Unsightly Screw Holes? We have Tigerwood Plugs!

So you’re almost completed with your new Tigerwood deck. It’s time to cover those holes left by screws, but you’re trying to figure out how to achieve this and have a seamless deck surface. Not to worry! We have exactly what you need! Tapered Tigerwood plugs give your deck the smooth finish you desire. These plugs match with your decking perfectly because they are made from the same material.

Installation is easy and will leave you with a gorgeous completed appearance!

sand insertplug gluehole drivescrew threeeightsinch

First, drill a 1/8" hole for a stainless steel screw.

First, drill a 1/8″ hole for a stainless steel screw.

Then, pre-drill a 3/8" hole, this will be for the plug to sit in.

Then, pre-drill a 3/8″ hole, this will be for the plug to sit in.

 

Fasten the decking to the joist using a stainless steel screw.

Fasten the decking to the joist using a stainless steel screw.

After the screw is fastened, apply a small amount of glue into the hole.

After the screw is fastened, apply a small amount of wood/deck glue into the hole.

Hammer the plug into the hole, leaving a small amount of the plug just above the surface of the decking. Let the glue dry.

Hammer the plug into the hole, leaving a small amount of the plug just above the surface of the decking. Let the glue dry.

Sand the plug so that it sits flush with the decking. Use 80 grit sandpaper.

Sand the plug so that it sits flush with the decking. Use 80 grit sandpaper.

 

Not only can these plugs be used on decking, they can be used on stairs and railings.

So don’t be discouraged, we have the perfect solution so you can have the deck you have always dreamed of.

 

 

Deck Fastening Methods for Tigerwood Decking

 

Deckwise™ Hidden Deck Fasteners give you the strength you need when securing your deck, all while giving you a seamless look.

Deckwise™ Hidden Deck Fasteners give you the strength you need when securing your deck, all while giving you a seamless look.

Using the proper fastening system can literally, make or break your deck. You can own the most gorgeous Tigerwood deck in the world, but if you haven’t used the proper fasteners, you can be standing on a ticking time bomb.

Stainless steel fasteners are the industry standard. These fasteners are rated to resist weathering, rust, and corrosion. Anything less than this can, over time, cause your deck to fail. Tigerwood decking is a dense hardwood and it requires strong reliable fasteners to ensure its safety and stability.

When you are installing fasteners into your Tigerwood deck, it is crucial that you predrill before installing the final fastener. If you decide not to predrill it will leave you with a lot of split boards, ruined drill bits, and headaches.

We even recommend using Deckwise® hidden deck fasteners. These invisible fasteners give you a blemish and splinter free surface. Don’t be fooled by the concealed fasteners, these fasteners still require predrilling.

Don’t skimp on the fasteners. Spending a little extra money now, can give you many priceless years on your Tigerwood Deck. You don’t just want your deck to look stunning, you want it to be safe and last too.

 

 

 

What is the Life Expectancy of Tigerwood Decking?

 

Regardless of your climate, Tigerwood Decking excels in performance and reliability.

Regardless of your climate, Tigerwood Decking excels in performance and reliability.

When you purchase a deck, the last thing you want to think about is maintenance. Soft woods such as pine and cedar can crack and deteriorate. Composite materials warp, peel, crack, and sometimes even melt! So what is an alternative in a market that’s over saturated with these types of decking materials? Tigerwood is the most beneficial material for your new decking project. This exotic hardwood has a lifespan of well over 30 years.

You may be wondering how a hardwood such as Tigerwood is such a long lasting material. It has a tight grain which adds to its water resistant qualities. This in turn, keeps moisture from entering the board and eventually harboring mold and fungus. This density also keeps termites from making a tasty meal out of your deck.

Composite and soft wood decking usually lasts around 10 years before they need to be replaced. They harbor mold, fungus, and even termites. They are treated with chemicals that can be detrimental to your health, and honestly, they don’t look as pretty either. So when it comes to your new deck, choose a material that’s safe, low maintenance, and has a long life. You may never need to replace your deck again!

 

What Makes Tigerwood a Solid Choice for Any Climate?

 

Tigerwood has a proven lifespan that allows it to outperform many other decking and siding options.

Tigerwood has a proven lifespan that allows it to outperform many other decking and siding options.

When it comes to purchasing a new deck, you want something that is going to excel in any climate. With so many options out there, how do you know which products really live up to the hype? Composite decking offers superb results, but always falls short of their “no maintenance, long life” promises

What would you think if I told you there is a material, a real exotic hardwood, that lives up to the hype? Tigerwood decking not only looks amazing, but provides you with up to 30 years of life! This gorgeous hardwood will not only elevate your outdoor space, but give you the safety and stability you need from a decking material.

Tigerwood decking is naturally slip resistant, and has no preservatives. This makes it a great addition to a pool deck, and a safe place for your family to enjoy. Mold and fungus don’t stand a chance either! This decking’s tight grain, and water resistant qualities, makes it nearly impossible for these nasty little growths to make a home in your outdoor oasis.

Tigerwood decking excels in any climate, and the entire decking industry. With a decking material that offers you a long life and a safe surface, there should be no question when it comes to your next decking project which material you should use.

 

Is Tigerwood A Sustainable Decking Material?

 

 

Tigerwood Decking

All of the Tigerwood Decking we supply is sustainably harvested from well managed forests. You can have an amazing looking deck, and know you benefited the rainforest with your purchase.

When it comes to the logging practices of South American hardwoods, there has always been a lot of concern. Most consumers worry that it’s not done legally, sustainably, or without any thoughts about the impact on the environment. Over the years, many organizations claim logging is detrimental to the Rainforest and the species that inhabit it. This is why it is so important to know what we do, and to understand that it’s not a negative practice, but actually a positive one.

In Brazil, where most of the logging of South American hardwoods takes place, there are extremely strict laws that must be followed in order to harvest ANY lumber. When a company decides they want to harvest trees, they must go before IBAMA, which is the Brazilian equivalent of the EPA in America, and present to the board their plans. The board, in turn, gives the company a plot of land that they work out of for the next twenty years.

Over the next twenty years, the logging company divides that plot of land into twenty parts, and each year they work in one specific part. Before they can log a single tree, they must survey each and every tree. They take their records to board again. The board overlooks their report, then returns it with the marked trees that can be logged for lumber.

Over 60% of deforestation in the Amazon comes from Cattle Ranches. Raising cattle is the biggest industry in Brazil, and when ranchers need to make room for grazing cattle, they have no other choice than to burn down the forest. Millions of trees are lost, without being able to use them for other purposes. The logging industry actually places value on the rainforest, protects it from slashing and burning, and supplies jobs for the local economies.

Buying South American hardwood helps the environment, more than it hurts it. Think about it, if we aimlessly logged the rainforest until there are no trees left, what kind of position would that put us in? We would be out of business. This is why it’s extremely important we cultivate the rainforest carefully. We care about the rainforest just as much as you do, and we want to see it flourish.

 

Designing Structures Overhead

Imagine this: you have just completed a gorgeous deck. You want to host an intimate dinner party, but when you walk outside, you feel as if your newly designed deck is exposed and does not provide the cozy outdoor atmosphere you desired. Don’t fret over this, for there is a solution. An overhead structure such as a pergola or canopy will supply you the covering you need on your deck without feeling like a constricted space.

A pergola is a great solution for an overhead structure if you desire a cool shaded area that does not completely block the sunlight.

A pergola is a great solution for an overhead structure if you desire a cool shaded area that does not completely block the sunlight.

Whether it is attached to the house or in the center of your backyard, pergolas provide a cool shaded area to relax. Made out of strong posts and pillars, pergolas make a sturdy backyard item. Designed with an open roof the pergolas allow the shade you desire without completely obstructing the sun.

If more shade is what you desire, a canopy provides that, but still leaves the sides exposed to the natural environment.

If more shade is what you desire, a canopy provides that, but still leaves the sides exposed to the natural environment.

 

If increased shade is what you crave, then a canopy is just what you need. A canopy does not only provide shade, but they have potential to bring colorful accents to your amazing deck. These beautiful structures come in varying sizes depending on what you need for your specific space.

Before you install an overhead structure, take a step back and look at your house. Give yourself a minute to study the lines and structure of your home, and then try to incorporate that same architectural style into your overhead structure. This will allow a unique flow from the inside to the outside of your home, and give you a deck that is truly something to talk about at your next party.

 

Creating Privacy

In some cases decks can be exposed to neighbors or people walking down the street. So what can be done to increase privacy without blocking yourself off from the outdoors? Constructing a beautifully designed fence will not only enhance your backyard’s appearance, but can provide a private sanctuary where your conversations and activities are kept private.

A nosey neighbor can quickly ruin a day at the pool with your family, or your weekly summer BBQs. When this becomes too much to handle, a fence can provide the best privacy for your backyard oasis, and will allow you to relax without giving up your outdoor activities.

Walking around your deck and determining the most exposed areas, allows you to block off specific sections without barricading yourself in.

Walking around your deck and determining the most exposed areas, allows you to block off specific sections without barricading yourself in.

 

If you’re concerned about blocking off your gorgeous views of nature do this before you start your project: Walk the perimeter of your deck and mark the areas that are most susceptible to observers. Block these spots off first, this could be the solution you are looking for without closing off your entire deck area from your backyard. If you’re still unsure about obstructing your view with a fence, emerald green arborvitaes are also a great option for blocking any unwanted onlookers.

Lattice allows you to add privacy to your outdoor area without completely enclosing your deck.

Lattice allows you to add privacy to your outdoor area without completely enclosing your deck.

 

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to be secluded in their backyard environment, lattice fencing is another great option for property lining. Lattice fencing is crisscrossed wooden or metal strips with open spaces between the strips. Usually a 4×8 lattice panel will be nailed onto posts 8’ apart from each other.

Adding vines and plant life to an plain fence ties your backyard together, and can create a focal point.

Adding vines and plant life to an plain fence ties your backyard together, and can create a focal point.

Are you worried that looking at a plain fence or wall could be an eyesore? We’ve got an excellent solution for dull fences! Adding trailing vines from the top of the lattice fencing gives a cozy atmosphere and connects your deck to your backyard without feeling fenced in.

The most important part about creating your private deck, is that you don’t feel too isolated from your backyard. Whether you choose fencing, lattice, or shrubbery you can create an outdoor space that gives you the privacy you need while still allowing your deck to connect with nature.

It is crucial to check with your local building codes and to obtain all of the proper permits before you begin with fencing off your backyard deck! If you are unsure about building codes, contact a local licensed contractor for the construction of your project!

 

Can You Use Nails When Building a Deck

Using the proper fastening system is crucial to ensure deck safety.

Using the proper fastening system is crucial to ensure deck safety.

Building your deck, using nails to attach your decking together, is the most dangerous thing you can do during construction. When you hear about deck collapses, most of the time the collapse is due to the fact that the deck was attached using only nails. You definitely do not want this to happen to you.

When wood retains moisture, the decking expands and contracts. This expansion and contraction can actually push the nails up and out of the wood, making the security of the fastener degrade over time. Whenever you are building, or repairing, a deck ALWAYS use screws or lag bolts. These fasteners actually have little teeth that grab onto the decking, making the fastener more secure. It’s also highly recommended that you use galvanized hardware, this type of hardware is designed to resist moisture.

You might be concerned with the look of screws, especially on your deck surface. Tigerwood Hardwood Plugs are exactly what you need! These plugs are milled to cover holes left by these unsightly screws. They are tapered at 1º, which provides you with an easy application, and the best part is that they can be used on your stairs, railings, and any other hardwood project you may have on your deck! They provide you with a seamless and uniform look!

If you are unsure about the safety and stability of your deck, or unsure of the construction process, call a local licensed contractor to provide you with the right service. Do not take on more than you can handle, and it’s important that you obtain all of the proper permits from the building department before you begin your project!

 

 

How to Draw Plans for Your Deck

Creating a plan for your new deck is a crucial part of the entire deck building process. When you don’t have any plans written down, it’s allowing you to walk into your project blind. This, in return, can cause some unexpected finances to arise, and delay your project deadline.

These basic supplies can get you started on drawing your decking plans.

These basic supplies can get you started on drawing your decking plans.

 

Items you need for your deck degn:

Graph Paper

#3 Pencils

Eraser

Ruler

Making a plan for your new deck is the most important part of decking. Without a detailed drawn out plan of your deck there is the potential that you may not get an approval from the building department.

The first step for making plans of your new deck is taking measurements. You’ll need to know the dimensions of your house. Make sure to include the measurements of any water valve, dryer vents, electrical outlets, and of course windows and doors. Also include your property lines so you know how far they are from your house.

Next, draw a site plan which includes property boundaries, the house, and other major features of your property on a piece of graph paper. Remember this is a rough draft so it doesn’t need to be perfect. Ensure your site plan incorporates the element measurements you took in step one.

After you make your rough draft, it’s time to make a neat and detailed drawn out plan of the site. This site plan should be so detailed you’re able to count how much lumber you need in the plans. Also, include a close up view of areas that are complicated to see. Doing this may seem tedious, but it will save you money and give you a better understanding of where everything is placed. Drawing out a detailed plan, that’s to scale, will assist you with ordering your supplies and determining the costs of your project.

Drawing an overhead view gives you another perspective to sort out any possible issues before construction begins.

Drawing an overhead view gives you another perspective to sort out any possible issues before construction begins.

 

In addition to the detailed plan, complete an overhead view of the deck. This shows you a combination of framing and decking. This also gives the exact location of piers, beams, and joists. More complex decks can be drawn on a separate piece of paper. Don’t forget all dimensions should be shown in an overhead view.

This drawing is critical in order to receive approval from the building department.

This drawing is critical in order to receive approval from the building department.

The final step is to draw the elements at an elevation view. This drawing is a side or front view of your deck. This will also include footing, post railings, built-in planter, and any benches or overhead structures you plan to incorporate into your design. Show the depth of footings, spans, posts, and railing. Also, don’t forget the height of the railing, this is critical to get approval from the building department.

A neat and detailed drawn out plan for a deck is crucial. Creating a neat plan not only helps you with approval from the building department, but allows you to detect any problems in your plan before construction begins. So, don’t get frustrated when drawing out a detailed deck plan, it will help you out immensely in the long run.

 

Installing a Ledger on Masonry

When installing a ledger on masonry, you may come across an issue. While masonry is a strong material, it alone is not enough to bear the stress a ledger board can apply to it. Don’t worry though! This absolutely does not mean there are no other options. Anchoring the ledger board to the masonry, as opposed to just fastening, will undoubtedly give you the structural support you need.

Here is a step by step guide to anchoring a ledger to masonry:

Draw a line so you know exactly where the ledger will be placed.

Draw a line so you know exactly where the ledger will be placed.

  1. Outline the ledger: Mark on the wall where the ledger will be. If the ledger you are dealing with is long, use a water level to ensure a well balanced ledger.

    Using concrete screws, attach the ledger to the masonry. This will be a temporary fastener.

    Using concrete screws, attach the ledger to the masonry. This will be a temporary fastener.

  2. Tack Ledger in Place: Make marks on the ledger for joist and fasteners. Use concrete screws to attach the ledger to the masonry. This will not be the final fastener used.

    Drill holes halfway through the ledger to mark locations for final fasteners.

    Drill holes halfway through the ledger to mark locations for final fasteners.

  3. Drill Marker Holes: Use a twist drill to drill holes where the fasteners were marked. Only drill 1 ½ inches into the marks being careful to not over drill into the masonry.

    Using a masonry bit, drill the remaining part of the fastener hole, straight through to the masonry.

    Using a masonry bit, drill the remaining part of the fastener hole, straight through to the masonry.

  4. Drill Anchor Holes: Use a masonry bit in hammer drill to drill holes 3 inches into the masonry. This will penetrate the undrilled wood at the bottom of the previous marked holes.

    Use an epoxy syringe to insert the adhesive into the drilled holes.

    Use an epoxy syringe to insert the adhesive into the drilled holes.

  5. Epoxy the Holes: Remove the ledger and evenly insert epoxy into the predrilled holes. Only use the adhesive in the masonry and not the ledger.

    Insert the threaded studs into the epoxied holes. Allow the glue to dry completely.

    Insert the threaded studs into the epoxied holes. Allow the glue to dry completely.

  6. Insert Studs: Insert threaded studs into the holes right after they’ve been epoxied. Don’t wait too long to do this, on account of the glue drying and making the insert of the studs nearly impossible.

    After the epoxy has dried completely, replace the ledger board and secure tightly with washers and nuts.

    After the epoxy has dried completely, replace the ledger board and secure tightly with washers and nuts.

  7. Install Washers and Nuts: after the adhesive settles overnight position the ledger over the studs. Slide washers over the studs and tighten the nuts with a socket wrench, don’t over tighten.

It’s crucial that all steps are taken to ensure that you have installed a stable ledger on a masonry surface. As always, if you are unsure of this installation, call a local licensed contractor to do the dirty work. Don’t get in over your head. Improperly installed ledgers can result in an extremely dangerous deck collapse. Don’t let that happen to you.

Do you want to use Tigerwood Decking for your next project? Don’t waste any time! Place your order with us today!