiply 3 by 1.5 (3 x 1.5 = 4.5). We then multiply 4.5 by the number of posts we need, in this case, 8. So, we would need 36 linear feet of wood for our posts.

Figure Out How Much Railing Your Fence Requires

Most fences require front and bottom railing to support the slates or pickets. You can easily calculate the number of linear feet you’ll need for railing by multiplying your total length by 2.

In our case, we would require 120 linear feet of material railing. If you want a middle section of railing, then multiply the total length by 3.

Calculate the Slates or Pickets

You can figure out the number of slats or pickets you need by adding the width of the slate to the frequency in spacing.

So if you wanted a 5.5-inch slate every 1 inch, then you would multiply 6.5 by 60 (6.5 x 60 = 390 inches). So we would need 390 inches or 32.5 linear feet for our fence.

How Much Do Fences Usually Cost to Build?

The cost of a fence depends on a variety of factors like the material you use, the people you hire, the size of the fence and the company that supplies you with the material.

Most of the time fences cost between $1500 and $4000 to make. However, as we mentioned, this price goes up or down depending on the size and type of fence you make.

If you’re making the fence yourself, then you can calculate the cost by identifying how much material you’ll need, then multiplying it by the cost of the material per linear feet.

If You Need Ipe or Garapa Lumber

We hope this article helped you learn how to measure for a fence. If you decided that you’re interested in ipe or garapa lumber for your fence, then you’re probably wondering where you can get your hands on them.

Look no further than Buy Ipe Direct for fencing or decking needs. We offer affordable Brazilian wood material that makes large projects much more cost-effective.

The weather-resistant wood types are perfect for any outdoor projects, especially fences. If you’ve got questions about our ipe or garapa wood inventory, then contact us here.

You can breathe new life into an old home, or mold your image of a new one, by learning how to stain a deck and transform into a color that suits your tastes. Sure, staining the deck for the first time is a tough job, but with a few good tips – and some prep work – you can make it happen.

Begin by walking around your deck and looking for imperfections. Also, you’ll want to make sure your deck is clean before you begin staining. Now you can see what you’re doing.

Start thinking about the overall project and stuff that you’ll need to do to make your dream of a beautiful, newly finished deck a reality.

How to Stain a Deck: Getting Started 

If you clean your deck regularly, cleaning it up for staining shouldn’t be a problem. For example, Olympic Premium Deck Brightener & Wash is great for removing dirt and stains caused by algae, mildew and mold. If you use this product, make sure that you follow the directions carefully. 

You can scrub your deck using a deck brush with stiff bristles after you apply the product. After you’ve scrubbed your deck, wash away any remaining residue with a pressure washer and make sure that your deck drives thoroughly. 

Before staining your deck, make sure that all nails are fastened correctly. Loose nails can damage your brush, roller – or your feet! 

You can use painter’s tape to protect any surfaces that you do not want stained. A quality roller, brush or sprayer will help you to apply a steady coat of stain. 

If you apply too much stain to an area, you can use a roller or brush to fix the imperfection. Brushing, by the way, is one of the best ways to apply stain. It makes the stain last longer and yields better-looking results. 

Staining a Deck Like a Professional 

If you take shortcuts, it’s very likely that your stain job will not come out as pleasant looking as you had imagined, and it won’t last as long as possible. Therefore, take your time. Prepare for and think about every step of the staining process. 

Furthermore, the project isn’t done until you’ve thoroughly cleaned and put away your tools. Nothing helps you to execute professional-looking home projects more than taking care of your tools. 

Remember, if you’ve purchased new, pressure-treated lumber, allow it to weather and dry completely for a few months before staining. If you use stain stripper, let it stay on the wood long enough to break down the old finish before you rinse it off. 

By taking your time, you can prevent spills and overspray. Additionally, choose a day when the weather is favorable to work on your staining project. 

It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to clean your deck before staining it. If your deck is new, you’ll need to remove the “mill scale,” which prevents stain from seeping into the wood pores properly. 

If you have an old deck, there are several things that can ruin your stain job. For example,: 

• Dirt
• Mildew
• Old stains
• Sunspots 

You’ll need to remove any such damage before staining your old deck. Sodium percarbonate, or oxygen-based wood cleaner, is great for removing those tough stains. If you have a lot of old stains, the job is tougher – but it’s not impossible. 

Oxygen-based wood cleaners do a great job and don’t harm vegetation. Furthermore, they’re safe for you. 

Best Way to Stain the Deck According to Experts

Whether it’s rain or snow, precipitation beats up wood decks badly. If your deck repels precipitation, however, it’s good to go. If not, it needs a fresh coat of stain. 

The experts at Consumer Reports test dozens of stains to figure out which one will protect your deck best. Some stains don’t even last a year, while others last as long as 3 to 5 years. 

Consumer Reports does the controlled test on the roof of their headquarters using two coats of stain on pine boards. By placing the boards at the right angle, researchers intensify the variables that cause fading and damage to most wood decks. A year of this kind of testing simulates the same time span for a deck, or approximately three years of damage to vertical surfaces, such as siding or fencing. 

A good stain job can extend the life of an aging deck. For instance, the stain can hold splinters in place and fill small cracks and crevices.

 More Tips from the Experts

The experts at Consumer Reports, like others, suggest that you choose a day when the weather will be nice to work on your project. For instance, work on your deck after it hasn’t rained for a few days and the temperatures remained between 50° F and 90°F. 

Always remember to wear a safety mask. Sand down the splintered spots, and remove any other loose wood with a putty knife. Next, sweep your deck clean and clean the wood using a deck cleaner. 

It’s important to match the stain to your type of wood, according to Consumer Reports experts. For instance, solid stain closes wood pores – preventing it from soaking into the wood, although you can use a solid stain on top of any other type of stain. 

Additionally, apply stain in thin coats. If you’re mixing stain by the gallon, make sure that the color is consistent and use long, smooth strokes – staining two to three boards at a time. 

When to Stain a Deck and Other Tips 

Staining your deck – the right way – protects it from the elements. Resultantly, you can stain your deck to extend its life and protect your investment. 

Decks endure some tough punishment, including rain, sunlight and even barbecue sauce and red wine. You need to choose among several types of stain to find the best choice for your deck. 

As a rule of thumb, the more opaque a stain, the better it is at protecting your deck from weather and wear. More translucent stains, however, have more aesthetic appeal and show off the natural grain and the beauty of your wood deck. 

You can stain synthetic decking material. However, make sure you check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. 

Whether your deck is natural wood or synthetic, make sure that it’s clean and dry before you start staining. In other words, after you clean your deck start staining it right away. This tip prevents dust and dirt from accumulating on your deck before you start to stain. 

Also, remember to apply a stain when the temperature is between the suggested temperatures of 50°F and 90°F, while at the same time avoiding direct sunlight. The sun dries out stain quickly, making it uneven. 

Deck Staining Tips to Remember

Staining a deck is a lot of work, but it’s necessary to extend the life cycle of your deck. It’s better to have a nice sized deck, compared to a large yard full of bugs and weeds. 

If your deck is relatively new, it should still be in pretty good condition. Just remember to pressure wash the deck, and let it dry thoroughly before you stain it. 

If you follow the advice of experts when staining your deck, it may take several coats, but it will look great even after you’ve laid down the first coat. At a minimum, you should apply at least two coats of stain. 

Remember to test a small area first to see if you like the final color of your stain. Also, stir and strain your stain well while applying it. 

You may want to use a paint sprayer. If you do, make sure that you use it correctly. There’s no point in renting or buying a fancy machine if you don’t use it right. 

You may also need to use paint thinner to make the stain work properly in your sprayer. Thinning the paint will help it flow through your sprayer, but you shouldn’t need it to get rid of clumps. 

Overall, start from the outside and work your way in. In other words, start with the railings, then move on to the decks. This way, you won’t have to worry about stepping on your freshly painted deck.

 A Few Fine Points About Staining Your Deck

Simply work your way from an outside back corner into a doorway so that you can exit the freshly painted area easily. Resist the urge to tiptoe to an area to fix one small thing. This way, you won’t risk ruining your hard work. 

Also, keep your sprayer moving. By doing so, you’ll keep the stain from building up in the sprayer head and prevent dripping. 

Additionally, wear the right gear for the job. Wear loose-fitting clothing that you don’t mind ruining while staining your deck. 

Finally, don’t forget about the kids! If you have children of your own or grandchildren, they may factor into the equation. 

Try to work on your project while they’re at school or in daycare, if possible. Either way, your finished deck will provide a great place to build awesome memories for you and your family for years to come.

Prepare for Your Next Deck Job

Are you planning an amazing deck upgrade? Then, look no further. Visit the IPE Direct Blog to learn more about how to stain a deck.

The average price to build a deck is just over $6,200 in the United States. 

Deciding to build a deck can be an exciting project, but how do you know what type of material to use?

One of the best types of wood that you can build a deck with is garapa wood. 

Continue reading to discover why garapa decking is so special and why you should consider using this type of material for your deck!  

What Is Garapa Wood?

Many people have never heard of garapa wood, but it is in fact, one of the best hardwood choices for exterior structures. 

Garapa wood comes from Brazil. Its scientific name is Apuleia leiocarpa, garapa also means “Brazilian Ash.”

The most common uses for garapa wood are for outdoor decks, house siding, and outdoor furniture. Some people even use garapa for making boats and docks. 

When looking for garapa wood, you may have a difficult time finding it in lumber form. Garapa is most commonly found with flooring and decking materials. 

This wood comes from trees that grow up to 100 feet tall and have a diameter of up to 5 feet! The tree that garapa comes from is impressive and can offer beautifully grained wood. Garapa trees come from forests that are managed and meet specific requirements. 

Below are a few of the reasons why you should consider getting garapa decking! 

1. You Can Find a Variety of Colors 

When building a deck you must consider the design and structure. But what about the color?

Garapa wood comes in a variety of colors that can complement your home and backyard.

Many modern homes are using garapa wood because of its light and rich color. This wood is perfect for modern designs because it has such a tight grain and is typically knot-free. You can add garapa decking to your home for a more contemporary look that is clean. 

Unlike Ipe wood, which has red and brown hues, garapa wood comes in a selection of golden colors. You can get garapa in beautiful shades of yellow, blonde, and honey that darken over time. The color shines in the sun and can change the entire look of your home. 

As your garapa decking ages, it will become a light brown with fewer shades of gold. 

One of the best parts about garapa wood is that your deck will be unique to others because of its graining patterns. You will impress your guests and want to sit on the deck all summer long with these happy shades of color. 

2. Resistant to Natural Decay

Anyone that builds a deck or structure outside must consider the outdoor elements. Weather and wildlife can negatively impact materials. 

With garapa decking, you won’t have to worry about insects moving in or termites eating your wood. Garapa has such a high density that it can keep bugs and pests out. Having this protection can help make your deck last longer and maintain its structure.

If you want to ensure that bugs won’t bother your deck, you may want to consider having a professional come out and chemically treat the wood. 

This type of decking is perfect around hot tubs and pools because it is water-resistant. The grain of the wood helps keep any moisture out and can protect it from the rain and snow. 

Garapa decking is an excellent choice is you live near the woods or water. You can relax and enjoy your deck and not have to worry about using bug spray. 

3. It’s an Affordable Option 

There are many material options that you can select for your deck. Unfortunately, some of the strongest options can become expensive. 

Garapa wood is perfect for decking because it is durable and cheaper than other types of wood, such as Ipe. Ipe wood is the densest wood on the market, but it doesn’t come at a cheap price.

Going with garapa wood won’t be a disappointment. Although it is not as strong as Ipe, it is still extremely durable and able to handle foot traffic.

Garapa is extremely affordable and will cost you less money over time with maintaining and cleaning your deck. You won’t have to worry about replacing your deck because it is insect and rot-resistant! 

Another reason why garapa wood is more affordable is that you won’t have to hire a company or rent a machine to clean your deck. 

4. Simple to Clean and Maintain

Generally speaking, hardwood is easy to clean and maintain.

Garapa is considered a hardwood, it requires minimum care and is low-maintenance. If you want to clean garapa decking you won’t need much more than soap, water, and scrub brushes. 

Some people recommend applying a finish to the wood so that it is easier to clean and can maintain its beautiful and bright color. If you aren’t sure what products you can use on your decking, you can spot test an area to be sure that it won’t damage your wood.  

If you decide not to finish your deck, it will gradually wear down and become a grayish-silver color. You don’t have to finish the deck if you want a weathered look that will make your home appear rustic and unique. 

Garapa wood typically has a straight grain and they can sometimes interlock. It has medium to large pores that make cleaning easier. 

5. Won’t Be a Fire Hazard 

Getting a wooden deck can be a concern for those living near common forest fire zones. 

Garapa wood is the ultimate material to use for your deck because it is fire-resistant! Although this wood is not completely fireproof, you can relax knowing that this wood won’t spread fire as easily.

Interestingly enough, garapa wood falls within the class A fire rating, meaning that it is just as safe as brick, steel, and cement. Most other wood materials used for decking are rated in class 2, making this a superior option. 

You won’t have to worry about using your grill on the deck during the summer or having a bonfire in the backyard (obviously not on the deck!). 

6. It’s a Safer Choice 

Having a fire-resistant deck may seem like it is the safest material, but it gets better!

Because garapa wood is rot-resistant, you don’t have to worry about the wood drying out and causing splinters. Other types of wood are more likely to dry. The worst thing in the summer is jumping in the pool, only to find a splinter in your foot later that day. 

Weather and bugs can dry out wood causing the boards to become brittle and rotted. By properly maintaining your deck, you can run around barefoot all day. Although this deck may appear to be maintenance-free, you must still preserve the wood throughout the years by cleaning it. 

Another reason for garapa being a safer option for decking is that it doesn’t rot. You won’t have to concern yourself with falling through the floorboards over time. Many people recommend applying a slip-resistant finish to your deck to keep it safe from slips and falls. 

7. It’s Easy to Work With

Sometimes finding a durable material that is easy to work with can be a challenging task.

With garapa wood, you won’t get as frustrated throughout your projects. Garapa is durable, yet easy to work with, even with its high density. You can connect boards with glue and finishes work well with this wood. 

This type of wood doesn’t have a strong odor, making it easier to work with for people with allergies. Many people don’t have an allergic reaction to garapa wood. However, it is still important to watch for skin irritation when working with the material.

Most garapa decks can last for more than 40 years when taken care of properly. With this wood, you won’t have to worry about scratches when putting the deck together either! 

Garapa Decking Done Right 

When you compare composite decking or plastic decking to garapa you will see that there is no question in which one to go with. 

Garapa decking is perfect for the outdoors and meant to handle natural decay. Not only will garapa keep bugs and rotting from happening to your deck, but it is also fire-resistant!

You can find garapa wood in a variety of golden colors that will illuminate your backyard. Not having to worry about splintering, fires, and rotting means that you can enjoy your space with family and friends. 

Although garapa wood is low-maintenance, you mustn’t forget to treat it for bugs and keep it clean over the years. 

Be sure to check out our pricing guide for our premium lumber that you can use for your new deck! 

According to recent statistics, 64.8 percent of Americans are classified as homeowners. If you’re among the ranks of those falling into this statistic, congratulations! There’s nothing that screams independence and self-sufficiency as much as owning and managing the property you’ve selected for your needs.

While it’s can be a difficult task, sprucing up your home can be a lot of fun, too. Building a deck outside your home is an awesome way to declare your space your own and create a cozy environment to read, hang out with loved ones, and enjoy the outdoors.

You may be asking how you build a deck- after all, you aren’t a trained carpenter! Well, it actually isn’t as difficult as it looks. While building a deck- raised or otherwise- takes time, it’s pretty easy to learn to DIY.

Read on for some deck building tips that will get you started in creating the space of your dreams!

Getting Started

Before you can actually begin to build, there are some considerations that you’ll need to think about. From practicalities like space and money to envisioning your dream space, there’s so much to keep in mind. Read on to learn what some of these considerations are!

Do Your Research

Start out by having a little fun online and doing some internet research on how others have made their decks work for them. This means reading how-to guides and testimonials, but it also means browsing Pinterest and looking at finished deck projects. By doing this, you’ll decide what styles and designs work for you and which you find less appealing.

Measure Your Space

Before you can even have a vision for what you want to do with your outdoor space, it’s crucial that you take the measurements of the place that your deck will occupy. So much of how you’ll layout and design your deck is dependent on the amount of space you’ll have, so not taking these measurements will force you to get ahead of yourself.

Get out your tape measurer and measure the height and width of the area your deck will occupy. Once this is done, you’ll have a pretty decent picture of the shapes and sizes of foundational wood you’ll need to buy. You’ll also have a concept of what furniture, shelves, and items you can fit on your deck, which is essential to having a vision.

Have a Vision

The next thing to do is to come up with an idealized vision of your perfect deck. Now that you know what will fit in your space, consider what you ultimately want it to look like.

There are lots of high-quality and beautiful cuts of wood that you can use when designing your deck. When creating your goal vision, imagine the wood that you like best as a sort of centerpiece that ties the room together. How will your shelves, decorations, and furniture match up with it? 

Know Your Budget

Being a dreamer is fun, but there’s another practical consideration to take into account: your budget. Use your idealized vision for your deck as a basis for what you do, but make sure that everything you buy fits into the budget. This means that you’ll need to make some pragmatic adjustments, but we hope it isn’t too much!

Budgeting can be tricky, so make sure that you write everything down. Look through all your bank accounts and decide how much you’re willing to invest. A deck isn’t worth going into debt for, so force yourself to operate within that budget and you’ll be fine!

Getting Ready

Once your research is done, it’s time to find the appropriate tools and materials that you’ll need when building your deck. Read on to learn what some of these items are and figure out how to get a hold of them.

Learn How to Build

You’re now going to need to figure out how to build your deck. You likely found some great articles on this while doing preliminary research- make sure that you go back and read all those articles carefully.

Be 100% sure that you understand the terminology that you’ll encounter in instruction sheets and that you learn some basic facts about carpentry. You don’t need to be an expert, but you also can’t be totally ignorant.

Get the Right Wood

Now that you’re done with the preliminary steps, it’s time to find and buy the perfect wood for your deck! You’ve got lots of options here, so take a look around. Dark IPE decking wood is awesome because it already has eased edges so they fit together easily, making DIY simple. You can also get Garapa decking, which has that same benefit but also comes in a lighter color. They’re both awesome, so it’s your choice, really! 

Have the Appropriate Tools

In addition to wood, you’re going to need specific tools in your toolbox when you get to work. Hammers, nails, and drills are no-brainers that you probably have laying around your garage, but you may need to go buy deck fasteners and primer paint. Miter saws and nail guns are also crucial when working with large quantities of wood, so think the practicalities through.

Getting Building

Now that you know what you’re doing and have a goal in mind, it’s time to get to building your deck. In this section, we’ll be discussing how to lay the foundation for your deck and get the space in tip-top shape, so keep your eyes peeled!

Lay the Foundation

The first thing to do when building your deck is to lay down its foundation. Create the ‘skeleton’ for your deck by placing thick wood around the perimeter of the area. This will give you a good idea of the layout you’re working with. 

Then, use your decking wood to create the floor. You can even buy pre-grooved decking to make your life easier when trying to fit the wood together! Nail these grooves together and use invisible deck fasteners to coat the entire area’s surface in good-looking wood.

Put on Doors Correctly

Your deck is obviously going to need doors leading into the house, so you’re going to need to put them in properly. The key to this is lowering the deck’s surface (everywhere- you want it to be level) so the door is at least an inch above it. You don’t want your door to struggle with swinging open and closes, so make sure that you leave a gap large enough beneath the door for it to be functional.

Build Better Stairs

Not all decks are raised, but if yours is you’re going to need to consider how to build the stairs in addition to the deck itself. You’re going to need to calculate the rise and run of your stairs so you know how much wood you need. You also will need to ensure that everything is even and they’re going to the right place on your deck.

Building deck stairs is a topic that requires a whole other article, so click here for some additional tips on doing this!

Getting Decorations

So you’ve built your deck- congratulations! The hard work is over. Now you can get to customizing your space and make it into a place where you really feel at home. Read on for some tips on how to make your deck the most relaxing place possible.

Get Some Furniture

In order to have a comfortable deck space, you will, of course, need furniture. There are lots of cozy chairs and couches you can get at the store, but you’ve come this far- why not DIY your furniture, too? 

Use the same wood you did for the deck- you can even use the leftovers if you have any!- and get to work. You can create the bones of the furniture in the same way you did the deck. Once it’s done, you can paint this furniture any color you like and add cushions.

Create a Color Scheme

Speaking of painting, you’re going to want to come up with a color scheme for your deck’s decor. While you could just choose colors you arbitrarily like, another interesting way to do this is to use color psychology. Blue is awesome if you want a calming space to read, but for an energizing and warm space to garden on a terrace, pick yellow.

More Deck Building Tips

As a homeowner, it’s important to take measures to make your house a place that represents your values and desires. Building a deck can help you customize your space, show off your hard work, and give you a place to do the activities you love most.

Now that you have all the essential deck building tips to get started on this project that will make your home your own, it’s time to actually get cracking. Check out this page to learn the prices of whatever high-quality wood you might choose to build your deck from. We offer a wide variety of sizes and woods at various prices, so you have a lot of options to pick from.

Good luck, DIY extraordinaire!

Have you been thinking of ways to improve the exterior of your home?

Many people plant flowers and put up decorations, only to discover that their home still feels dull. 

You might find that one of the best ways to improve your home’s appearance is with protective siding made of Ipe wood.

Continue reading to discover the benefits of using Ipe wood siding and how you can improve the appearance of your home! 

What Is Ipe Wood?

Before going into all of the benefits of this impressive material, you must know what Ipe wood is. Ipe is pronounced as “ee-pay,” and comes from parts of South and Central America. 

Other names that Ipe goes by are Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho, and its scientific name, Handroanthus spp. Ipe trees can grow up to 300 feet tall and are an impressive view. 

Common uses for Ipe wood are home siding, outdoor decking, and flooring. 

Many people recommend working with wood on home projects because it is easy to work with and can be found in many places. Nearly any carpenter you go to should have the ability to install Ipe wood. Since wood is also easily accessible, prices tend to be lower. 

Ipe wood is biodegradable and perfect for any homeowner that has gone “green.” 

Now that you know what it is, here are some of the benefits of Ipe wood that make it a perfect addition to your home. 

1. It’s a Durable Material 

One of the biggest reasons that people use Ipe wood for siding is that it’s incredibly durable. 

When working on the exterior of your home you must consider the elements that will eventually damage your siding. Cheap vinyl options tend to crack and wear down over time, but with Ipe wood, you don’t have to worry! 

Ipe wood is so durable that it is often used for decking because it can handle foot traffic with ease. Ipe is a redwood that can handle weather and extreme temperatures. This wood is 3 times harder than cedarwood and is one of the best materials for siding a home. 

This wood tends to stay durable for a long time because it isn’t at high risk for insect infestations and rotting. Ipe wood should last a minimum of 25 years and can stay good for half a century if properly taken care of.  

2. Fire-Resistant Wood 

Yes, you read that correctly — Ipe is fire-resistant, making it a safe option for home siding. 

Although Ipe wood siding is not completely fireproof, it can help give you more time to get out of the house and to a safe place. This wood can resist fire far better than a softer wood can. 

Ipe wood is in the same fire-risk group as concrete and steel. This means that your home will be much safer with this type of siding. If you want to ensure that your home and family are safe from fires, you can install Ipe decking and siding to decrease the risk of letting flames spread. 

3. No Worries About Insects 

Getting wooden siding can be a bad idea if it is not treated for insects.

Fortunately, with Ipe woods, you don’t have to worry as much about infestations. Ipe wood is insect resistant which makes it last longer.

Ipe wood has such a high density that insects are not able to infest it. Although this wood is insect resistant, it can become damaged when exposed to certain marine species. 

The natural oil in Ipe wood helps keep the bugs away, so you must keep it moisturized. Getting Ipe wood siding can be beneficial to you and your family, especially if you live in a spot that is prone to infestations.

Termites and other insects won’t be able to find a home, making it one less thing that you have to worry about. 

4. It Comes in Many Colors 

When picking out a siding for your house, you will want to find something that matches the rest of the exterior.

Ipe wood is an excellent choice for siding because it comes in a variety of colors. You can easily match the wood to your home to bring everything together. Some people use unique shades of Ipe on their siding to break up full brick walls that look empty. 

Ipe wood is typically brown with hues of red, yellow, and olive. You can also find it in dark brown shades that have hints of black. If you have a darker brown house, you can easily lighten up your home with a golden Ipe siding. 

You can also stain Ipe wood to achieve your desired shade of brown. 

Many people have a difficult time distinguishing Ipe wood from the dense Cumaru, which is another South African tree. Typically Ipe is darker than Cumaru and has a unique smell that you can’t forget. When working with Ipe wood you may notice a soft scent of cinnamon and vanilla. 

5. It Looks Good

One of the best benefits of using Ipe siding is that it looks good!

Wood siding is timeless and adds a rustic feel to any home. If you want a classic look that reminds everyone of comfort and cozy cabins, Ipe makes the perfect siding. 

Many people appreciate the grain and cuts of this type of wood. Each piece is unique and has its own story to tell. 

Another reason for getting Ipe wood siding is that it can increase the value of your home. Ipe wood will surely catch the eye of potential buyers. 

One of the reasons that Ipe wood looks so good is because it ages and creates a beautiful finish with a lot of character. As long as you keep the wood moisturized it will look smooth and detailed. 

If you want your siding to look its best you should clean it with a power washer. Over time, the siding will become dull and dirty. Siding typically gets dirt from cutting the lawn, dirt blowing around, and animals. Regularly cleaning your siding will help prevent too much dirt from building up. 

6. It’s Reasonably Priced

Although many people are under the impression that Ipe wood tends to cost a lot of money, the truth is that it doesn’t.

Depending on the quantity needed and the style that you choose, you can get less expensive options of Ipe wood. Overtime Ipe can also save you money because you won’t have to spend as much on repairs and maintenance.

As long as you are properly cleaning and sealing your Ipe wood siding, you won’t have to worry about it drying out and cracking. This is important because once siding begins cracking you will have to hire professionals to repair the area or completely replace the siding. 

Don’t forget, you’ll also save money on getting the house sprayed for bugs. 

You may have to put a bit more money aside for the initial investment in this siding, but it will be worth it in the end. 

How to Clean and Maintain Ipe Wood 

Getting Ipe wood siding for your home is an excellent idea that doesn’t require an extreme amount of maintenance. 

You can pick up Ipe wood siding at our locations to get started on your home project. It is easy to install and clean, especially if you have put a protective sealant over top. Having your siding protected can cut down on cleaning time and make your job easier.

Many people clean Ipe siding with a power washer because it’s efficient. Other ways to maintain the wood are by getting rid of any debris on it and cleaning with soap and water.

The surface of your Ipe siding should be clean and dry. Wet siding can mean that your Ipe wood is in bad condition and needs more care if you want it to last.  

When maintaining the quality of your Ipe siding you should be sure to weather seal it with an oil-based product. The oil prevents the wood from drying and splitting. You should also restain the siding periodically to brighten up the color, otherwise, your siding may start to look dull. 

This Wood Siding Won’t Let You Down 

Finding good wood siding for your home can be a difficult task, but this guide can help! 

When deciding which material to use for exterior siding, Ipe is an excellent option to keep in mind. Ipe wood siding has many benefits and is one of the most durable options on the market right now. 

There are many things that you don’t have to worry about when you go with Ipe wood. Not only is Ipe wood a strong and reliable material, but it also comes in beautiful brown colors that will complement your home. 

Don’t forget to preserve your siding by keeping the wood cleaned and protected.

Be sure to check out all of our Ipe wood options that you can use to enhance your home’s appearance!