Exterior Wood Guides

    Learn how to plan your project, choose materials, and estimate the right amount of decking or cladding for your space.

    Premium thermally modified wood cladding on a modern exterior
    Planning·7 min read

    Before Buying Premium Wood Online, Read This

    A practical buyer's guide for premium wood online — match species to application, plan for density, finish, waste factor, and order samples first.

    Read Guide
    Brazilian hardwood cladding on a contemporary facade
    Cladding·6 min read

    Brazilian Hardwood Cladding Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

    Buyer's guide to Brazilian hardwood cladding. Compare Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa for exterior walls and facades — durability, cost, profiles, and installation.

    Read Guide
    Cumaru hardwood ceiling (left) compared with Garapa hardwood wall cladding (right)
    Comparison·6 min read

    Cumaru vs Garapa Cladding: Which Brazilian Hardwood Is Right for Your Project?

    Cumaru vs Garapa cladding compared on color, hardness, durability, and price. Decide which Brazilian hardwood fits your facade or interior project.

    Read Guide
    Brazilian hardwood cladding — Cumaru ceiling (left) and Garapa walls (right)
    Comparison·6 min read

    Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa Cladding: Key Differences for Architects and Builders

    Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa cladding compared for architects and builders — durability, profiles, fasteners, fire rating, and cost.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ayous hardwood cladding on a modern exterior facade
    Cladding·6 min read

    Best Hardwood Cladding for Exterior Walls and Facades

    The best hardwood cladding species for exterior walls and facades. Compare Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, and thermally modified hardwoods on durability and design intent.

    Read Guide
    Tropical hardwood cladding weathered to silver patina
    Cladding·6 min read

    How Long Does Tropical Hardwood Cladding Last?

    Tropical hardwood cladding lifespan by species — Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa. Real-world performance data and what affects it.

    Read Guide
    Hardwood cladding cost comparison
    Planning·6 min read

    Hardwood Cladding Cost Guide: Materials, Profiles, and Installation Factors

    What hardwood cladding actually costs in 2026 — materials, profiles, fasteners, furring strips, and installation factors that move the number.

    Read Guide
    Brazilian hardwood decking comparison — Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa boards
    Comparison·6 min read

    Ipe vs Cumaru vs Garapa Decking: Which Hardwood Should You Choose?

    Compare Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa decking on hardness, lifespan, color, and price. The definitive Brazilian hardwood decking comparison.

    Read Guide
    Maintained tropical hardwood deck
    Decking·6 min read

    Hardwood Decking Maintenance Guide

    How to maintain a tropical hardwood deck. Cleaning, oiling, fastener inspection — and what to ignore.

    Read Guide
    Grooved and S4S decking profiles compared
    Comparison·6 min read

    Grooved vs S4S Decking: Which Profile Should You Choose?

    Grooved (hidden-fastener) vs S4S (face-screwed) hardwood decking — pros, cons, installation speed, and aesthetics.

    Read Guide
    Tropical hardwood decking cost analysis
    Planning·6 min read

    Hardwood Decking Cost Guide: Materials, Installation, and Long-Term Value

    What a tropical hardwood deck costs in 2026 — Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa — and why it beats composite on lifecycle cost.

    Read Guide
    Premium hardwood decking boards showing natural grain variation
    Decking·8 min read

    Best Hardwood for Decking: Species Comparison Guide

    Compare the best hardwood species for decking. Detailed analysis of ipe, cumaru, garapa, tigerwood, and mahogany for durability, cost, and appearance.

    Read Guide
    Thermally modified Scandinavian Pine cladding on a modern architectural structure
    Cladding·8 min read

    Thermally Modified Wood Guide: What It Is and Why It Matters

    Complete guide to thermally modified wood. Learn how the thermal modification process works, its benefits for exterior applications, and why it outperforms traditional treatments.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ash wood ceiling on an outdoor pavilion with landscaped garden
    Cladding·9 min read

    Thermo Wood Cladding Guide: Everything You Need to Know

    Complete guide to thermo wood cladding. Learn about thermal modification, installation methods, costs, profiles, and maintenance for your exterior project.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ayous and Thermo Ash cladding samples
    Comparison·6 min read

    Thermally Modified Ayous vs Thermo Ash: Which Material Is Right for Your Project?

    Thermally modified Ayous vs Thermo Ash — color, weight, hardness, durability, and best applications. Pick the right thermally modified hardwood for your project.

    Read Guide
    Wood cladding profiles for walls and ceilings
    Cladding·6 min read

    Best Wood Profiles for Walls, Ceilings, Soffits, and Facades

    Compare wood cladding profiles — S4S, V-joint, nickel gap, fluted — for walls, ceilings, soffits, and facades.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ayous interior wall paneling in a modern dining room
    Comparison·7 min read

    Thermo Wood vs Cedar: Which Is Better for Exterior Cladding?

    Compare thermo wood and cedar for exterior cladding. Learn the differences in durability, cost, maintenance, and environmental impact for your building project.

    Read Guide
    Premium Thermo Scandinavian Pine cladding on contemporary architecture
    Comparison·7 min read

    Thermo Wood vs PVC Cladding: Natural Wood or Synthetic?

    Compare thermo wood and PVC cladding for exterior applications. Analyze durability, cost, aesthetics, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ash exterior cladding on a modern residential building
    Cladding·6 min read

    How Long Does Thermo Wood Last? Durability and Lifespan Guide

    Learn how long thermo wood lasts in exterior cladding and decking applications. Covers lifespan expectations, performance factors, and maintenance tips.

    Read Guide
    Premium Thermo Ayous cladding and ceiling application on a luxury residence
    Cladding·10 min read

    How to Install Thermo Wood Cladding: Step-by-Step Guide

    Step-by-step guide to installing thermo wood cladding. Covers preparation, rainscreen systems, profiles, fastening methods, and finishing for a professional result.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ash decking installation
    Decking·6 min read

    Thermo Ash Decking Guide: Cost, Durability, and Maintenance

    Everything to know about Thermo Ash decking — Class 1 durability, cost vs tropical hardwood, grooved vs S4S profiles, install, and maintenance.

    Read Guide
    Long-lasting Thermo Ash deck
    Decking·6 min read

    How Long Does Thermo Ash Decking Last?

    Real lifespan expectations for Thermo Ash decking, what affects it, and how it compares to tropical hardwoods.

    Read Guide
    Thermo Ash and Ipe decking compared
    Comparison·6 min read

    Thermo Ash vs Ipe Decking: Which Is Better for Your Project?

    Thermo Ash vs Ipe decking compared on durability, cost, weight, sustainability, and design intent.

    Read Guide
    Grooved and S4S Thermo Ash decking profiles
    Comparison·6 min read

    Grooved vs S4S Thermo Ash Decking: Which Profile Should You Choose?

    Choose between grooved (hidden fastener) and S4S (face-screwed) Thermo Ash decking — pros, cons, and best applications.

    Read Guide
    Thermally modified and hardwood decking compared
    Comparison·6 min read

    Thermally Modified Decking vs Hardwood Decking: Key Differences

    Thermally modified decking vs tropical hardwood decking — durability, cost, sustainability, and how to choose.

    Read Guide
    Aged ipe hardwood deck showing beautiful silver patina
    Decking·6 min read

    How Long Does Ipe Wood Last? Lifespan, Durability & Real-World Examples

    Learn how long ipe wood lasts in decking and exterior applications. Covers lifespan data, real-world examples, factors affecting durability, and maintenance tips.

    Read Guide
    Premium ipe hardwood deck with modern outdoor furniture
    Decking·7 min read

    Ipe Deck Cost per Square Foot: Complete Pricing Guide

    Learn the true cost of ipe decking per square foot, including materials, installation, and long-term value. Compare ipe pricing to composite and other hardwoods.

    Read Guide
    Well-maintained ipe hardwood deck with rich brown color
    Decking·7 min read

    Ipe Deck Maintenance Guide: Cleaning, Oiling & Long-Term Care

    Complete ipe deck maintenance guide. Learn how to clean, oil, and maintain your ipe hardwood deck for maximum lifespan and beautiful appearance year after year.

    Read Guide
    Modern exterior wood wall design on contemporary building
    Cladding·7 min read

    Modern Exterior Wood Wall Design: Ideas, Materials & Inspiration

    Explore modern exterior wood wall design ideas. From horizontal cladding to mixed-material facades, discover the latest trends in architectural wood design.

    Read Guide
    Modern wood slat wall exterior on contemporary home facade
    Cladding·7 min read

    Modern Wood Slat Wall Exterior: Design Ideas and Materials

    Explore modern wood slat wall designs for exterior applications. Learn about material options, spacing, installation methods, and design inspiration for your project.

    Read Guide
    Modern exterior wood cladding on contemporary residential building
    Cladding·9 min read

    Best Wood for Exterior Cladding in 2025

    Discover the best wood species for exterior cladding. Compare thermo wood, cedar, ipe, and accoya for durability, cost, and aesthetics in residential and commercial projects.

    Read Guide
    Hardwood deck under construction with measuring tape and boards
    Planning·6 min read

    How Much Decking Do I Need? Square Footage Calculator Guide

    Learn how to calculate the exact amount of decking material you need. Includes formulas, waste factors, and tips for accurate material estimation.

    Read Guide
    Close-up of properly spaced decking boards showing consistent gaps
    Planning·6 min read

    Decking Board Spacing Guide: Gaps, Expansion, and Best Practices

    Learn the correct spacing for decking boards. Covers expansion gaps, side-to-side spacing, end gaps, and material-specific requirements for ipe, composite, and thermo wood.

    Read Guide
    Deck construction with measuring tools and stacked lumber
    Planning·6 min read

    Decking Material Calculator Guide: Estimate Boards, Cost & Waste

    Use this decking material calculator guide to estimate boards, bundles, cost, and waste for your deck project. Covers ipe, composite, and thermo wood calculations.

    Read Guide
    Decking boards being cut and installed with waste offcuts visible
    Planning·5 min read

    Decking Waste Calculator: How Much Extra Material to Order

    Calculate the right amount of waste for your decking project. Learn industry-standard waste factors for different deck shapes, patterns, and materials.

    Read Guide
    Comparison of different decking board widths on a finished deck
    Planning·5 min read

    Decking Board Width Guide: How to Choose the Right Size

    Learn how to choose the right decking board width for your project. Compare 1×4, 1×6, and wider boards for aesthetics, structural performance, and coverage.

    Read Guide
    Hardwood decking comparison showing natural grain and texture
    Comparison·8 min read

    Hardwood Decking vs Composite: A Complete Comparison

    Compare hardwood and composite decking materials. Analyze durability, cost, maintenance, aesthetics, and environmental impact to choose the right decking for your project.

    Read Guide
    Ipe hardwood deck on contemporary home with modern furniture
    Comparison·8 min read

    Ipe vs Composite Decking: Cost, Durability, and Maintenance

    Compare ipe hardwood decking and composite decking. Learn the differences in durability, maintenance, cost, and lifespan to make the best choice for your project.

    Read Guide
    iLumber composite cladding installed on a modern exterior facade
    Comparison·8 min read

    Composite Cladding vs Wood Cladding: Which Is Right for Your Project?

    Compare composite cladding and natural wood cladding for exterior walls and ceilings. Durability, maintenance, cost, aesthetics, and lifespan side-by-side.

    Read Guide
    Natural wood cladding next to composite cladding on a modern exterior
    Comparison·5 min read

    Wood vs. Composite: What Should You Choose?

    Both wood and composite can work beautifully for cladding and decking. Compare character, maintenance, weathering, and feel underfoot to find the right fit for your project.

    Read Guide
    Composite cladding being installed on a modern exterior wall
    Planning·9 min read

    How to Install Composite Cladding: Step-by-Step Guide

    Step-by-step installation guide for composite wall and ceiling cladding. Furring, fasteners, spacing, expansion gaps, and pro tips for a flawless facade.

    Read Guide
    Composite cladding on a long-lasting modern exterior facade
    Cladding·7 min read

    How Long Does Composite Cladding Last? Lifespan & Durability Guide

    How long composite cladding lasts, what affects its lifespan, warranty coverage, and how it compares to wood, PVC, and fiber cement over 20+ years.

    Read Guide
    Wood samples for evaluation
    Planning·6 min read

    How to Choose the Right Wood Sample for Your Project

    What to order, what to compare, and how to evaluate a wood cladding or decking sample before specifying.

    Read Guide
    Wood cladding samples side by side for comparison
    Planning·6 min read

    What to Look for When Comparing Wood Cladding Samples

    Side-by-side guide for evaluating wood cladding samples — color, grain, profile, weight, and how they'll weather.

    Read Guide
    Hardwood and thermally modified wood samples for comparison
    Comparison·6 min read

    Hardwood vs Thermally Modified Wood Samples: What to Compare

    When comparing tropical hardwood and thermally modified wood samples — what to look for in color, weight, smell, and durability cues.

    Read Guide