Mahoganys Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction

A couple of years ago I had the chance to tour several newly constructed Adirondack homes. One of the areas that particularly stood out for me while touring these homes were the decks. All used Mahogany lumber for both the decking and the railing systems. The red color and the general beauty of the Mahogany wood was unique to anything I had ever seen before in decking material.

After completing my home tours I went out and researched Mahogany further. First, there are several species and colors of Mahogany, supplied by various countries around the world. Not all are the same, however. It is the species known as American Mahogany that has the rich red color that I had observed. American Mahogany comes from the West Indies, Mexico, and Central and South America. It is generally viewed as a harder wood that is extremely durable and resistance to moisture and insects. Also, because it is a hard wood it has a tendancy to not split, twist or check. So be sure to ask about the species, prior to buying Mahogany. Note however, Mahogany is a little more expensive than pressure treated decking and railing systems, however it is well worth it in terms of quality, looks and durabilty.

Since discovering and researching Mahogany, I have built two deck systems using this material. As I had indicated earlier, it is a hard material that as a result, requires a little more effort in its installation.

Fastening the Material

First, use stainless steel nails or screws on both the decking and railing systems, as other types will not penetrate this material very well. My preference was the stainless steel nails, however pre-drilling holes is mandatory if not using a nail gun. Even with stainless steel nails, they will bend trying to simply nail them into the wood. I found that with the stainless steel hex head screws that they chewed the wood going in and left somewhat of a ragged finish on the surface of the wood.

Second, when installing the decking material, I found it aesthetically most attractive to create a frame on the outside perimeter of the deck surface using long Mahogany boards. Once the outer frame is installed, the main Mahogany decking boards can be simply installed within this outer framework. The result is a cleaner line when viewed from a distance or standing on the deck itself.

Regarding the Railing system, screws and bolts should be used exclusively as the material use in this part of the deck is typically thicker and requires more rigidity.

Painting, Staining or Sealing

Mahogany takes paint and stain well, however I have preferred to apply a clear sealer. The clear sealer enables the natural red color of the Mahogany to shine through, while still providing a layer of protection from the environement. Typically I re-apply the clear sealer every year to continue to preserve the color. If you do not, the Mahogany will bleach out.

Me_Donovan@comcast.net
http://www.homeadditionplus.com
http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. Mr. Donovan's formal education and profession have been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.

---

The Benefits of Radiant Heat, Comparison

What are the Benefits of Radiant Heating and how do... Read More

Tiles are the Foundation Stone for Your Stylish Bathroom!

Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles,... Read More

Designing With Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More

Ideas For Interior Design

Ideas for interior design are a dime a dozen these... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More

The Benefits Of Wooden Flooring

They're affordable and come in a wide variety of styles... Read More

Do You Make These Window Replacement Mistakes ?

Whether it's a misguided baseball, or storm damage, sooner or... Read More

The Secret to Your Home?s Interior Design

The secret to your home's interior design is Love.If you... Read More

Have You Considered Fluorescent Lighting for Your Home?

Many of us know that fluorescent lighting is common in... Read More

Realign Your Budget - Purchase Your First Piece of Fine Art

If you don't have at least one piece of fine... Read More

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint of Heart

Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe... Read More

How to Be Your Air Conditioner?s Best Friend

There are a few things you can do to take... Read More

How To Select Scraped//Distressed Hardwood Flooring

Hand-scraped and Distressed hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice... Read More

How To Choose The Canvas For Your Awning

The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's... Read More

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui

Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More

Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today

1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the... Read More

Top Ten Remodeling Tips

My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It... Read More

Spring Home Projects in Northern New England

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More

Home Improvement for The Ladies!

Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More

What Are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More

10 Quick Ways to Change Your Fire-less Fireplace from a Black Hole to a Worthy Focal Point

Everyone loves a fireplace aglow with a roaring fire or... Read More

Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?

The first part of most years brings a flurry of... Read More

Light Up Your Kitchen with the Right Lighting!

The proper lighting in a room can make or break... Read More

Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings

Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More

Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation!

It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the... Read More

Picnic Tables for Casual Dining Fun

Picnic tables are the perfect solution for an afternoon or... Read More

Five Easy Ways to Give Your Kitchen Designer Wow!

A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even... Read More

Lighter Fluid: The Best Label and Scuff Mark Remover

The first time my husband saw me scrubbing the black... Read More

Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill

The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More

Unique and Imaginative Wall Storage Ideas

Everyone can use more organization in their lives (except those... Read More

From Toss Out to Sensational Keeper - Lamp Re-Make

When the old lamp from my children's room was turning... Read More

Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1

Are you aware that you can lose all your personal... Read More