Teak wood has been used for centuries, due to its durability and resistance to rot and decay. In this article, we’ll give an overview regarding Teak, discussing its history, properties, applications, benefits and disadvantages, grading, origin, color variations, drying, installation, sizes, and how to properly care for it. Note: Teak can be purchased by visiting […]
Construction
Should You Build a Backyard Swimming Pool?
Summer is just around the corner and with it comes the thought of cooling off in a swimming pool. If you’re a homeowner with a reasonable sized backyard, you may be considering adding a swimming pool. While having your own pool can provide hours of entertainment for both you and your family, there are some […]
What to Look for in an Industrial Concrete Flooring Contractor
If you’re planning to build a new industrial structure, whether it be a warehouse, manufacturing plant, or storage building, it’s important to begin with a solid floor. Industrial concrete can provide a tried-and-true base for the rest of your structure. Without a quality floor, your new building can experience all sorts of structural problems. These […]
Going Beyond Lumber Grades, Part 2
When it comes to lumber dealers filling an order for a particular buyer, specificity is key to customer satisfaction (see Part 1). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences in how builders perceive lumber grades and what the grading system actually entails. As a dealer, recognizing and explaining these vital distinctions […]
Going Beyond Lumber Grades, Part 1
If you’re a lumber dealer, you’ve probably been involved in countless discussions with builders who are looking for “Grade A” lumber of a certain species. Instead of getting specific about how they actually want the wood they’re ordering to look or perform, these builders, who are pressed for time, expect their suppliers to quickly and […]
Choosing the Ideal Pool Design for Your Outdoor Space
Just like people, pools come in all different shapes and sizes. If you’re considering installing a backyard pool, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make is which pool design will work best for you. Basic Considerations When you meet with a pool contractor, be sure to get plenty of sound […]
What Teak Customers Need To Do in the Wake of the Myanmar Ban
In April 2016, newly elected government officials in Myanmar banned all logging activities for the country. While Teak is a major species affected, other species would be included as well. In addition to a much-needed 10-year ban on logging in the Pegu Yoma region, a 1-year national ban was scheduled to expire this past March […]
Thinking Outside the Trends: Utile as a Mahogany Alternative
Amid questions about Genuine Mahogany’s future, one species that’s an excellent Mahogany alternative deserves a little more attention. Referred to by both the name “Utile” and the name “Sipo,” this African species offers many of the same characteristics as Genuine Mahogany. Since it’s more readily available as well as more affordable than Genuine Mahogany, we […]
Thinking Outside the Trends: Red Balau Decking, Part 2
Red Balau may well be the best kept secret among tropical decking enthusiasts (see Part 1). Not only is it nearly as hard and durable as industry-wide favorites like Ipe and Cumaru, but its appearance is even more consistent! With the same reddish-brown coloring as other tropical decking lumber species, this gem from Indonesia is […]
Thinking Outside the Trends: Red Balau Decking, Part 1
While Red Balau is far from new to the decking market, it’s clearly not as trendy as Ipe or Cumaru. As part of the Shorea genus, Red Balau is related, so to speak, to species such as Meranti and Philippine Mahogany, both of which are commonly used for marine applications and other exterior work. An […]