You’ve made the choice to go with Cumaru hardwood decking. Here are eight important things you should understand about costs, requirements and other considerations for using this beautiful tropical hardwood for building.

In the design world, the buzz word now is outdoor living, and according to the American Institute of Architects, many are voting for outdoor kitchens as being the most wanted amenity. And, because a great way of enjoying the fresh air and sunshine is by extending your living space outside, this makes sense. However, when you don’t have an inviting space, it’s difficult to want to spend time outdoors.

Therefore, a charming Cumaru hardwood deck is the perfect way of turning your backyard into a tranquil oasis as a solo retreat or for entertaining. If you’ve picked a Cumaru deck, you likely already know about all the benefits of using Cumaru, including:

• Mold and mildew resistance
• Fire rating (same as steel and concrete)
• Longevity
• Eco-friendliness

Even so, there are still some things you should understand about your new deck.

1. Did you Purchase the Right Kind of Cumaru?

   Cumaru is a kiln dried wood. It’s important Cumaru is dried properly since it gives stability to the wood, which determine if your deck will warp or not. Cumaru decking boards are specifically dried for use outdoors.

   There’s also Cumaru that’s kiln dried to use indoors, but when using Cumaru outside that’s intended for interior use, it will expand, ruining your project. This goes for the use of Cumaru decking indoors when it was kiln dried for outside but is installed indoors; it will shrink. Therefore, it’s essential when ordering your Cumaru to specify you’re building an exterior deck and ask how the Cumaru was dried.

   
   _{Photo Credit: Gonzalo Mardones Arquitectos from Instagram.}

2. The Materials Used for Structure Are Essential

   If you chose Cumaru hardwood for your decking needs, it’s likely because aesthetics and quality are important to you. It’s essential you use top of the line hardware when building your underlying structure in order to protect your investment. We suggest you use hardware designed specifically for tropical hardwood use. For instance, DeckWise makes special hidden fastener clips and stainless steel screws for hardwood decks. They also make Cumaru plugs (ribbed or smooth) for face screwing decks. These plugs are made of Cumaru. They’re simple to glue over stainless-steel screws for creating a seamless look across the deck.

   
   For all your wood connectors, we highly suggest Simpson Strong Tie. The structural integrity of your decking won’t just extend the life of your deck, but will also ensure a stronger and safer deck. Therefore, when placing your Cumaru order, make sure you order all required hardware for installation as well. One of our representatives will happily help you in the calculation and provide you with a free quote. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
   

3. Plan Out Shade, Lighting and Accessories Prior to Starting

   They say the proper lighting is everything and decks aren’t any different. You can set a relaxing mood outdoors with ambient lighting. Good lighting is also essential for safety. Besides you really wouldn’t want to walk up or down your Cumaru stairway without railing or stair lighting. Lighting around or over your deck will increase how much time you spend on your deck as well.

   
   _{Photo Credit: Benjamin Scheid C.B.C. on Instagram}

   or instance, if you want to grill on your Cumaru deck, you should think about how you’ll light your grill (nobody wants to have to hold a flashlight over you while you’re grilling). It’s essential you speak with your deck installer regarding your lighting plan so the electrician won’t need to tear a bunch of your Cumaru deck boards out later. Before you have your Cumaru deck installed, discuss:

   • Ambient lighting
   • Safety lighting
   • Task or functional lighting

   Not only should you consider the way your deck will feel and look at night, but you should also consider how it will during the day too, particularly during the hottest part of the day. Fortunately, Cumaru doesn’t become hot in the sun like some metal or composite decks do, which is the perfect reason for choosing Cumaru in and of itself.

   Finding the proper way of shading your Cumaru deck is essential not just to make you comfortable, but to also protect your deck. Although harsh sunlight doesn’t damage Cumaru, it still fades the color to silver gray from its original brownish red. You may want to think about installing a Cumaru pergola over a portion of your deck or the entire thing or at least consider using a sun umbrella.

   

4. You’ll Require a Permit

   Every city has rules and regulations governing whether you’re able to build a deck and how you should build it. You can save a great deal of money and time by visiting your local building department as you wouldn’t want any unexpected surprises after you’ve build your Cumaru deck. The city doesn’t have different rules for building a Cumaru deck over one built from other materials. However, they will let you know about any variances and setbacks needed from your property line to the road or sidewalk. They’ll also have an inspector come out to check the framing underneath your deck. This is a good step to ensuring the longevity and safety of your Cumaru deck.

5. Prep the Area Underneath your Deck to Prevent Weeds

   If your deck is being installed over dirt, make sure you spray the area with an herbicide and then cover the ground with a plastic or black fabric covering to ensure unwanted weeds don’t start appearing from underneath your deck. It’s simpler to take care of unwanted plants and roots before you build your deck. A charming Cumaru deck that has greenery coming through its boards isn’t a situation you want to deal with. You may even want to pour some gravel underneath your deck to help deter animals from making their nests under it.

   

6. Properly Maintain your Cumaru Deck

   The type of maintenance and how often you maintain your Cumaru deck will depend on things like:

   • If your deck is covered
   • Where you live
   • If your deck is near a pool
   • If your deck is near the ocean

   If your Cumaru deck has direct sunlight exposure for over four hours daily, if it’s near water and/or if it’s under a tree that drops a great deal of foliage, you’ll probably want to have your deck serviced a minimum of twice a year.

   You’ll need to pressure wash and re-oil your Cumaru deck approximately every six months. If you have a pergola covering your Cumaru deck or it’s under a covered area, you may need to stain it every couple of years. When you install your deck, you should assess and observe the location you plan on installing it to ensure you take the environmental and light factors into consideration.

   

7. The Cumaru’s Wood Color Changes Over Time

   The Cumaru’s beautiful auburn reddish color is a factor that makes it a favorite choice of decking for many. But, being exposed to the sun will “bleach” the Cumaru, meaning it will turn a gray color. Ipe and teak wood also take on this silver patina, as it’s called, as well when exposed to the sun. The silver patina color is very natural looking and beautiful and doesn’t change your Cumaru deck’s longevity.

   If the silver look is what you like, you won’t need to maintain your deck as much. The only maintenance required for your Cumaru deck is pressure washing. But, if you would rather it retain its original color, you’ll need to oil your deck regularly. Again, leaving your Cumaru unoiled or oiled won’t have any effect on the structural integrity of your deck’s boards, as Cumaru is naturally mildew, mold and insect resistant and won’t splinter or scratch easily.

   

8. Your Home’s Value Will Increase

   Installing a Cumaru deck is a perfect way of increasing your property’s value. First, when you add a deck, you’re basically increasing the living space, particularly if you’re adding an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, outdoor seating or other accessories. By selecting Cumaru specifically for your deck material, you’re selecting a luxury building material. Installing a Cumaru deck to your home is a solid investment, both for the resale value of your home and your own personal enjoyment.

   So, go ahead and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and all the other outdoor activities on your beautiful Cumaru deck. It’s a smart decision that will guarantee very little maintenance or none at all, particularly from mold, insects or fungus. Be sure to let us know how we can assist you in any way and remember, with Cumaru Decking Florida, you’ll always receive the best price on Cumaru. Visit our website or give us a call today.

So enjoy the sunshine, the fresh air, and all the outdoor festivities on a beautiful Cumaru deck. It is a wise choice that will guarantee little to no maintenance, especially from insects, mold, or fungus. Please let us know if we can help you in any way, and know we will always give you the best price on Cumaru. Contact us today!