And along with being heavier, redwood heartwood is more red, whereas redwood sapwood is a pale yellowish-brown. If you are looking for wood that will stand up to heavy use, mahogany may be the better choice. When it comes to grain, both redwood and mahogany have their advantages. If you are looking for an easy to work with wood, redwood is a good choice. If you want strong and durable wood, mahogany may be the better option. Its strong, relatively inexpensive, and resists mold and rot, though its not ideal for northern climates. In the end, if moisture-resistance is a big concern of yours when youre trying to choose a wood for an outdoor project, you cant go wrong with any of these woods. However, even modern materials require maintenance to preserve their wood-like appearance. Choosing to DIY your deck is a common decision for many homeowners with moderate experience, but you should be cautious about ipe decking. Save the pressure-treated wood for the frame and supports. While it can get costly, it naturally repels pests and fades to a beautiful silvery gray over time. It is dense and very heavy, which makes it somewhat difficult to work with but a wonderful wood to use with stone and slate accents. Its also used to make shingles, decking, cladding, fencing, and exterior trim. Ipe woods strength makes it more resistant to the exterior elements than any other type of wood. TAMKO vs. IKO: Which Shingles Brand to Choose? Ipe is the most popular but not the only type of ironwood offered by Iron Woods, which has products ranging between $4 and $12 per linear foot. Wrong! The timber has different grades, such as heart or common grades, and is considered a long-term investment in the overall value of your home. However, it is susceptible to mold and UV damage if you dont keep up with yearly inspections and maintenance. Mahogany has natural tones varying from pink to reddish-brown or reddish-orange. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Redwood decking can cost anywhere from $5 to $35 per square foot. While redwood isnt the most commonly used material, its durable and beautiful for decking. Mahogany is durable and stable wood. WebRedwood decking costs $30 to $75 per square foot, including all the materials required (steps, railing and accessories), but many factors contribute to the deck's final cost. $950.00 - $1030.00. Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus cant-miss sales and deals. Therefore, mahogany is just about twice as heavy and dense as redwood. Wraparound and multi-tier decks, as well as decks installed in tough locations to access, will always cost more than a simple rectangular design. That can make the difference between your outdoor project lasting one year or ten. For this reason, UV blockers are often applied to redwood, but these dont do anything to make the wood more moisture resistant. Teak Master offers expertise in wood selection and restoration services for decks and wooden furniture to keep your investment looking its best for years to come. Its also more difficult to work with, so it could drive up your labor cost. The hardness of wood is rated by the Janka hardness test, a number that will be associated with the type of wood you buy. Most decking boards are not exactly 1 inch thick, making this measure irrelevant. "It is one of the strongest, affordable hardwoods and is mildew and termite resistant." Decks from heart-grade wood have a lifespan of40 yearsor more with proper care; decks built with common-grade wood last25 to 30 yearswhen maintained. Because of this, theyll need a few more support posts to keep them structurally sound. Redwood heartwood, i.e. Mahogany commonly has wavy grain patterns. Higher grades, more suitable for decking, can run around $17 PSF. In conclusion, Redwood Decking provides a real wood natural look, but it lacks the durability, longevity, and resistance to fire and insects that come with Ipe. Also, the price Decking grade quality Redwood material far outweighs the cost of Ipe. Unlike wood, composite material resists common deck problems such as rotting, fading, warping, and all the other things you dont want a deck to do. The cost to install a redwood deck falls between $30 to $75 per square foot, including material, supplies, permits and labor. Redwood is not the hardest of woods around, so it does dent and scratch fairly easily, although it is fairly durable in the sense that it is resistant to rot, decay, fungus, pests, and moisture. Ip (pronounced ee-pay) is an almost magical South American hardwood. Redwood is the in-between. Therefore, they dont warp or rot like other woods would if subjected to similar conditions. The higher end of that range represents deck projects built on second stories, building a deck with high-end wood, or customized designs. Being a softer wood, its also less expensive to machine and install, saving additional money. Redwood is rot-, insect- and water-resistant. Stability is important for a deck because it is used outdoors. Its a relatively soft wood that is susceptible to splintering but offers some insect resistance. Sure, theres enough room for some moisture to accumulate, but eventually itll dry up without doing much damage to the wood. Building a deck DIY should only be tackled by someone who feels competent handling all aspects of the build. The costs below are a good place to start, but consulting a local pro will help you get a better understanding of what you'll pay. Mahogany Decking Total Average Cost per square foot. Brazilian Koa Wood has been selling this product since 1992 under yet another name, Brazilian Koa. Plus, deck builders will be able to advise you on decisions like deck location, material, and size. Ipe is harder than mahogany, nicknamed ironwood for a reason; its difficult to cut and install. The California Redwood Association (CRA) represents timber companies in the American northwest. Join the party! One of the main reasons why youll see teak furniture at spas, ski areas, and pools is because its so naturally moisture resistant. In fact, its one of the strongest woods in several respects, which is why its used to make piers, bridges, fence posts, boats, exterior siding, stadium seats, and railroad ties. The density of the material provides it with superior strength and durability but also makes working with it difficult. This means that redwood is much softer than mahogany and much more susceptible to Composite deck boards, composed of plastic pellets and wood pulp, have improved in recent years. "Philippine Mahogany" is not a genuine mahogany. While mahogany is softer, its plenty durable for most applications. All rights reserved. Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor. the wood that comes from the middle of the trunk, is more moisture-resistant because its denser and less porous. If accentuated with the right wood oil or stain, it has a marble-like appearance. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. WebOpinions on 1 Mahogany vs 2 Redwood planks? Cedar decking costs $4 to $9 per square foot on average. Ipe woodis from the Tabebuia tree is one of the toughest and longest-lasting decking materials available. For these items, please call the store where you purchased them or our customer service department at 1-800-376-7856 so we can assist you. The best hardwoods for rainy weather are teak, mahogany, redwood, walnut, and cypress; the best softwood is cedar. Mahogany lumber is about 20 to 30% less costly than ipe. That makes ipe decks much more durable than other decks; they can last up to 75 years. As the largest conifer in the wold, Redwood stands as another rot-resistant softwood. Red cedar tends to be knotty, but it's affordable and widely available. In general, building a floating deck costs more than the average deck. Its natural resistance to rot and insects makes it desirable, however, it might to be too soft for decking and has a tendency to splinter, according to Gordon Whittaker. Redwood on the other hand is also reddish-brown in color, but a bit lighter, and it has a much more rustic and natural appearance. Privacy Policy. Along with being moisture-resistant, its also durable and visually appealing which many people appreciate. Its color somewhat resembles Honduran Mahogany, and since theyre both hardwoods its easy to get the two mixed up. Like other moisture-resistant hardwoods, cypress produces a resin, and this doesnt just help with preventing moisture-related damage but insect infestations as well. Mahogany is a tight-grained tropical hardwood that resists pests and rot. Genuine mahogany types include Swietenia macrophylla, native to Honduras, and Fijian mahogany, which is plantation-grown in Fiji. That's because it naturally repels water. Mahogany and teak can endure more than a decade of exposure to the elements, whereas other hardwoods are lucky to last 10 years under similar conditions. Tips to keep in mind when picking wood for outdoor projects. There are three kinds of redwood: Coast Redwood (California redwood), Giant Sequoia, and Sequoiadendron. Because it possesses all these attractive properties and more, its one of the most preferred hardwoods. Before you start building a new deck or fence, youll probably ask yourself: What kind of lumber is good for rainy weather? While most of the structure of the deck is made of pressure-treated lumber and sometimes steel beams, the actual decking is the part you walk on. Straight or moderately wavy grained wood works best to ensure a nice-looking and smooth surface for deck usage. Will your deck be covered or not? Building a rooftop deck is complex, but ipe can help you make it last. Ipe and genuine mahogany are popular and durable options for natural hardwood decking that have long life spans. But like all woods, it can only withstand so much moisture before it starts to break down. The two main kinds are oil-based and water-based poly. Itll stay sound even after prolonged exposure to rainy weather. Here are three ideas to help keep your new deck project costs down. WebChoose from wood decking boards, composite decking boards and deck tiles. $9.99 This makes them similar in price to ipe decks, but redwood decks dont generally last as long. While Emilee is no longer actively blogging, her passion for woodworking can be found anywhere she goes. How Much Does It Cost to Build a Floating Deck? Treat it with marine oil, and it looks like teak. Not only can teak withstand prolonged exposure to rain, wind, hail, and humidity, but it also resists termites and other pests better than most woods. Complex designs with not-so-common shapes or styles cost more to build than simple designs. WebMahogany comes in other looks, including straight grains that look more uniform and are easier to cut and install. Price Indeed, this decking Framing a deck, which sets the joints of the unit to be structurally safe and sound, typically costs $9 to $12 for labor per square foot. It has a very deep reddish-brown color, more red than brown, and it tends to darken over time. Aside from the cost to build a deck, there are additional factors that can tack on expenses down the road. Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more. The brand of ipe you choose can impact your overall cost. Choose a contractor who has experience with these woods in your area. The $4 to $12 per linear foot cost range represents the actual boards that make up the deck, but there are other material and labor costs to consider when estimating your total ipe wood decking cost: *The cost of a permit is not always a factor. Other Considerations for Decks and Porches, Comprehensive List of Eco-Friendly Building Materials, Wood and Composite Decking Review: Pros and Cons, Types of Wood Flooring and How to Choose One, 50 Deck Ideas That Will Inspire You To Go Outside. Less-expensive materials can be tempting, but they tend to result in extra expenses when it comes to maintenance and possible future repair that youll need to hire a deck contractor to handle. The main reason why it naturally resists moisture so well is because it doesnt have pockets or grooves like other woods. Established importers such as IpeDepot use the termFSC Ipe Decking to describe their products. This wood carries a beautiful and distinct striped pattern. The most you should expect your red oak outdoor furniture to handle is 4-5 days of non-stop rainy weather. Labor prices for redwood deck installation are often lower than ipe deck installation costs. Its typically a reddish to pinkish-brown with straight grains. Redwood Deck Stain When looking for deck stains for any wood job, you will most likely be bewildered by the enormous number of options. Installation costs tend to be lower, and more experienced homeowners may be able to DIY a basic lumber deck. Here are some tips when selecting decking materials. Read More, Ipe vs. Mahogany: Color, Lifespan, Price & More. Some ipe decking manufacturers may charge extra per linear foot for boards exceeding a predetermined length, like 12 feet. Now that you know what the main differences between them are, you can make an informed choice between the two. Therefore, cedar is a great wood for climates that experience both very cold and very hot temperatures during the year. Redwood is a high-quality wood known for its durability and rich red color. What better way to elevate your outdoor living than with a new deck? It can be made of wood, plastic (PVC) or a composite material that combines plastic with wood fibers. Ron Sutherland/Photolibrary Collection/Getty Images. Something that you probably know about mahogany is that it is an extremely rot-resistant and moisture-resistant type of wood, plus its also very resistant to fungus, pests, and other such problems caused by the elements. Manufacturer guarantees/warranties for power tools, CNC and laser products will supersede the Rockler Guarantee if these items are damaged or defective. I hope browsing Mama Needs a Project will leave you inspired and fired up to tackle your next DIY project. Ipe lumber is one of the more expensive options when it comes to decking. Pressure-treated lumber is rot and insect resistant, but it's cheaper than redwood or cedar and is widely available across the U.S. Deck builders use it to build the support systems for decks because it holds up well and is often masked by the deck flooring. This environmentally friendly softwood is relatively inexpensive and naturally resists bugs, moisture, and UV rays. Teak is preferred for its beauty and durability, and comes from South America and Mexico, where it is not considered a native plant and is plantation grown. While its a durable material, it has higher upkeep needs and requires annual sealing.. By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, Copyright 1999 - 2023 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved. $14.99 Tracking sustainably sourced ipe wood is difficult once it goes through a mill. While its an attractive and durable material, you can potentially save by choosing a comparably priced decking alternative. Woods on a deck could be mixed, with mahogany used in an enclosed area and the more durable ipe wood placed in areas exposed to the elements. However, its not as sought-after as Brazilian Walnut. As its name suggests, this brand focuses on high-density lumber. Red oak is a straight-grain hardwood that resists decay caused by moisture, pests, etc. Work with a local deck contractor to create a design that fits your aesthetic goals without going over your budget. Mahogany stains well for those who want to add color to their decking material. Previously, teak came from Southeast Asia into the U.S. Ipe is a natural hardwood used in the 1960s for boardwalks at Coney Island, N.Y., and in the 1980s in Atlantic City, N.J. $9.90. Redwood lumber comes from redwood trees native to California and Oregon. Western red cedar is reddish-brown. When properly treated, ipe decks can last up to 75 years. Environmentalists question the reliability of claims that mahogany shipped to the U.S. is logged legally. Cedar is a great wood for outdoor projects since its naturally moisture- and pest-resistant. Like mahogany, its often used to make outdoor furniture, since its not only moisture-resistant and durable but visually appealing too. Redwood decking costs $30 to $75 per square foot, including all the materials required (steps, railing and accessories), but many factors contribute to the deck's final cost. Perhaps the biggest difference between these two types of wood is that mahogany is a hardwood whereas redwood is a type of softwood. The material you choose for the foundation plays a key role in the overall price, including whether you stick with redwood or go with a less expensive material. While this is a moderately expensive choice, it has lower maintenance needs than pressure-treated wood and a gorgeous natural appearance. GAF vs. TAMKO: Which Shingles Brand to Choose. Sure, redwood is therefore lighter in easier to work with, but its also not nearly as structurally sound or durable. Aim to seal the lumber once a year. Again, the Rainforest Relief organization would argue that old-growth cedars of 100 to 250 years old, where the choicest cuts come from, are in danger of being destroyed forever. In Australia, this wood is sold as "Pacific Maple." Choosing a hardwood decking material can be complex, especially when the wood is sourced from multiple places worldwide and many options are available. Good old white oak is also yard-tough. So do mahogany and Spanish cedar, but you'll dig deeper in your wallet for them. What you pay, if anything, will vary based on the area you live in. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues. In other words, this is one of the most expensive woods out there, but for good reason. Mahogany can last over 20 years, depending on how its installed and the weather conditions. These synthetic and composite materials are virtually bug-proof and rot proof. The average cost ranges from $20 to $45 per square foot, depending on the material. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. How Much Does it Cost to Install a Window? Mahogany has a Janka hardness rating of roughly 900 lbf. In fact, wood thats coated with poly is pretty much waterproof, provided the poly is touched up 3-4 times a year. How Much Does it Cost to Install or Replace Kitchen Cabinets? If you hire a carpenter, handyperson, or experienced deck builder, theyll likely coordinate the permits for you. Cedar decks cost $4 to $9 per linear foot, which puts them in line with the cost of ipe decking. It can also be difficult to install and requires resealing every year. These decking materials are lightweight, long-lasting, waterproof, and low maintenance. Composite decking boards are available in a range Redwood needs to be maintained by applying a sealer and reapplying it over time. While redwood or teak certainly qualify, five more common lumber species that also stand up well to sunlight, moisture and wood-boring insects are Western red cedar, Spanish cedar, cypress, white oak and mahogany. Composite decking materials cost significantly more than their wooden counterparts but require no sealing or maintenance aside from occasional cleaning. In this sense, however, its not alone; most woods dont resist UV rays well, whether were talking hardwoods or softwoods. For an average upcharge of about 25%above that range, the brand also offers grooved planks and deck tiles for easier installation. And like some other hardwoods already mentioned, this wood comes with a higher price tag, but for good reason. Price. To get you started, AlansFactoryOutlet.com has created a handy infographic they call 75 Types of Wood Ranked by Janka Hardness and How They Are Used. The average ipe deck costs $4,700 for a 10x15 foot space, including labor and materials. Con heart means mostly or all heartwood, whereas con common means mostly sapwood. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Also, its on the heavier side, so if its out in the rain for hours it may be difficult to move later, seeing as itll probably be waterlogged. Although the price will vary greatly depending on your location, one thing you can rest assured of is that mahogany is much more expensive than redwood. The extra processes lead to a higher price tag, but youll save big in maintenance costs down the road. Mahogany and ipe, like many other kinds of wood, age naturally to gray if they are oiled and not stained. Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. With proper maintenance, ipe decking can last from 50 to 75 years, much longer than other types of wood decking like cedar and even mahogany. When treated properly, ipe wood works well for poolside decks. You can also use one of these stains for outdoor furniture or these stains for pressure treated wood. A lower number is softer wood than a higher Janka harness scale number, so you can easily compare between species. With ipe, also consider additional costs of machining and installing, as it is very hard and dense wood. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Be sure to caulk where the deck meets the house. Redwood's stability helps it look great longer. Although this tree is found mainly in the Americas, due to exportation, it can also be found in Oceania and Asia. Genuine ipe is easier to find since it is sourced from one tree species; however, its subject to over-harvesting and other illegal practices. Quality outdoor lumber deserves quality metal, too. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The use of rain forest woods can be controversial. Redwood and mahogany both look very nice, with mahogany having a dark reddish-brown color with a very rich hue. Tigerwood is another exotic hardwood, and it often costs about $7 to $15 per square foot. Get tips for choosing professionals and hiring deck designers for your decking project. Ipe, mahogany, and other premium decking materials are a significant investment in your home. So with mahogany, you wont need to worry as much about expansion and contraction, since theres almost never enough moisture to make either phase significant. Some installers may charge more for installing ipe. So, for outdoor projects, think like boat and deck builders do: choose brass or stainless steel hardware, screws and fasteners. Labor adds another $25 to $45 per square foot. To increase the lifespan of white oak, seal it with polyurethane or a similar varnish. Unlike other hardwoods, its more porous, which should mean its more susceptible to moisture-related damage, right? The most common place to install a deck, which is also likely the most cost-effective, is on the first floor attached to the backside of your home. Candance Nelson contributed to this piece. To install a redwood deck, expect to pay $25 to $40 per square foot, with labor costs sitting anywhere between $15 to $35 per square foot. White oaks ability to resist moisture also makes it an ideal indoor wood, particularly for kitchens and bathrooms. These decks dont actually floattheyre just not attached to your home. FREE SHIPPING ON PROFILED DECKING & SIDING ORDERS Over $3500* FREE SHIPPING ON LIVE-EDGE WOOD SLABS ON SLABS OVER $500* *Sale Terms Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is Common deck repairs include repairing railings, replacing deck boards, and treating the deck for termites, mildew, and rot. Let's cut right to the chase! But it is porous, so its not like it doesnt absorb moistureits just that moisture doesnt wreak havoc on it like it does with other woods. Redwood is one of the most expensive decking materials out there. If ipe expands and contracts over the seasons and time, it can pop the installation screws loose. Ipe often has a straight grain, but it can be found with a variety of grain styles and irregularities. From adding stairs to adding overhead shade to giving yourself four-season usability, here are some other costs you might incur if you upgrade from a simple deck build. Moreover, mahogany also has a finer texture than redwood. We are proud of the quality of our products, and we stand behind them 100%. I like both woods in terms of appearance and price is Redwood is native to the West Coast, making building a deck in some parts of California and Oregon less expensive than in Maryland because of transport costs. But those preservatives arent intended for regular skin contact and definitely not for food-serving surfaces. However, one way to help "indoor" woods stand up to outdoor living is to prime and paint them, then stay on top of that paint job as soon as it starts to crack, chalk or peel. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles, Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images. $32.45 Composite is a material option that works well, while more elegant choices like porcelain or ceramic could add thousands (or tens of thousands, depending on the decks size) to your price tag.
