When buying decking, it’s important that you are aware of some natural occurring defects that plague other species as well as pressure-treated decking.

Some of the more common defects that you can run into are checks, knots, and splits. If you’ve ever stepped on a chemically treated wood decks, you most definitely have seen all three of those defects since they’re most common with softer and lesser grade woods.

In this one picture, you can see how knots, checks & splits have made this surface dangerous to walk on.

Checks are a result of the wood separating across rings. They are more prevalent on vertical grain cuts of decking.

Knots are indicative of the presence of a branch that was in the lumber. Lower grade materials typically include knots and are, therefore, cheaper.

Checks and splits typically occur when the wood cells are torn apart. They are rather unsightly and can produce splinters.

Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about any of these defects if you install an ipe deck. Not only will your deck be made of premium grade materials, it will also need less maintenance,  look great and be safer than decks that are riddles with the problems outlined above.

Contact Advantage Trim & Lumber Co. Inc. today for premium grade ipe decking.

With Winter right around the corner, many people are asking us about ipe decking’s capacity for snow load.

Since no two decks are the same, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how much snow per square feet it would take to actually distress a deck to the point of breaking. BUT, what we can say for sure is that ipe decking has been ASTM-D143 tested. Ipe wood decking has a maximum bending strength of 22,560 psi (Pounds per square inch)!  your ipe deck might even be stronger  than the frame that supports it!

Or, to put it more simply: The result of these tests reveal that ipe decking is 3 times more durable than cedar decking.

If you already own an ipe deck, you’re probably not even sweating the upcoming winter. And, for good reason. With ipe wood’s high density, tight, interlocking grain, and natural oils, it dries fast and weathers well. Also, when you follow the recommended finishing schedule, (using a deck finish product like Ipe Oil™) you can also have peace of mind knowing that your deck surface will be able to repel water even better than it already does!

When you buy ipe decking from us, you will also get premium grade ipe from the Lapacho species. What does this mean for you? Well, it’s simple: more…

Ipe decking goes under many names. It’s not surprising to see people confuse ipe with other names like Brazilian Walnut, Pau D’Arco, Ipe Tabaco, Yellow Poui, Bethabara, Pau Lope ®, and Ironwood ®.

Regardless of the name, a deck made of this exotic hardwood is going to last you a lifetime. If you want to know why, all you have to do is check out the many detailed stories and deck designs that are featured in this blog.

For the past 17 years, Advantage Trim & Lumber has been committed to providing deck builders and DIY homeowners decking options that are second to none.

Oh, and our prices are the best in the market, too! We also ship to all corners of the world and every person on our staff can help you answer all of your ipe decking questions.

So, if you or anyone you know is planning to build a deck, patio, or covered porch, check us out and we’ll be honored to help.