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.
For 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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
A properly planned for and constructed deck can add significant value and curb appeal to your home. A place to bring family and friends together outdoors, it also helps make memories.
Here are some tips for bringing your dream into reality.
Deck Location
Using an existing doorway that provides access to your deck is a great place to start. If that is not an option, consider converting an existing window into a door that will allow access to the deck off your home’s kitchen or dining room for ease of access. Another consideration when planning where your new deck will be, is what time of day it is likely to be used and whether you prefer outdoor activities directly in the sun or in the shade.
Deck Size
When determining the size of your deck, consider what types of activities you will be enjoying, as well as how many people will likely be participating in those activities on your new deck. Take into consideration the size of all pieces of outdoor furniture, grill, hot tub or other items you will place on the deck, as well as the deck’s size in proportion to your home and surroundings.
A deck that is 12×12’ could reasonably accommodate a small round patio table and four chairs. On average, most decks range in between 200 and 300 square feet.
Deck Height
To ensure a smooth transition going inside and out, the top of your deck should be just below the bottom of the door’s threshold. Should you want the deck higher or lower to capture a view, or if your lot is sloped, consider building a deck with multi-layers and/or adding stairs. A multi-level deck can add interest to your deck where you can designate certain areas for certain types of activities.
Once you have determined your deck height, be sure to check your local building codes to determine if railings will be needed around the deck at all levels, as those will need to be budgeted in.
Deck Top
With so many decking options to choose from on the market today, finding a budget that works for you and a general idea of the deck material you desire (wood vs. man-made materials) is a great place to start narrowing down what product is right for you for the deck top.
A deck top constructed of Knotty Western Red Cedar will provide many years of service and currently is the most cost-effective option; while the cost of clear grades of Cedar decking will be on the high end of the scale.
If you love the look and feel of real wood and are interested in exploring other decking options, Red Batu, commonly referred to as “Mahogany”, is an extremely durable hardwood that is sustainably harvested and is currently the best priced hardwood decking option we offer. Going up the scale is Ipe “Ironwood”, as well as other exotic hardwoods such as Tigerwood, Purple Heart.
If a deck top constructed out of man-made materials, such as composite or cellular PVC, is more interesting to you, we offer a wide range of products produced by Timbertech and AZEK. Backed with excellent support and warranties, these products have a fairly wide range of price points and colors to select from.
No matter what product you choose, regular cleaning and maintenance will be required. How much of it is determined by the product you choose and the look you want to maintain.
Deck Framing
Now that you have determined the size and height of your deck, as well as the decking you like, configuring the proper framing for the deck is the next order of business. The size of the deck, as well as the number of footings and beams, local building codes, decking type, and manufacturer’s recommendations all need to be factored in.
In general, the framing joists are spaced 16” apart when using a 5/4×6″ decking product, but can vary based on the decking product selected.
Recommended joist spacing for Western Red Cedar Decking
Thickness (in.)
Width (in.)
Grade Category (in.)
Span
1-1/4
4
All clear grade categories
16
1-1/4
4
All knotty grade categories
12
1-1/4
6
All clear and knotty grade categories
16
2
4
All clear and knotty grade categories
24
2
6
All clear and knotty grade categories
24
The joist size need is directly related to the size of the deck. Joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet.
Using high quality pressure treated lumber is recommended. Use caution when choosing products based solely on price, as there are differences in the type of wood used, as well as pressure treating products and methods.
Deck Fasteners
Selecting the right fasteners for the job is often overlooked until the very last minute, however, all the fasteners and hardware used to construct your deck should be a priority. A properly constructed deck relies on all the connection points of the under framing to stay firmly connected and the deck top to stay securely fastened down.
Fasteners should be selected based on your application, environment, and the material being used. All fasteners for outdoor use should be corrosion resistant, and special care should be taken when selecting products that will be installed near saltwater.
Most decking can be secured using nails, screws or hidden fasteners, and should be selected based on the look you desire, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Deck Add Ons
Should your new dream deck require a railing, there are countless options in both wood and man-made materials, including powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel cable, composite materials, and glass. These can be mixed and matched is countless options to provide the exact look you desire.
When selecting a railing, always be sure the railing you select complies with local building codes and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for installation.
Adding built-in planter boxes, benches, timber frame structures or a pergola can help define your deck as a custom outdoor living area. To elevate the feeling of your new outdoor living area to a welcoming extension of your home, add lighting, a fireplace or patio heater, and carefully selected accessories.
Need some inspiration to help you visualize your dream deck? We have a great gallery of projects on Pinterest just waiting for you!
For help in selecting the right materials for your job, as well as help designing your dream deck, please contact our team of professionals to assist you.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
For 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. 
