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End cut sealing

7K views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  notmrjohn 
#1 ·
Hey gang,

We are going to order some hardwood decking for our deck. We are going to use Angelim Pedra. It is more readily available than Ipe here in Alberta. And less expensive. Here is a link to it.

http://www.novausawood.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=1065

Anyhow, most distributors strongly suggest the use of a paraffin wax based end cut sealer. Of course the lumber yard where we are ordering the lumber through doesn't have anything like this. And of course most of the staff are clueless.

After searching the web, I can only find Anchorseal from UC coatings. I can't get that locally and need something in the next couple of weeks.

Are there any suggestions from the experts?
 
#4 ·
Hey Bill.

I understand where you are coming from.

However these types of hardwood decking materials are superior to any other decking material out there (including composites). Now that is just My opinion, and there are many that will argue with me.

But I arrived at that opinion from researching the various decking materials here and elsewhere for the last two months. Top of the list of decking material is Ipe, with the Angelim Pedra we will be using a strong second along with other hardwoods like Tigerwood etc.

I do appreciate the input though. That is why I ask the questions here.
 
#7 ·
Well I noticed couple of checks in the ends of the two decking samples the lumberyard cut for me. The boards were cut just over 10 days ago. Given that I am spending over $1500 on the decking for my 200 sq ft deck, I figured I didn't want to experiment with alternatives.

So I placed an order for Anchorseal today.

I;ll let you know how it goes.
 
#9 ·
Hey Bill,
Any update on how the Pedra worked out for you? I'm considering something similar. Thanks, Russell
Hi Russel. It is interesting that you should ask that question. That was done three years ago and we just redid the lower part of our deck this summer and went with Pedra. I'll attach a photo.

As you can see, the upper level has greyed a fair amount in the 3 years that deck has been up. We have changed our minds and now prefer the stained look like the lower deck so I am going to have to refresh the upper level and restain. I suggest that most hardwood decking will need to be restained every year to maintain the look. It is NOT maintenance free, but it is really easy to stain.

The Pedra (from Windsor Plywood) was only slightly more expensive than some of the composites so that was one reason why we choose it. And it is gorgeous wood and it has tons of character.

I don't regret using the Pedra, but with that said, if I had to do this all over again, I can't honestly say I would use Pedra. As the wood weathers it hasn't remained as smooth as I would like, but then again, what wood would remain smooth. And I am having expansion issues with the deck screws I used on that upper level. As the humidity changes, the boards contract or swell. When they contract, the boards move when walked on and catch the bottom threads of the 2.5 inch stainless screws I put in and makes a clicking noise. That will be fixed as I replace with longer three inch.

And there are many other hardwood options, ipe, garapa, and I really like a wood called Batu (available from the Deck store on 156 Str). I'd seriously look at the Batu if I did this again. Which I won't cause this Pedra will outlast me.


P.S. Don't go and order the Anchorseal end coating. If you need some you can contact me as I still have 90% left in the gallon pail I bought three years ago.
 

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#12 · (Edited)
Hi Russel,

I have no idea if it would be any better than the Pedra but it sure looks good. Worth looking into if you are leaning towards a hard wood.

And you'd be remiss if you didn't check out Ipe. The only place I have seen it is at a place called WG Chanin Hardwoods.

Another wood I would have looked at if I had known about it is Garapa. Apparently, this is the wood you find on the decks of some cruise ships. Samples available from this place: http://www.beautifuldeck.com/garapa_deck.html


And I said the Batu was at the deck store. The deck store I mean is the Allweather wood products store just north of Yellowhead on 156 Street. It used to be called Cedar Village.

And you will need stainless steel deck screws. The Allweather wood product store is where I got the deck screws for the lower half. I'm sure the "Deck Store" on 154 str has them too.
 
#13 ·
Sumbuddt sed," it seems to me that any wood intended for a deck that reuqires sealing the end grain, is a poor choice for a deck."
It seems to me that anybody who can make a nice lookin deck like that knows what he's talkin about. Nice.
BTW and if any one still interested the parafin sealer like Anchorseal is water based, how they get the water and wax to mix I dunno, probably got mad scientists on staff, but you can make your own. Melt the wax, add bees wax if ya want. Remove from the heat and add petroleum based paint thinner. Not a lot, as it cools stir it and add more thinner if needed till its the consistancy you want.
 
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