Sam Wood Worker
Decking Guides, Reviews & Calculators | The Wood Carpenter
Practical Decking Guides, Product Reviews and Building Tools
Compare decking materials, stains, fasteners and accessories with practical guides for homeowners and deck builders.
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Latest Guides
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Ipe vs Cumaru vs Garapa: Best Hardwood for Decking
Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa are three of the most popular tropical hardwoods used for outdoor decking. All three are stronger and more durable than common softwoods such as cedar and pressure-treated pine. But they are not the same. Ipe offers the best overall durability and a premium dark appearance. Cumaru provides similar strength for a…
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Composite vs Aluminum Decking: Which Is Better?
Last Updated on September 4, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker Composite decking is the better choice for most homeowners because it costs less, looks more like wood, and offers more colors and styles. Aluminum decking is better when maximum durability, fire resistance, low weight, or a watertight surface is the main priority. However, neither material…
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Garapa Decking: Pros, Cons and Outdoor Durability
Quick answer: Garapa is a Brazilian hardwood that shows up a lot in decking talk because it gives you that ipe-level durability, 25 to 30+ years according to most suppliers, but at a noticeably lower price. It’s naturally resistant to rot, bugs, and even fire, and it comes in a warm golden color that a…
Meet Sam
Sam is the founder of The Wood Carpenter and a woodworking and decking enthusiast. He creates research-based guides using manufacturer documentation, product specifications, recognized industry resources and practical project information.