Category Archives: Decking Options – Hardwood

Project Photos, Inspiration, Installation, Care and Maintenance for various Hardwood Decking Products including Red Balau / Red Batu Mahogany decking, IPE decking, Tigerwood Decking, Teak and much more!

Tropical Mahogany Deck Tiles

Looking to add natural wood warmth to an existing concrete patio or turn a flat roof into a beautiful new outdoor living space? Our KAYU® Tropical Deck Tiles™ can be installed over any relatively flat surface, including over grass or bare ground. Perfect for porches, patios, gardens, docks, or around the spa.

Easy to install, our Mahogany Deck Tiles are perfect around pools and spas

Constructed from KAYU®-Batu™ “mahogany” that is sustainably harvested from well-managed forests in Malaysia, this natural wood is a rich dark red/brown color. Extremely dense and beautiful, it is an exotic hardwood that is also naturally resistant to rot and decay.

Easily transform a plain space into a stunning new area to enjoy without any special tools or skills.

These deck tiles have an interlocking design base for easy “Do-It-Yourself” installation; using the DeckWise® Deck Tile System, you can attach tiles together easily. No messy glue, no nails, no staples. There will be a perfect match and precision spacing between every tile, every time, guaranteed. Since the deck tiles are made from kiln-dried Red Batu mahogany, there is no need to acclimate the tiles; they are ready to use right out of the box.

Mahogany Tropical Deck Tiles come ready to install

Our KAYU Tropical Mahogany Deck Tiles can be installed in a straight direction or turned to create any pattern creating a warm and unique living space, as the interlocking tabs on all four sides ensure simple DIY installation.

Boat Deck tiles 2

Because of the natural rot and resistance of the wood, these tiles are perfect for use around docks, spas, and pools.

Available Deck Tile Sizes:

  • 20″ X 20″
  • 24″ X 24″
  • 40″ X 40″

Design your new space by sketching the layout on paper or physically placing the tiles in position on the area that you plan to install the tiles. Easily create unique patterns, designs, and borders by aligning the tiles in different directions. Next, remove the tiles and be sure the area that they will be installed in is clean and free from debris. If installing the tiles over lawn or dirt, lay down a good quality weed barrier to inhibit growth up through the tiles.

Our KAYU Tropical Mahogany Deck Tiles are pre-drilled to attach the connectors to the tiles easily. Each tile connector comes with 4 ribbed clips already inserted for quickly snapping into the tile fastener holes.  Every connector also comes with 4 molded score lines for easily cutting and trimming with a utility knife to go around decking edges, corners, or any other obstacle. A handsaw, jigsaw, or power saw will be necessary to cut any tiles to fit around pipes or to adjust the tile size to fit in the space. For full installation instructions, including photos, please download the installation guide Mahogany Deck Tile Installation Guide.

To maintain the KAYU Tropical Mahogany Deck Tiles rich color, we recommend applying a good quality deck oil that is formulated for hardwood decking, such as Penofin Hardwood Oil, at appropriate intervals to maintain the rich color. Or, if preferred, the tiles can be left to weather to a soft silver-grey. Either way, the tiles will remain smooth and splinter-free and will perform admirably for many years.

Just as you would with any deck, routine cleaning with a broom, blower, or garden hose is recommended, and periodic power washing is advised.

Red Batu Mahogany deck tiles and siding

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We’ve got lots of quality decking products, including the one that is just right for you and your budget!

We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Wood Decking Comparisons

With so many options on the hard and softwood decking market, it can be a challenge to pick the one that is just right for you, your budget, and your lifestyle.

While researching decking options, it is important to realize that there are many, many different grades and growing areas within any wood species.  The differences in grades and where the wood is grown, milled and graded will affect your decking price, availability, and, most importantly, the performance.

Comparison chart for wood decking that includes cost, durability and fire ratingFor example, within the “cedar” deck board market, there are many grades, grading standards, as well as growing regions within the Pacific Northwest where Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are grown, which directly affects performance.  Decking cut from premium, clear, mature, coastal grown, Western Red Cedar will outperform decking manufactured from inland grown knotty Cedar boards time and time again.  The same is also true for exotic hardwood decking milled and graded from other countries, including Ipe and Mahogany, two very popular hardwoods that are sold under a variety of brand names, all graded to different brand standards.   

At Cedar Country, we only stock Kayu® Mahogany Batu and Golden Balau “Mahogany” hardwood decking.  Both are similar to Ipe in density, strength, and durability, but without the high price. Sourced from tropical rain forests using sustainable practices, these decking products are 100% natural, 100% organic, 100% clear grade, kiln-dried for consistency, and always carefully inspected by Kayu exclusive graders.

Sourced from sustainable forests, you can count on the quality of our Kayu Red Batu Mahogany decking

Backed with a 25-year limited warranty, when you purchase Mahogany Decking from Cedar Country, you can be sure you are buying the highest quality Kayu® carefully selected hardwoods.  Every time.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Golden Balau Hardwood Decking

Sourced only from countries that are leaders in ecological, sustainable forestry practices, our Golden Balau Hardwood Decking is a dense, exotic hardwood known for its strength and durability. Similar to Teak in color, this 5/4×6″ decking will perform admirably for years, even in wet climates.  One of the hardest, strongest, and most durable of all woods, our Golden Balau Hardwood Decking is highly resistant to decay, insect and mold.

  • Warm, gold-reddish-brown hues
  • Class A Flame Spread Rating (same as concrete and steel)
  • Similar to lpe in density, strength, and durability
  • Proven performer for decades in demanding applications, including commercial, high traffic areas, as well as in extreme climates
  • Excellent value compared to similar hardwoods and composites
  • It can be as low maintenance as you desire, with no ill effects to its longevity or durability
  • Naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and mold
  • Sustainably harvested from well-managed forests
  • 100% Clear Grade and kiln-dried
  • 25 Year Limited Warranty
  • In stock and ready to deliver!

Golden Balau Hardwood Decking used as vertical fencing

If desired, you may simply allow your Golden Balau Hardwood Decking to weather to a lovely grey patina with no ill effects after installation.  And, if you change your mind, you can always clean it and oil it to bring back the wood’s naturally rich hues and warmth.

Should you wish to keep the beautiful range of colors from day one, we recommend finishing the Golden Balau Hardwood Decking with a penetrating oil specifically formulated for use on hardwoods, such as Penofin Hardwood exterior. This unique formula penetrates deep into the wood fibers and does not create a surface film. This allows the wood to breathe, as well as stabilize it.

We recommend coating all four sides before installation.  To maintain the colors, re-stain your deck’s surface with a hardwood decking oil approximately every 6-12 months, depending on your climate conditions.

Golden Balau Hardwood Decking Performs well in even extreme climates

 All this at pricing similar to clear-grade softwoods and composite decking!

Because all-natural wood is subject to expansion and contraction as the moisture in the environment changes, shrinkage, expansion, checking, and other movement are normal occurrences.  For help with installation, as well as care and maintenance, please refer to our Red Balau “Mahogany” decking blog by clicking HERE.

Golden Balau Decking is extremely durable

Before Your Next Project, Be Sure to Visit Us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Toll-Free 866.757.6343

Ipe Decking

Ipê (pronounced E-pay) originates from countries in Central and South America and is harvested from responsibly managed forests. Ipe has natural properties that make it one of the toughest and longest-lasting decking materials available.

Also known as Brazilian Walnut and sold under proprietary names, such as Iron Wood, Ipe decking is highly prized for its unique properties, including shear strength and natural beauty. With its extremely dense and tight grain, its rich brown, red and amber hues naturally resist wear, rot, splintering, termites, fire, chemicals, and virtually every other threat imaginable. Due to the wood’s fine texture and interlocking grain, which can be wavy or straight, Ipe offers superior slip resistance, making it ideal for decks and boardwalks.

Comparison Chart of Hardwood Decking, Composite and Cedar Decking

Perfect for residential or commercial applications, an outdoor finish, such as Penofin Hardwood Formula, can be periodically applied to maintain the decking’s rich natural color or left unsealed to weather to a handsome silver patina with no ill effects.   Because Ipe is so naturally strong, dense, and hard, even high traffic areas will remain splinter-free for years, even if the decking is left untreated.

Ipe decking naturally resists wear, rot, splintering, pests, fire and virtually every other threat imaginable

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Toll-Free 866.757.6343

Deck Installation Tips

If you haven’t already, please be sure to visit our previous blog, Tips for Designing Your Dream Deck. Once you have determined the deck you want to build, here are some tips to help you get closer to having the deck of your dreams!

#1 – Before You Do ANYTHING else, contact your local Building Department to discuss what permitting is required and what you will need to do in order to obtain a permit, such as drawings, fees, etc. Next, contact your utility companies to ensure no lines will be disturbed or disrupted.

deck part identification chart by DIY Technologies

Figuring Your Materials

After you determined your joist spacing and size, deck height, and footing requirements (see Designing Your Dream Deck if you need help with this), put your framing package list together. Be sure to include a count of corrosion-resistant fasteners, including all the joist hangers, post bases, post to beam to connectors, as well as any flashing that is needed.

All deck framing should be Ground Contact Pressure-Treated material with a minimum ACQ rating 0.40 pcf.

Decking needed per 100 square feet (includes 5% waste)

  • 4” product – 320 lineal feet
  • 6” product – 210 linear feet

Determining the correct number of fasteners will vary based on the decking selected and joist spacing. When face screwing (or nailing) a 6” product down on framing that is 16” on center, you will need approximately 350 screws per 100 square feet, and approximately 480 screws per 100 square feet with the same 16” on center joist framing for 4” material, when using two screws per joist. For other types of fasteners, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you have selected to use Western Red Cedar as your decking, now is the right time to
determine what product you will use to help protect the wood. We recommend using good quality penetrating oil product with mold and mildew inhibitors, as well as UV protection, such as Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin. This should be applied to all four sides of the decking before installation for optimum results.

If you have selected an exotic hardwood for your decking, such as Red Balau “Mahogany” or Ipe, you can either choose to apply a penetrating oil to the wood to help it maintain its beautiful color prior to installation (all four sides is recommended), or if you wish for it to simply weather to a beautiful silvery – grey, you can skip this step.

Red Balau Mahogany Decking

Other Items Needed

  • Chalk Line
  • Circular Saw
  • Concrete
  • Hammer
  • Crescent Wrench
  • Drill and Bits
  • Dust Mask
  • Extension Cord
  • Framing Square
  • Gloves
  • Hearing Protection
  • Hand Saw
  • Hoe & Hose (to mix concrete)
  • Ladder
  • Level
  • Nail Set
  • Pencil
  • Pick
  • Plumb Bob
  • Post Hole Digger
  • Ruler
  • Safety Glasses
  • Screwdrivers
  • Shims
  • Shovel
  • Socket Wrench
  • String
  • Tape Measure
  • Tool Belt
  • Wheelbarrow

Getting Ready to Build

Once your materials have arrived on the job site, keep them covered when not in use to keep them clean, as well as to prevent twisting and warping, especially when it is hot or under direct sunlight. They should also not be stored directly on the ground, as they will absorb moisture.

Framing Tips

When framing your new deck, be sure to allow for proper water drainage. A deck should angle away from the structure a minimum of 1/8” for every 8 feet to reduce the possibility of standing water. In general, a deck should be installed 18” off the ground for proper airflow (or as specified by the decking manufacturer) to provide adequate ventilation to minimize cupping and warping of the deck top.

It is advised to wear gloves while handling pressure treated materials and to always use ear and eye protection when sawing, drilling or cutting wood. Leftover scraps of pressure-treated materials should be disposed of properly. Never burn them.

Install the ledger to the house. This will provide stability to the deck. Use string to find your footings and to ensure your deck is square. Remove the sod and dig your footings for the posts.  Post holes should be at least 24” deep or up to 4’ deep, depending on the frost line in your area, as well as the height of the column.

Install your perimeter posts, then attach your beams to your posts. Attach braces to any posts over 5’ high. Next, layout your joists and install them using either joist hangers or by toenailing. Add blocking between your joists to minimize warping.

Decking Tips

When installing the deck top, be sure to allow for adequate gaps between boards. This provides ventilation, as well as room for water to drain away. Inadequate gap space between boards puts additional strain on the fasteners and can cause broken screws or nail pops. Avoid over-driving any fasteners.

Laying out decking

When face screwing any hardwood decking, pre-drilling is recommended; as well as when screwing or nailing close to the edge of any wood board to minimize splitting.  Allow small gaps between butt joints to allow the material to expand and contract during weather changes.

Measure once, cut twice!

Our team of experts are available to assist you with questions regarding product selection and materials.

timbertech decking

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

We Ship Nationwide!

Red Batu “Mahogany” Decking Installation and Maintenance

Our Red Batu or Balau, commonly referred to as “Mahogany”, hardwood decking is sourced only from countries that are leaders in ecological, sustainable forestry practices. This 100% natural, uniquely beautiful, low-maintenance decking comes with a 25 Year Limited Warranty.

Mahogany Decking

Extremely strong and durable hardwood decking!

Used for over 50 years extensively in the USA and abroad in the most demanding applications such as wharves, boardwalks, fishing boat decks and mineshaft timbers, it is resistant to termites and fungus.

Decking that is easy to maintain!

Penetrating finishes are best at protecting your mahogany deck and minimize
maintenance. We recommend using a finish, such as Penofin, with U.V. inhibitors to reduce fading from sunlight and mildew retardants to minimize black mildew that may form, especially in wet or damp areas.  However, if you wish to let it weather to a beautiful grey, no maintenance other than light pressure washing is ever needed.

All this at a comparable price to similar clear grade softwoods and composite / plastics! 5/4×6″ decking in stock and ready to deliver!

Red Mahogany Decking

Storage and Handling

  • Keep your decking clean, dry and out of direct sunlight before installation and finishing

Finishing

  • For optimum results, seal decking with a high quality penetrating sealer, such as Penofin Hardwood Formula, on all four sides prior to installation if possible
  • Due to the extremely dense properties of this wood, a second field coat is recommended after “seasoning”
  • Use care when applying any finish to wipe away any excess. Do not allow to pool or drip.  For more tips on application, please visit the Penofin website HERE
  • Should you wish to allow your decking to weather to a beautiful silver patina, no finish is necessary
  • No need to wax ends

Ventilation and Air Flow

  • Check and follow all local building codes!
  • Allow adequate ventilation for proper airflow to reduce cupping and checking potential
  • For maximum long term stability, install your deck with a minimum ground clearance of 18″ with at least two sides of the deck open
  • In all cases, it is absolutely necessary to have at least 50% unrestricted air flow
  • Create a slope for drainage so there is no chance of standing water
  • If a minimum ground clearance of 18″ is not available, it is recommended to use 5/4×4″ decking

Spacing

  • Our mahogany decking is kiln dried. Unlike air-dried boards, shrinkage is very limited. However, excessive moisture may cause the boards to expand slightly
  • Install 6″ decking (5-1/2″ net) with a minimum gap of 1/4″ between boards. 4″ decking (3-1/2″ net) should have a minimum of 3/16″ between each board
  • In more demanding applications, such as boat docks, decks built closer to the ground and decks with less airflow, a minimum of 5/16″ for 6″ decking and a minimum of 1/4″ for 4″decking is required
  • This decking does not shrink or expand end to end, so neatly trim ends and butt together

Fastening

  • Pre-drill pilot holes and countersink screws. We recommend using stainless steel fasteners and have countersinking tools in stock available to help
  • Face screwing or edge screwing are the most effective methods of installation
  • Color matched Headcoat Stainless Steel Screws are available and provide beautiful results time and time again
  • Hidden clip fasteners and nails are not recommended and may void warranty

Maximum Allowable Decking Spans

  • 1×4 and 1×6 ~ 16″ on center
  • 5/4×4 and 5/4×6 ~ 24″ on center

Safety

  • Though we have had no reports of irritation of any kind with this hardwood, we still recommend wearing protective eyewear, dust masks and gloves during installation

z3 mahogany

Warranty ~ As provided by KAYU International

KAYU ® International Inc. hereinafter “Warrantor”, warrants that KAYU Batu, which is a naturally durable and stable wood, will not suffer structural damage from rot, termite damage, or fungal decay for at least 25 years, when:

  • Purchased from an official KAYU dealer as our normal “clear grade”
  • Used in a residential structure
  • Installed with a minimum gap between 3-1/2″ boards of at least 3/16″ inches and minimum 1/4″ between 5-1/2″ boards.
  • Installed with a minimum ground clearance of 18 inches; with well ventilated airflow underneath, which means at least two sides of the deck allowing at least 50% unrestricted air-flow. Water must not be allowed to become “standing” underneath the deck and must have proper slopped drainage.
  • Decking is sealed with a high quality penetrating oil sealer, on all four sides prior to installation. Sealing one side can create uneven moisture flow.
  • The installation must meet all applicable construction and safety codes.
  • Purchaser’s sole remedy for any claim will be only for replacement of the KAYU decking material. Warranty does not include any labor or removal of decking.
  • Purchaser is solely responsible for determining whether KAYU Batu meets any applicable safety, building codes, health or other regulations. Warrantor shall not be liable for installation or re-installation costs or for any indirect, punitive, consequential, or exemplary damages of any kind whatsoever arising from purchasers purchase of KAYU Batu or any KAYU decking.
  • KAYU decking products are stable hardwoods, with proven performance in decking applications for decades. Excessive movement is defined as twisting or warping over a half-inch. ANY visible quality issues must be dealt with PRIOR to installation. Minor surface checking is a normal occurrence and is not a warranty issue.
  • The above remedy is exclusive and is in lieu of all other remedies, expressed, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to any and all other obligations, or liabilities. In order to validate the warranty, you must complete and mail the attached warranty card within 100 days of installation.

To validate your warranty

Send the following information to:

KAYU International, Inc. PO BOX 368, West Linn, OR, 97068
You must include:
1. Copy of your purchase receipt
2. Dated photograph showing proper deck spacing (place a ruler/tape measure in the photo
for reference)
3. Your name
4. Your address
5. Where you purchased the decking
6. Date deck completed

Disclaimer
KAYU hardwood decking products are carefully selected and inspected to ensure its finest quality. However, all natural wood is subject to expansion and contraction as the moisture in the environment surrounding the wood changes. Shrinkage, expansion, checking and slight cupping and other movement are normal occurrences in all hardwood decking. Natural wood products are subject to variances in color, grain, density and performance.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343