Industrial Source Book

Your Guide to Commercial & Industrial Supplies, DIY Projects for Home Improvements, and a Resource For Home Ownership.

Top 5 Types of Wood for Deck Building

Using wood when decking brings a handful of benefits. It initially costs less than using composite hardwood or vinyl and lasts solid years of outdoor exposure when it is installed and maintained properly.

However, not all hardwoods are ideal for decking; some may not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions or resist bug and pest infestation.

The good thing is this article is it provides you a list of the top premium woods that is exceptional for deck building.

1. Cedar

Cedar is the perfect type of wood to use for building an outdoor deck that will be exposed to rain, cold, heat, and sun. This wood is renowned for having excellent resilience to decay, infestation, and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, using cedar when building your deck could save you significant costs for maintenance since it is an extremely durable type of wood that will last years. If you’re hiring a deck builder Richmond, VA, you’ll find that cedar decks are the most common choice use in that region. In fact, Cedar is the most popular wood used for decking in the United States.

2. Redwood

Redwood is considered one of the top premium wood for deck building due to its proven durability and dependability. Aside from being extremely easy to work with, redwood is also known for being resistant to insect infestation, which is one of the top damaging factors to decks.  Redwood is also strong enough to avoid splitting and warping.

Another great reason why it is one of the top wood choices among professional builders is its easy and occasional maintenance requirement. Redwood will maintain its beauty through the wear and tear of the solid years of outdoor exposure.

3. Mahogany

Mahogany is a tropical hardwood that is resilient to rot and pest infestation. When treated with marine oil, mahogany will look like teak which makes it even more aesthetically pleasing. When this wood ages, its color will turn into a silvery hue.

Moreover, when using mahogany, make sure to only buy ones that have an “FSC” trademark to ensure that the wood was not illegally or irresponsibly harvested.

4. Tigerwood

This South American hardwood offers excellent visual variation. Tigerwood’s grain and coloring vary from board to board which makes it interesting and visually satisfying.

However, due to its uncertain nature; sometimes one board possesses both softness and hardness, some builders find it difficult to work with. Despite that, this wood is still among the top choices among homeowners and deck installers due to its exceptional features.

5. Ipé

Ipé is a first-rate South American wood renowned for its exceptional resistance to rot and bug. This hardwood is also very strong and hard that it is almost as difficult to burn just like concrete. Although it can be hard to work with due to its hefty and dense properties, it is still considered as one of the finest types of wood for decking due to its unmatched durability.

Furthermore, when used with slate accents and stones, this wood brings an elegant presentation when used for deck building.

Conclusion

There you go – those are the top 5  types of wood for deck building that you need to check out. Moreover, aside from selecting the best wood, you must also look for a well-reputable deck installer. Do your research or type in “trusted deck builder near me” on Google and thoroughly evaluate each service provider you found.

Tree Service for Storm Damage Prevention

Dealing with harsh weather conditions can be inevitable and unpredictable since no one can foresee how the events would turn out. However, with the help of technology, weather forecasters can now give predictions to the public about the aforesaid condition.

Hurricane, for instance, can somehow be predictable, allowing the public to prepare days prior to the estimated time when the storm might invade certain locations. A recent hurricane named Dorian almost wreaked havoc in Savannah, Georgia that led people to evacuate from their homes and stay in evacuation centers to ensure safety.

Apart from evacuation centers, there are several means to keep the people in Savannah prepared and away from possible objects that might cause harm. If you’re from the area, then here are some of the preparations you want to consider to prevent storm damage as much as possible including tree services to protect your home from falling trees.

1. Tree Service

Having a huge tree in your landscape can be invigorating, but it can also impose potential threat bad storms invade the area. Improper pruning of a tree can weaken its stand, causing it to collapse. It’s relatively safe to have it inspected first before taking action, regardless where it stands for assurance.

A tree removal Savannah GA, for example, can be of great help if you’re confused on what to do with your tree in preparation for storms. Another helpful method you can apply is bracing your tree with 2x4s and metal strapping. Make sure to install the materials properly so the brace can precisely hold your tree against strong winds.

2. Window Preparation

Regardless of how your window complements well with the overall architectural structure of your house, it’s still prone to breakage during hurricanes. The shards from your broken window can cause injuries; hence, it’s always safe to practice protection prior to the storm damage.

That being said, there are ways on how to avoid unwanted accidents due to the breakage of your glass windows from occurring. If you’re living in a hurricane-prone area, it’s best to install high-impact glass to resist the strong wind caused by the storm.

Another suggestion would be placing a metal, plastic, or plywood cover for your window. Make sure to measure the dimension of your window for it to fit perfectly well.

Conclusion

Storms are unavoidable weather conditions that can occur in any place at any time, depending on its movements. In Savannah, Georgia, tree preparation services are a key step to limit damage to property and infrastructure including powerlines. Before evacuating, make sure your home is protected from limbs or weakened trees. By investing in tree service, you can help prevent storm damage that ruins homes, cars, and cause power outages.

What is the Best Flooring for Garages?

Image by Steel Master Buildings under CC 2.0

Your garage floor may not be the first area in your house you dedicate time and money in enhancing. However, having a good garage flooring brings a handful of benefits, one of which is dependability through solid years of use. 

On the other hand, enhancing your existing garage floor doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Thankfully, this list of garage flooring materials below offers great durability at reasonable costs. 

1. Epoxy

Epoxy is a long-lasting and dependable coating which can be used for any type of flooring. It is a practical choice to use on existing flooring since it can be used on any type of flooring material to increase the durability and performance. Epoxy began as a commercial product but has since become popular in home garages and interiors.

Epoxy flooring is very easy to clean too, hence why it’s among the top choices among professional home builders. Moreover, it also comes in many different colors. If you’re in New Braunfels, you want to look for a reliable epoxy flooring New Braunfels specialist to get the best bang for your buck, call ATX Concrete Coatings. They also specialize in Stained Concrete, which is another alternative for garage flooring not mentioned in this article.

2. Rubber Tile

Rubber tiles are a great garage flooring option for you if you don’t want to seek the help of a flooring specialist since it is extremely easy to install. Rubber tiles come in stylish interlocking style to provide stability. Additionally, this material requires minimal upkeep and is very easy to clean. 

Furthermore, rubber tiles are also one of the most affordable garage flooring options. Thus, when you want to amp your garage floor but are on a budget, this flooring option is the way to go. 

Greatmats Garage Floor Tile Diamond Polypropylene Flooring Tiles.jpg
By GreatmatsOwn work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

3. Polished Concrete

If you are looking for a garage flooring that is guaranteed to withstand the wear and tear of high pressure, concrete is yet the best option. Aside from being exceptionally durable, concrete flooring is also among the most affordable option on the market. Similarly, polished concrete also looks appealing and easily complements the overall aesthetic features of a garage. 

4. Vinyl Tiles

Using vinyl for your garage flooring may not seem to be the best idea. However, if your garage is not often subject to heavy pressure and traffic, urethane-coated vinyl tiles are a great option. Vinyl tiles are comfortable, flexible, and can also enhance your garage’s vibe when you pick the complementing color shades. 

5. Stone

Stone flooring such as graphite, sandstone, and flagstone bring a sophisticated look to your garage. Although it is the most expensive option on this list, stone flooring offers guaranteed durability and resilience to various damaging factors. Therefore, if you are looking for a highly reliable garage flooring that is also eye-catching, this is a perfect choice. 

Conclusion

Investing in a good garage flooring is key to having a long-lasting garage floor. The flooring materials listed above not only offers utmost dependability, but it can also spruce up your garage’s overall aesthetic vibe.

On the other hand, having a successful garage flooring installation is not as easy as it seems. Thus, seeking help from a trusted flooring specialist is another important decision you may consider. 

Concrete, Bricks, or Pavers? What is Best for Patios and Driveways

By PacificoutdoorlivingOwn work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Although they are different when it comes to utility, patios and driveways do have something in common, explaining why they’re essentially part of the “face” of the house. In other words, they’re part of the first things people see when they look at your home.

Therefore, a well-maintained driveway and patio can leave a positive impression upon those who visit your home. Choosing the materials for your new driveway or patio is vital not only to the enhanced appearance of your home but also to its overall structural integrity.

The ones preferred by most homeowners among the available materials are concrete, bricks, and pavers. However, which one can be considered the best for your home?

Concrete

Concrete is the most commonly used material for patios and driveways due to its more affordable nature and fairly easy installation and maintenance. They’re also quite durable and can last a long time. Moreover, with the option of stamped concrete being available nowadays, you can have more options when it comes to its appearance. If you’re in need of installation, it is important to work with a reputable company. We suggest a quality concrete contractor Austin, TX to help you with your needs.

The only downside to concrete patios and driveways is that they’re prone to cracking, especially driveways which are constantly subjected to the weight of a car. Moreover, repairs may also end up being costly as well.

Nevertheless, concrete is a good option for your new patio or driveway, especially if you’re on a budget.

Brick

Brick is another preferred material, sometimes even more than concrete, due to its more aesthetic appearance. When maintained properly, patios and driveways made of brick can last for a very long time.

However, brick as a material is more suited to patios than driveways because being constantly subjected to the weight of a car can greatly decrease its longevity and durability. Moreover, unlike concrete, they are more expensive, though not as much as pavers.

Despite this, bricks can greatly enhance the appearance of your home should you go with this option. It can make your patio or driveway more visually pleasing without too much of an increase in your budget.

Pavers

A newer type of paving material, pavers can be made of various different materials including concrete and clay (something which bricks is also made of). Like bricks, they offer a more enhanced appearance for your patio or driveway as they come in various colors, textures, and sizes.

They also have the added benefit of being incredibly durable; both for use on patios and driveways. They can also be easily repaired, and unlike bricks, they only require little maintenance. There are even options available for eco-friendly pavers made by Ecoraster if you want a rustic feel. Also, compared to both concrete and bricks, they have a longer lifespan and require very little maintenance.

They can also withstand the weight of a car and heavy foot traffic, making them perfect for use on both a patio and a driveway. However, compared to concrete and brick, pavers can be more expensive, especially in terms of installation.

Nonetheless, the increased longevity and durability, coupled with its vast selection for aesthetic purposes, make the price worth it.

Which is the Best Option?

While it seems like pavers win this round, not everyone has the same preference. Therefore, when it comes to which material is the best, it’s ultimately up to you and your needs. Nevertheless, whichever material you choose, you will need a concrete contractor to help with all your concrete needs.