Brazilian Walnut (Ipe or e-pay) Deck Material
is an extremely dense, tightly grained wood. Generally a deep rich brown with some pieces displaying red and amber hues. Highest rating for insect and decay resistance. Ipe E4E - recommended spacing 1 x 4 on 16" centers, 5/4 x 6 on 24" centers. (Installation Instructions)
Brazilian Redwood (Massaranduba)
is another high quality decking material that combines the beauty of real wood with natural durability, strength and easy maintenance. Long considered one of the finest decking materials in South America and Europe, we're sure you're going to agree Massaranduba is right for you! (Installation Instructions) Brazilian Ash (Garapa)
is the rising star in exotic hardwood decking. Garapa is extremely dense and naturally resists rot, decay, splinters and fire without any chemical treatments. Its grain is very fine and tight making the material extremely smooth and scratch resistant. Garapa's warm, golden brown color is sure to last for many years and give you the deck you've always dreamed of. (Installation Instructions) Brazilian Teak (Cumaru)
is known especially for its superior hardness and durability and adapts extremely well in residential or commercial applications. Its color ranges between a tan brown to a reddish brown with some boards displaying black striping. Unlike most exotic hardwoods however, Cumaru's color changes little from its original tone and gradually mutes to a uniform color over time. (Installation Instructions) How will your deck look in ten years?
Most decking materials look attractive when first installed, but the true measure of quality decking material is how long it retains it's appeal. A wood's density determines it's durability. Ipe is twice as dense as other wood species and up to five times harder. Consider the Atlantic City Boardwalk. After 10 years of testing, the city is replacing the entire boardwalk with Ipe. Here's why:
"Compared to the costs of constant repair and replacement of other decking materials, Ipe decking is more cost effective. With the casino traffic, we were replacing the pressure treated pine every seven years. We project the Ipe decking will hold up for 25-30 years."
James Harrington, Jr. Senior Inspector, City of Atlantic City, N.J.
Strength MOR
Stiffness MOE
Hardness
Specie
(psi)
(1000 psi)
(pounds)
Decay Resistance
Brazilian Redwood
29,200
3,130
3,190
Highly resistant to decay, highest rating
Ipé
25,400
3,140
3,190
Highly resistant to decay, highest rating
Redwood
10,000
1,340
480
Resistant to decay, but softwood and will weather fast
Cedar
7,500
1,100
350
Durable, but requires treatment
Trex
1,423
175
1,124
Ten year warranty, however, life expectancy is currently undetermined
When you build a deck with DECKMASTER® Hidden Deck Bracket System, there are no unsightly nails or nail stains to blemish the beauty of the wood. More and more people are using their decks as an extension of their home and want these decks to have the same look and beauty of their interior flooring. Using the DECKMASTER® fastening system gives you the result of a smooth, unmarred surface that looks like a premium quality hardwood floor.
How Many Brackets Do I Need?
DECK SIZE
JOIST
SPACING
SQUARE FEET
16" O.C.
24" O.C.
25 sq. ft.
10 Brackets
10 Brackets
50 sq. ft.
20
20
75 sq. ft.
30
30
100 sq. ft.
40
30
200 sq. ft.
80
60
300 sq. ft.
120
90
400 sq. ft.
160
120
500 sq. ft.
200
150
Brackets are alternated to give equal support to the joist. Because the screws go in at a 60 degree angle there is some tension to pull the boards in one direction. Alternating the brackets allows the joist to have equal tension on both sides of the joist thereby equalizing the holding power from both sides of the joist.
