Has anyone out there built a deck with mahoghany and left it unstained? I rather like the grayed down look and would like to avoid maitenance. How about Fir? Also what have people used to built railings? Same story: I would like a deck that simply gets gray over time…
thanks
Handy Dan
Replies
Built many decks using mahogony, although of late, not many calls for it....Ipe, Trex and cedar seem to be the "hot items" round here.
Don't be afraid to space the decking. It doesn't shrink to the extent of PT (which can leave dangerous gaps for women in heels), but it does swell considerably when wet.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
thanks for your reply. May I ask how you finish Ipe or cedar? I heard Ipe requires nothing at all though it is murderous on tools. As for Cedar, I assume it goes gray eventually....
Handy Dan
Correct on both counts. Ipe can be a bear, but the finished product is beautiful. I recomend sealing it though its quite resilient.
Cedar also requires sealent, unless the graying is desired. My big problem with cedar is its softness. It scuffs, scratches, dents and dings pretty quickly. Some folks like that "look". Hoqwever, when the mark sare concentrated in specific areas (i.e. under and around furniture) it tends to look beat up rather than "aged".
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements