Learning Center

How To Measure Your Room For Carpeting

Rob Jones — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:15:45 +0000

One of the most vital components of preparing for a carpeting installation is the size of your room matched with the kind of carpeting you’ve decided to buy.

You don’t want to get this stage wrong. A floor covering project like this demands a high level of precision in order to get the tailored, elegant result you’re looking for. It’s also important to understand that this stage should be planned out based on the specific product you’re considering. This principle will help you to buy carpeting specific to the scale of your individual space, and get the best visual result that you can for your money.

So, what carpet measurement elements need to be taken into account even before you order your carpeting?

Consider carpet roll width

When you’re perusing your carpeting options at the pre-buying stage, make a note of the roll width of the carpeting you’re most interested in. The roll width of your carpet of choice will have a significant bearing on how you measure your room.

A lot of carpeting is laid out in 12′ rolls, which means that your room can be measured by standard units of 12′. But The tricky part here is that other carpeting roll widths vary, with some in 15′ and even rolls that involve half-measures, like 13’6″. Also, many types of carpeting are measured out in linear feet. You need to adjust your room measurements accordingly to get the best results, based on the exact product you’re thinking of buying. It can be tricky to do the conversion yourself without expert advice.

Since measuring carpet accurately can be tricky, trustworthy vendors will bring this up when you’re doing your research, and offer services to help you. Find out about how involved your vendor is willing to be in the planning stages, and how much they are willing to allow at no extra charge. This can be a good way to discover which vendors are worth working with and buying from, and which ones aren’t.

Get correct pattern matching

Some carpet options you’re looking to buy have very specific patterning that must be considered when you measure a space. Getting it right makes all the difference to your carpet installation success. Getting it wrong can result in a lot of wasted time and money. This is particularly true if you’re looking to create a continuous flow from one room to another without any jarring interruptions.

When you’re doing your research, and opening up a dialogue with your chosen vendor, make sure that any pattern matching specific to the product you’re most interested in is factored into the carpet measuring process.

Establish accurate carpeting seam positioning

Similar to pattern matching, carpeting seam positioning is a subtle, yet absolutely essential. Seams that are too close to the focal point of a room can be extremely distracting, and can take away from the overall effect you’re trying to create. This isn’t just about your carpet installation; it can effect the whole aesthetic of your space. With this in mind, at the carpet measuring stage, you will need to make sure that any carpet seams are as far away from focal points as possible.

Explore your chosen vendor’s carpet measuring services

The key to success when it comes to buying carpeting and measuring your space is to work closely with your carpeting vendor. Buying carpeting, and getting the measurements right for your space is not always a straight-forward thing. You need the advice of experts. Good communication between you and the carpeting vendor you’ve decided on can make all the difference. Find a vendor that understands this, and arrange a carpet meaurement home visit to get those measurements right the first time.

How To Measure Your Room For Carpeting is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

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Deck Railings Installation

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:32:01 +0000

Deck railing is a highly visible feature of your deck that can be seen from every angle. Your railing design should be both creative and functional, adding beauty while it protects your guests. The materials and designs to choose from are endless. Your design can be traditional, rustic, simple, contemporary, or a masterpiece of carved complexity, but it should meet safety requirements, match the style of the house and deck, and please the eye.

Building a railing may take a couple of days to complete, so plan accordingly. It’s a simple task, but it requires precision and care.

Deck Railing Design

When considering the design of your deck railing, think about the shape and style of your home. What type of rail will look most like an extension of the house? If you’re trying to update the look of the house, consider creating a more modern look without a jarring effect by adding contemporary hardware or using a highly polished top rail in a contrasting wood.

Stains and contrasts can add dimension and style while blending with a rustic or traditional style. An unusual geometric design can add personality to an otherwise plain deck, and a shabby chic whitewash finish can add a comfortable, lived-in Cape Cod feeling to a brand new outdoor living space. You may also choose to incorporate a less expected material, like Plexiglas or wrought iron to add intricacy and style to your design.

Measurements and Safety Concerns

Any deck raised above ground level should have a railing. For safety purposes, the railing should be 36” to 42” inches high, and the balusters should be set no more than 4” apart to meet building codes. This prevents a child’s head from passing between the balusters.

Measuring for baluster placement is the task that presents the greatest challenge and requires the most precision. First, measure the distance between posts and make note. You also need to know the width of the baluster posts. Add the width of one baluster to the desired spacing between balusters (typically 4”). If you’re using balusters that are 2” wide, then your total measurement for each baluster is 6”. Divide the distance between the posts by the baluster measurement to figure out how many balusters you need between posts.

To ensure that the railings are perfectly straight, clamp the top and bottom rails together to mark the installation spots.

Installing the Railings

Start with the posts. Set each post against the joist and secure with the appropriate hardware. The hardware you choose is another design decision. For a simple railing, carriage bolts are sturdy and reliable, but you may desire more interesting hardware. Hardware is often recessed and covered to be less obtrusive to the overall look.

The next step depends on design. If your balusters are designed to fit between the top and bottom rails, you can assemble the sections of railing before anchoring to the posts. This method is also effective for an outside-rail installation. Another method is to attach the top and bottom rails to the posts before attaching the balusters.

Deck Railings Installation is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Deck Cleaning and Maintenance

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:23:58 +0000

To prolong the life of your wooden deck and preserve its beauty, cleaning and maintenance tasks should be performed on an annual basis. In the spring, you should clean and seal your deck to help prevent breakdown and damage to your deck, while keeping it looking great. Neglecting to care for your deck every year can greatly reduce the functionality, possibly causing you to need to replace the deck many years before you would otherwise have to.

Materials to Have on Hand for Cleaning and Maintenance

To ensure you are not in the middle of cleaning and missing something you need, it is ideal to have the following items on hand before you begin the cleaning and maintenance process for your deck:

Broom and dust pan or other receptacle for debris
Power washer (optional, recommended if deck needs serious cleaning)
Hammer and nails
Sealant of your choice
Drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces
Paint buckets, brushes, and pans
Rough sand paper (optional, required if sanding is necessary)

Cleaning Your Deck

Before you can start to seal your deck, you need to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned, free of dirt and debris. Start by removing all furniture and other large items from the deck. Sweep the deck to remove things such as pine needles, leaves, and other dirt. If the deck still appears dirty, or looks grey in color, it may be best to power wash it.

If you do not have one readily available, these can usually be rented from a local construction equipment rental company, or from a local home improvement store. If your deck is made of cedar, power wash with care, because the cedar is a softer wood. Cedar will typically turn silver with age, which is what most people who choose the wood want.

Inspect the Surface of the Deck and Make Repairs

Look carefully for damaged boards, broken nails, and areas where splintering or splitting is occurring. If the boards are damaged, consider replacing them before moving forward with the sealant. If there are any broken nails, replace them. If there is significant splintering, sand the surface of the deck until it is smooth.

Select and Apply Your Sealant

Choose a sealant for your deck that is recommended for the weather conditions in your area. Certain types of wood require or work better with certain types of sealants, and certain sealants are required if you live in area with extreme weather conditions such as a lot of moisture or a lot of sun. As sealants are also available in a wide variety of colors, it is a good idea to speak with a retail store employee to learn more about which one will work best for your deck based on what you need and what you want while still maintaining a budget.

Sweep the deck one more time before applying the sealant according to the directions paying close attention to any dirt or debris that may be hiding in between the boards. If you power-washed the deck, it should be completely dry before sealant is applied. If necessary, allow a coat to fully dry and cure before applying a second.

Most decks are easily cleaned and sealed on a weekend, so it can be a fun home improvement project. To get the best result and extend your deck’s lifespan the most, do not rush through any of the steps, making sure to read and follow all directions provided with the power washer and sealant.

Deck Cleaning and Maintenance is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Decking Installation Tools List

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:13:52 +0000

Building a deck? Any construction project calls for some basic tools that make your job easier. This checklist can help you decide whether you can save money on a do-it-yourself effort. If you’re already an accomplished handyman, you may already have many of the tools on this list.

If you’re starting from scratch or you’re a brand new homeowner who wants to take on home improvement projects, these tools will come in handy for future projects from installing shelves to building an addition and represent a good investment. Some of these tools may not be necessary for your deck project. Not every deck project requires working with cement, for example.

Basic Tools

Framing hammer
Plumb bob
Cement hoe
Trowel
Torpedo level
4 ft level
Socket wrench and socket set
Adjustable crescent wrench
Assorted screwdrivers
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Nail pouch
Pencil
Pry bar
Caulking gun and caulk
Framing square
Combination square
Tape measure
Handsaw
Sawhorses

Safety Equipment

Safety goggles
Ear plugs
First aid kit

Electrical and Power Tools

Extension cords
Power saw
Jigsaw
Miter saw
Drill and drill bits

In addition to a collection of tools, there are a number of materials you’ll need to complete your deck project. Here is a list of materials you may find useful. Before starting your project, check with the manufacturer recommendations regarding specific fasteners, sealants and finish.

Deck materials of your choice
Railing
Post caps
Pier blocks
Post anchors
HDG nails
HDG lag bolts or screws
Flashing (if needed)
Ledger board
Girder stock
Band joists
Joist stock
Post stock
Water-repellant finish
Joist hangers sealer
Joist hanger nails
Nylon string
Right-angle brackets
Ready-mix concrete

Decking Installation Tools List is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Decking Planning and Local Building Codes

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:42:41 +0000

Building a deck requires careful planning. Materials, structural elements, and aesthetics should be considered to create a harmonious structure that complements the style and design of your home. Done well, a deck is an organic extension to the home and its surroundings.

Choose materials that pair well with the exterior design of the house to enhance the overall look and add curb appeal. Consider the house, the deck, and the yard as parts of a whole, attractive from every angle, inside and out. Here are a few tips to help get your design ideas flowing.

A realistic budget

For most of us, budget is the first consideration before any project can begin. In addition to calculating the cost of the necessary materials, figure in the cost of any tools you’ll need, accessories you’ll want, and preparation of the land under and around the deck area. A realistic budget is a powerful tool when figuring the size and functional areas of the deck. If your current budget doesn’t fit your dream deck, you may find it useful to break the task into phases. Planning ahead for future phases allows for expansion and the addition of functional features to be budgeted in later.

Plan against your whole property, not just the deck area

Think of your deck as a three dimensional object to help visualize the finished project. A deck is far more than a bounded floor area. It will impact the visual line of the house and garden, and the space under the deck will be impacted. In the case of a raised or upper-floor deck, there will be deeper shade below and cooler temperatures inside. Will that space be wasted, or can it be maximized?

Sense of proportion

Proportion is important. Some of the most interesting decks are tiered, leading from a raised area down to a ground-level lawn, pool area, or garden. Building a deck on a grand scale is desirable if you have a large home with plenty of land, but will inappropriately dominate a smaller area and home. A small deck on a large house looks equally out of place. For the most pleasing aesthetics, build a deck that serves your needs and is proportionate to your house and grounds.

Practical shape

Most deck construction falls into familiar geometric shapes – rectangles, squares, circles, and hexagons. Odd or asymmetrical shapes are difficult and expensive to build and can be jarring to the eye.

Consistent style

Building materials should fit the style of the house. Adding a sleek Plexiglas and steel railing to a rustic fieldstone house would look strange. Choose materials that complement the color, style, and construction of the house for an organic feel.

Integration with the garden and yard

To lower constructions cost and extend the visual area of a ground-level deck, incorporate planting areas into the design.

Stability

Structural stability of the ground where the deck will be anchored is crucial. Consult a professional if there is any question as to ground stability.

Purposes in mind

Design your deck with purpose in mind. Will you build in seating or add furniture? Will you entertain, or will this be a private family retreat? Is an area large enough to accommodate a table and chairs necessary? A grill? A hot tub? An herb garden?

Accessories

Accessorize accordingly. You may wish to address a hot or rainy climate with an awning, or screen your deck in an area where mosquitoes make outdoor life miserable…or leave room for planting bug-repellant plants around the deck perimeter.

Get permits, make sure your deck plan is to code

Before putting shovel to dirt for the first step in the deck-building process or any homeowner project, check with city and county building departments and obtain the proper permits. The county will come out and mark underground pipes and lines on request to avoid damaging sewer and water lines and other buried utilities. You may also need to acquire advance permission from your homeowner’s association and comply with applicable deed restrictions.

Decking Planning and Local Building Codes is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Deck Finishing and Sealing

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:26:15 +0000

Finishing deck is an optional step if you want to apply a stain to alter the appearance of the wood used to build a deck. Sealing a deck is necessary if you have used a wooden material, as this will protect it from water and other elements, to extend its life span and improve its overall appearance. There are a couple options for your finish, including transparent stains and water repellants and semi-transparent stains.

The way you should handle finishing and sealing a deck will depend on whether you are using a native wood, a tropical wood, or a pressure-treated wood, as they will respond differently to various finishes. Deck finishes generally include a sealant and stain for a hint of color, but sealants can be purchased without applying a stain.

Start with a clean, dry deck, and use a roller to apply a coat of the finish of your choice to your deck as directed, always keeping a wet edge, and working quickly. Allow the deck to dry and cure for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat, walking on it, or bringing furniture out on to it. Though finish can be applied with a sprayer, rollers are recommended for a more complete and protective finish.

Transparent Stains and Water Repellants

Transparent stains and water repellant finishes do not contain pigment that will alter the color of the wood but provide the necessary water repellant protection to prevent water damage to the wood. These generally also contain fungicides and mildewcides to help prevent their growth. Many options also contain ingredients to either block or absorb UV rays to protect against fading from the sunlight.

Semi-Transparent Stains

Semi-transparent stains are finishes with small amounts of pigment to change the appearance of the wood while providing an additional element of strength and durability. Higher quality stains will include water repellants and mildewcides to protect against water and fungus damage, and the pigments will contain the UV blockers to protect against sun damage. Latex based semi-transparent stains may form a film and cause cracking and peeling, but others should not form a film.

Finishing and Sealing Native Woods

Native woods such as cedar should be finished and sealed using a penetrating finish such as the ones mentioned above, because these finishes will not form a film on the wood. Finishes that are non-penetrating cause a film to form on the deck surface will cause them to crack, flake, and peel, which makes the deck harder to maintain and re-finish.

Finishing and Sealing Tropical Woods

If your deck is made of a tropical wood such as ipe, leaving it unfinished will result in a silver or gray color that many people like; however, sealing it will help protect it from the elements, as well as damaging UV rays. It is sealed much like any other wood deck, but it is important to remember that it will not be as accepting of the finish. Since less of the finish will penetrate tropical woods, in order to maintain the finish and appearance, you will have to apply it more frequently.

Finishing and Sealing Pressure-Treated Woods

If your deck is made of a pressure-treated wood such as southern yellow pine, you should choose a finish based on how much sunlight the deck will get. A deck in direct sunlight will do better with a lighter colored stain because using a dark stain will cause the wood to get hotter. If the deck does not get a lot of sunlight, you should stick to a water based stain rather than an oil based stain.

Pay close attention to the directions on the finish label, and look for a finish that can provide UV protection if you do not want to risk your deck fading or turning gray. Some woods, such as cedar or redwood can be sealed and finished right away, while others, such as pressure-treated should be allowed to acclimate for about a month before being finished and sealed.

Deck Finishing and Sealing is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Decking Installation Tips

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:11:54 +0000

For best results with your brand new deck, it is recommended to hire professionals to build and install your deck for you. However, if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, we have some deck installation tips to help you.

Follow All Local Building Codes

Local building codes are there for a reason, and should be followed exactly throughout the entire process of planning, building, and installing the deck on your property. The codes will ensure the deck is safe for use. Neglecting to follow local building codes could result in a failed inspection, which could cause difficulty with completing the project or selling your home at a later date.

Make the Necessary Screwdriver Adjustments

Make the appropriate adjustments to your speed and torque to avoid causing damage to screws and boards. Generally, the best combination to use is low torque with high speed.

Joists

When installing joists, ensure they are properly secured to the base using either a sealant or screws as a preventative measure against warping and sagging. The joists should be as dense and durable as the boards used to build the deck, and should be aligned properly to allow for the adequate space between boards for maximum support. The proper alignment will be based on the board width and strength.

Plan for extra materials

To ensure you are making the most of the material you have on hand, plan out all the spacing beforehand. If you are going to be installing a deck with hidden joints, plan for an additional 5% to 10% material. If you are doing an installation that uses a 45-degree angle cut, plan for up to an additional 20% in material.

Wooden Deck Boards and Humidity

Use a calibrated moisture probe meter to test the moisture content of the boards before installing them. This will help you ensure you are leaving adequate space between the boards to allow for expansion and contraction associated with your area’s humidity level. To help keep the boards dimensionally stable and prevent cupping, you should leave at least 10 centimeters between the joists and the ground, allowing for ventilation.

Fastening the Boards

When fastening the boards to the joists, you must use a fastener at every location where there is a bearing point and the board touches the supports. The fastener can be in the middle or at the end of the board, no matter how wide the board is. If you are using an end-to-end board installation, you must fasten the boards to the joist with a fastener at the end of each board, rather than one fastener in the middle of the two boards.

An experienced, professional team of deck installers will be familiar with these tips and use them to ensure you get the best quality, safest, deck that will last for years to come with proper care and maintenance.

Decking Installation Tips is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Decking Accessories

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:54:04 +0000

When building a deck, there are quite a few things to consider. The construction materials for the deck are important, but you’ll also need hardware and fasteners, railings, and you may also want to divide and enhance your space. Fortunately, there are a huge variety of options available to enhance your deck and turn a simple outdoor space into an authentic living area.

Fasteners and Hardware

There are a number of options for deck assembly, including traditional galvanized, stainless steel, or brass nails or screws and fasteners designed to be invisible. Fasteners may be part of the decking material construction if you’re using flooring that snaps together over an existing flooring, or may be specific to the type of flooring you choose.

Decking clips for composite decks

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you get the right type of fasteners for your flooring, taking into consideration the depth of your flooring, the substrate, and the best materials for your climate.

Railings

Adding a deck railing is an important safety consideration, but railings are also an element of design. Railings should complement and enhance the design of the floor, and whether you choose a simple rough-hewn rusticity or a trendy specialty railing with a modern metal and Plexiglas construction, the railing style should complement both the deck and the style of your home.

Post Caps, Trim, and Sleeves

Add style to a plain railing with stylish post caps, trim, and post sleeves to add a finished look to your railing. Lighted post caps are also available, to add security without taking up additional space.

Privacy Walls and Dividers

If you live in a duplex, and apartment, or a zero-lot home, finding privacy can be a challenge. There are a number of ways to create the illusion of privacy on an outdoor deck, including strategically placed plants, walls in the same materials and style as the railing.

Building a privacy wall as a design feature is a great way to add style and beauty to the space while adding function – like adding an attractive barbeque grill inside a functional brick enclosure with hooks for tools or a terraced planter for an herb garden or a strawberry patch. You might also consider recycling items like glass blocks popular in the 1970s or incorporating a movable free-standing screen.

One of the reasons decks have become so popular is the variety of products available on the market, from fire pits to all-weather chaise lounges. You’ll find a huge variety of furniture and functional pieces to enhance your outdoor living space. Building a space to reflect your personal style might include a private refuge to relax in or a rowdy place to entertain friends, an outdoor cooking and dining space, or a garden full of good things to bring to the table. Your deck is yours to design for whatever purpose you can imagine. The possibilities are endless.

Decking Accessories is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Wood Deck Kiln Drying Process

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:10:43 +0000

A kiln is essentially a low-temperature oven used to dry wood used for decking. The lumber is placed in a chamber where the temperature, humidity, and airflow is monitored and controlled for optimum results while the wood dries. Kiln drying is used where air-drying is not feasible, for example in tropical regions where humidity is high, and has some advantages over air-dried woods.

Benefits of kiln drying include:

ñ Reduced shipping cost, since more water is extracted from the wood, leaving it lighter.

ñ Controlled drying results in fewer defects like cracking and checking.

ñ More accurate cutting. Wood contracts as it dries. Cutting wood to size before it is fully cured can result in inaccurate measurements and additional expense, since you’ll have to replace miss-cuts. Purchasing kiln-dried deck wood ensures that the wood is fully cured and ready for installation upon delivery.

ñ Kiln drying helps the wood resist decay and reduces sap staining.

ñ No chemicals are used in the process.

ñ As the wood dries, insects and other parasites die, and mold is much less likely to develop.

ñ Individual boards are less likely to contract, leaving a more uniform batch.

ñ Wood fully dried to a specific moisture content in a kiln is harder, stiffer, and stronger than green wood.

ñ Oils or finishes can be applied immediately after the deck is installed. No need for additional acclimatization time.

Kiln drying is a standard industry practice that changes the dimensional stability of the wood, making it more stable and leaving the wood with a specific, desirable moisture content. Too much moisture, and wood used for decking or other outdoor installations can warp, shrink, or crack when exposed to humidity. Kiln dried wood has lower moisture content and, as a result, fewer changes due to humidity.

Air-dried lumber continues to shrink as it cures, tropical hardwoods included. Dimensional stability can change drastically as the moisture content changes, leaving unacceptable gaps in a finished deck. Acclimating the wood on a jobsite helps, but cannot fully compensate for extreme changes in humidity, including air humidity, rain, sleet, and snow. Following installation, extremely dense hardwoods like ipe, will not absorb enough moisture to cause expansion warping.

When installing a deck, it’s important to know the moisture content of the wood in order to determine how much gap the floor requires for expansion. This is especially important for pre-grooved planking with fixed expansion gaps. Air-dried wood tends to shrink more than the 1/8” allowed and can result in unsightly gaps. Kiln dried wood decking comes with a stable moisture content and will not shrink or expand. The tongue and groove construction is smooth and stable, without gaps, although areas exposed to full sun may have slight shrinkage.

Wood Deck Kiln Drying Process is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect

Wood Decking Grades and Terminology

Rob Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:02:28 +0000

Wood is affected by environmental elements, insects, and fungus. When building a deck, it’s important to choose a wood grade durable enough to withstand damage from these influences over time. But decks are more than something to stand on; they are an addition to your home. The wood you choose should be structurally sound, suitable for the environment you live in, and aesthetically pleasing – functional, durable, and beautiful.

Lumber grading considers several wood characteristics. There are three primary grades of wood, 1, 2, and 3, and the lower the number the better the wood. Within each grade are different varieties that describe specific characteristics but to not affect the grade of the wood, for example #1 Select Tight Knot, #1 Standard Tight Knot or #1 Clear (no knots). Different wood grades are recommended for different projects, and even for different purposes within the same project – the supports for a deck should be structurally sound, but not necessarily attractive.

Wood Characteristics that Affect Grade

To understand wood grades, some background in terminology is helpful. Here are some common terms you might encounter.

Wane:

Wane is a thickening of the lumber where a tree branch grew. Structurally, wane is not a significant factor, but could affect precise measurements when nailing a deck together.

Knots:

wood knots are whorls that form as part of the wood grain. Knots can be tight and tiny or so large they affect the structural integrity of the wood. They are part of what makes each section of wood unique and beautiful. The wood grain, knots and cracks that occur naturally as trees grow can be a factor in stability, but not always.

Knots on the edge are more likely to affect the structural stability of the plank. Spike knots bore all the way through a plank and can cause the wood to splinter and break when nailed. Since spike knots can be quite small, they may escape the grading process. Inspect individual planks for knots that extend through both sides of the wood.

Size:

The size of the wood helps determine what it’s used for. Size includes length, width, and thickness.

Milling defects:

Wood for decking should be straight and true. Check for bowing or uneven thickness.

Cure:

Techniques used to dry and cure lumber enhance the durability of the finished wood.

Twist:

Twist refers to the natural warp in the wood.

The Best Lumber Grades for Decking

#1 Grade

The best wood available is usually cut from older growth. The grain is tight and smooth, with more heartwood. It’s more resistant to the elements, but it is also the most costly option. It should be noted that more heartwood is a good choice for some woods and not recommended for others. To save money while showcasing the beauty of a wood deck, use #1 grade sparingly on railings and other highly visible areas.

#2 Grade

The next best wood grade contains more knots but is structurally sound and less expensive than #1 grade. Most building codes specify #2 grade and higher. It is durable and serviceable, and many people prefer the rustic look as a decorative enhancement.

#3 Grade

The inferior quality of #3 grade wood makes it a poor choice for structural elements of construction, and in general, it is not sufficiently attractive for use on visible areas of decking. It can be used judiciously for non-structural areas that are not easily visible.

Wood Decking Grades and Terminology is a post from: Laminate, Bamboo & Hardwood Floors Information from BuildDirect