The Climate-Shield™ Rain Screen Wood Siding system was displayed to building professionals for the first time in the US at the JLC Live Show in Providence, Rhode Island. This innovative rain screen system received a very warm welcome at the show. Builders, remodelers and other trade professionals remarked at how easy the installation of this rain screen system appears to be. Several architects commented about the green building aspects of the rain screen system.
Siding contractors who have installed cedar clapboard siding for years, have often seen wood siding rot out when there is no accomodation in the building design to allow moisture to pass from inside a home to the outside. The Climate-Shield™ Rainscreen System minimizes the potential for molds and fungi to develop by eliminating trapped moisture in the exterior wall system. By using the patented rainscreen siding clip, the air chamber in the wall cavity allows moisture and bulk water to ecape easily. By eliminating moisture from inside and outside, a healthier home or building is achieved with this new rainscreen system.
For a handsome design for your home or building, several species of real wood siding can be effectively used in the rainscreen design including: Ipe siding, Cumaru wood, FSC Machiche siding, Garapa hardwood siding and KD vertical grain Red Cedar siding to name a few. The key to choosing the best wood siding for your rainscreen sytem is to select a durable species that is stable in the climate where it will be installed.
To learn more about the Climate-Shield Rain Screen Wood siding System, please follow any of the links below:
Understanding Rain Screen Wood Siding Systems
The Climate-Shield Rainscreen System
Wood Siding Options for your rainscreen system
Installation Guidelines for the Climate-Shield™ Rainscreen System
For a wealth of information about rainscreen wood siding systems please download the FREE Guide, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Rainscreen Wood Siding" by clicking the link below:
When choosing a decking material for your new deck project, it really pays to do your homework. When you are planning the budget for your new deck, bear in mind that only about 25% of the total cost of the deck project is for the actually decking material. Since your decking is the most visible part of your deck once it is built, it makes sense to spend some time and make the right decision. There are so many options when choosing a decking material it can be very confusing to select the right decking material for you. We are here to make that process simpler for you.
The major decking material options are:
- Softwood decking (includes pressure treated pine decking and cedar
decking)
- Synthetic decking (includes composite decking and plastic decking)
- Medium density hardwood decking (includes Philippine "mahogany" decking)
- High density hardwood decking (includes Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Machiche decking and Garapa decking)
There is no "perfect decking material" that is just right for everybody, but some decking material options are clearly better than others. Of course, the decking material you select doesn't have to be right for everybody, it just needs to be the right decking for you. Keeping that in mind, you might want to start your decking material search by listing a few of the key features that are important to you for your deck. Here are a few examples:
- How long do I want my deck to last? (If you want your deck to last a long time, you need materials that will last long and still look good. Some decking materials may not wear out but they may "ugly out" after a short period of time.)
- Can I afford a better decking material that will look beautiful for a long time?
- How much time will I spend on my deck?
- What type of activities do I expect on my deck? (Whether your deck will be used for relaxation or for entertaining or for children or pets playing, may influence whether you want a scratch resistant decking material, or non-splinter decking, etc.)
You'll probably have a list of other key decking material selection questions of your own and that's a very good idea. When you're making an investment in your peace of mind and satisfaction for years to come, take your time and choose your decking material wisely. You won't regret spending too much time on your decking material selection but you may be dissatisfied if you don't spend enough time. Best wishes for a successful deck project!
For additional information about decking material options and related topics, please follow any of the links below:
Choosing decking material that is right for you
Compare decking material prices
Ipe hardwood decking
Cumaru hardwood decking
FSC Machiche hardwood decking
Garapa hardwood decking
For a wealth of information about decking material options, click on the link below to download the FREE whitepaper, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material". This comprehensive research paper is loaded with valuable information about decking materials and will help you select the option that is best for you.
Have you ever wondered how Ipe decking compares to composite decking and other synthetic decking products? We get asked similar questions pretty often. The differences between Ipe decking and the synthetic decking materials are so diverse, it makes more sense to start with how they are similar; they are both moderate to high priced decking material options. The similarities between Ipe decking and synthetic decking pretty much stop there.
Differences between Ipe Decking and Synthetic Decking
- Ipe decking is an all natural, real wood
product. Synthetic decking materials are typically made from plastics and/or wood "flour".
- Synthetic decking does not span very far - joists must be placed at 12" on center when the decking is installed diagonally. Ipe decking is so rigid it can span up to 24" on center.
- Ipe decking has amazing dimensional stability. Most synthetic decking expands and contracts noticeably in the heat and cold. Plastic decking materials exhibit the most significant movement.
- Composite decking and plastic decking have little or no resistance to fire or extreme heat. Ipe decking has a Class A Fire rating.
- Synthetic decking scratches easily and there is no simple repair when this occurs. High density Ipe decking is so extremely resistant to scratches and gouges it is often selected for boardwalks and other high traffic areas.
- Synthetic decking is available in a variety of colors. Each manufacturer has different expectations as to how long the colors will last before fading and how severe the fading will be. Ipe decking is a rich chocolaty brown hardwood. If left to weather naturally, Ipe decking will develop a silvery gray patina. If the original color of the Ipe wood is desired, a coat of penetrating oil is required periodically.
For additional information, please follow any of the links below:
Learn more about the differences between Ipe decking and synthetic decking.
Learn more about Ipe decking
Ipe Decking Picture Gallery
Ipe Wood Project Ideas
If you are considering building a deck, it definitely pays to do some homework about decking material options. We have developed a comprehensive research paper to assist you in your search. Please click on the link below for a FREE GUIDE to decking materials titled, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".
Garapa decking is a high density hardwood decking material that is starting to garner a lot of well deserved attention. The golden tones of Garapa wood will add a warm hue to any decking project. The high density of this hardwood decking species makes Garapa naturally resistent to decay and insects. Garapa is a durable and beautiful real wood decking material that is earning its respect one stunning deck project at a time.
The great strength of Garapa decking allows it to span much greater distances than composite decking and other synthetic decking materials. 
Garapa is much harder than synthetic decking, which makes a deck made from Garapa extremely resistant to scratches and gouges. When plastic decking or composite decking gets scratched and gouged by pets or from outdoor furniture, there is no good way to repair the damage. If Garapa decking were somehow scratched, a light sanding with 80 grit sandpaper solves the problem easily and immediately.
If building green and using eco-friendly decking materials is a concern for you, consider this; Garapa decking is harvested using sustainable yield forestry methods including FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). This environmentally sensitive harvesting method ensures that are at least as many trees available at the end of a harvesting project as there were in the beginning. Unlike many of the synthetic decking products, no petroleum is used in the product or the manufacture of the Garapa wood. The mills where the Garapa is sawn into deck boards use recycled wood materials to provide the electricity for this process.
The price of plastic decking is rising as quickly as the cost of oil used to produce many of these synthetic decking materials. Garapa decking is very affordable- Garapa is considerably less expensive than plastic decking and other higher priced composite decking options. Better yet, Garapa decking has a life expectancy of 25 years or longer, so the long term cost of a Garapa deck is one of the lowest long-term decking options.
Learn more about this amazing natural wood species by following any of the links below:
Garapa decking
Garapa decking vs. other wood decking
Garapa project ideas
Garapa picture gallery
If you are interested in additional information about Garapa decking and other decking material options, "The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Sustainable Decking" is a terrific tool for learning. Download this FREE whitepaper about decking by clicking on the button below:
Ipe wood decking was chosen for a beautiful 
seaside cabana project in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. This lovely oceanside community has an understated elegance that is reflected in the softly weathered Ipe deck boards selected for this project. Watch Hill is a quaint and historic town that captures the essence and charm of coastal New England.
The privately owned Watch Hill Cabana complex has seen its second New England winter and the Ipe decking is on track for decades of gentle aging due to
the use of high quality Mataverde Premium Ipe decking. The massive expanse of decking measures nearly 400 feet in length and the Ipe decking has already attained the rich grey patina that is typical for a location that is exposed to high levels of UV, sand, wind and heavy, gritty foot traffic.
Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Burgin Lambert Architects of Newport, RI, the award winning structure was masterfully constructed by Case Construction of Pawtucket, RI under the watchful eye of project manager Thom Martin. During the bid award selection phase, budgetary concerns ranked high.
Mataverde Decking found a way to greatly reduce labor costs for installing the Ipe decking.
The stainless steel Muro Ejector deck screw was selected to eliminate the need to pre-drill holes prior to screwing down the Ipe decking boards. The Ejector decking screw, which has in fact it’s own self tapping drill point, easily penetrates high density hardwood decking species such as Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Garapa decking and FSC Machiche decking. The Speed Driver Deck Fastener Tool holds up to 150 Ejector deck screws and is loaded with one quick drop into the loading chamber.
Mataverde Premium Ipe continues to be the decking material of choice when value, performance, quality, durability and lifecycle costs are all considered. We strive to work together with our clients to develop creative solutions to design, budget and installation challenges. Contact us for a FREE decking project quote.
For additional information about Ipe decking and Ipe wood, please follow any of the links below:
More information about Ipe wood and Ipe decking
Ipe decking vs. other wood decking materials
How Ipe decking compares to synthetic composite decking
Care and Maintenance of Ipe Decking
FSC Ipe decking was the right product for the US Fish and 
Wildlife Department's recent outdoor structure. The completion of its newest observation fire tower at the Kettle Pond compound located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The tower is decked out in FSC Certified (Forestry Stewardship Council) IPE decking. Among the key reasons Ipe decking was chosen for this outdoor structure was for its strength, sustainability, beauty and longevity.
The construction was completed by Hugo Key and Son, Inc of Newport, Rhode Island 
in association with the environmentally sensitive architectural firm of William D Warner Architects of Exeter, RI. The natural appearance of the ipe decking of the structure is complemented by exquisite stone work and a stainless railing system that will insure the enjoyment of generations of visitors traveling to beautiful South County. The three story structure boasts panoramic views of Block Island Sound to the south and Long Island Sound to the west.
FSC Ipe wood decking has some amazing characteristics:
- Scratch resistance (The high density of
Ipe wood makes Ipe decking extremely resistant to abrasion from foot traffic)
- Strength (Ipe decking out-spans nearly all decking materials)
- Fire resistance (Ipe wood has a Class A fire rating)
- Low slippage (Ipe has been tested to be in compliance with ASTM testing for ADA compliance for coefficient of friction in a wet environment)
- High durability (the US Forest products Laboratory has tested Ipe wood and has rated it Very Durable)
- Ipe decking is highly resistant to decay and insects
For additional information on Ipe decking and Ipe wood please follow any of the links below:
Learn more about Ipe Decking
Project Ideas for Ipe Wood
Compare Ipe Decking to other wood decking materials
Ipe decking vs. synthetic decking materials
Ipe Wood Picture Gallery
REQUEST A QUOTE FOR IPE DECKING
If you are in the process of deciding what the best decking material for you to use on a particular project, you may want to check out "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material". This FREE authoritative guide to selecting decking material that is right for you explores all of the decking material options that are available to you. Click on the link below to download theis FREE DECKING GUIDE.
Cumaru decking graces the waterfront once again. Evergreen Builders, led by brothers Mike and Tim O’Neill, have successfully completed the Weekapaug Bath House adjacent to the historic Weekapaug Inn located in Westerly, Rhode Island. Evergreen Building Systems LLC carefully chose Cumaru Decking for the majority of the exterior due to its strength, performance and availability of the FSC Certification required for LEED 
projects. Cumaru decking was also selected for this project because it is:
- Extremely durable (expected to last in excess of 30 years or longer)
- Very stable and resistant to foot traffic
- Sustainably harvested
- Richly colored with exotic graining
- Will weather naturally to a silvery gray patina with minimal maintenance required
The entire deck structure was erected on concrete piers and a deck superstructure was built. Next, the cumaru decking was installed using pre-grooved Cumaru decking with hidden deck fasteners. The hidden fasteners were chosen for this project for a clean look and uniform spacing between the deck boards for efficient draining. Then the bath house structure was built 
over the top of this carefully planned project.
Visiting the job site this weekend, we noticed that the acclimation of the Cumaru decking was consistent with our expectations. The high exposure of the Cumaru wood to wind, salt, sand and sun will have little effect for many years to come. Cumaru’s overall performance and value make it a natural choice to homeowners and builders alike.
For additional information about Cumaru Decking please follow any of the links below:
Cumaru Project Ideas
Cumaru Decking vs. Other Wood Decking Species
Cumaru Decking Compared to Synthetic Decking
Cumaru Picture Gallery
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE FOR CUMARU DECKING
If you are considering decking materials for a project, "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material" is a comprehensive guidebook that is loaded with facts, pictures and great information about all the decking material options. Download this FREE DECKING GUIDE by clicking on the link below:
We have found that the process of choosing the right decking material can be very confusing, frustrating and sometimes a little scary. There are so many decking material options to choose from it is often difficult to figure out which decking material is the right one for you. While there is a lot of information about decking available, it is hard to find the right information about decking materials.
During the past several decades we have provided high quality natural decking materials to architects, builders, homeowners and municipalities and we've heard lots of stories along the way. Many of our new clients had bad prior experiences with other decking materials, so they were looking for decking material options that would stand the test of time, perform well and still look beautiful. We have listened to thousands of clients over the years and wanted to provide them with good solid information to help them choose the right decking material. That's why we developed "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".
"The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material" is an authoritative decking manual that combines years of research with real world experiences and common sense. This free decking guide dispels rumors and myths about decking material with facts and very good insight. In this decking guidebook you will learn about all the popular decking material options including:
- Lots of facts about composite decking and other synthetic decking materials
- A close look at real wood decking materials including softwood decking species such as cedar decking and pressure treated decking and medium density hardwood species such as Philipine "Mahogany" decking.
- The plain truth about high density tropical hardwood decking species such as Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Garapa decking and FSC Machiche decking materials
- Sustainable yield harvesting options for high density hardwood decking materials including FSC decking and IBAMA/SEMA harvesting guidelines.
- Price comparisons between commonly used decking materials
- Life cycle cost analyses for popular decking material options
- And lots more
To download your own copy of this valuable FREE Decking Material Guide please click the link below.
REQUEST A FREE HARDWOOD DECKING QUOTE
REQUEST FREE HARDWOOD DECKING SAMPLES
Cumaru is a beautiful high density tropical hardwood with truly remarkable 
characteristics. The yellowish brown to reddish brown color of Cumaru decking combined with its exotic graining and striping make Cumaru a beautiful decking material option. The high density and extremely high fiber strength make Cumaru one of the strongest decking materials in the world. Cumaru decking can span long distances while still remaining nearly inflexible. The high density of Cumaru also makes it very resistant to rot and decay. Cumaru decking can last for twenty five years and longer without any chemical preservatives.
Cumaru decking has clear advantages in terms of strength, beauty, hardness and durability when compared to other real wood decking materials, such as pressure treated yellow pine decking and cedar decking, Cumaru decking outlasts these softwood decking species by many years and does not require sealers, staining and protective coatings for maintenance. pressure treated decking and red cedar decking have a tendency to rot and decay rather quickly unless they are constantly maintained with protective coatings. The rich exotic graining of Cumaru decking makes it a handsome alternative to lesser wood decking material options.
Cumaru decking materials are available in the same price range as clear red cedar decking. Even better, Cumaru decking will outlast softwood decking significantly making a deck made with Cumaru an excellent long term investment. The life cycle cost of a Cumaru deck is one of the lowest of all decking material options. Cumaru decking lasts and lasts- beautifully.
For additional information about Cumaru wood decking and Cumaru hardwood lumber, please follow any of the links below:
Learn more about Cumaru Decking and Cumaru Lumber
Ideas for Projects using Cumaru hardwood decking and lumber
Compare characteristics of Cumaru Decking to other real wood decking materials
See how Cumaru Decking compares to synthetic composite decking materials
Cumaru picture gallery
Request a FREE QUOTE for Cumaru Decking
For a complete authoritative guidebook on Cumaru decking and other decking material options please download your FREE DECKING GUIDEBOOK below. "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material" is loaded with great information to help you make the best decision about the decking material that's just right for you.