Our question this month really allowed me to showcase the findings at the National Hardware Show, which is not open to the public. The show floor measured nearly one million square feet and, according to my pedometer, I tracked about 47,000 steps—that’s equal to almost five miles of walking!

Throughout my mini-marathon I came to one conclusion: Decks are here to stay. Increasing numbers of decks and outdoor furnishings are being constructed from exotic woods like ipe, teak, mahogany and ironwood. Ipe is standing out as the almost perfect decking material due to its natural resistance to insects and rot, not to mention its amazingly beautiful color and grain. Building a deck with exotic lumber can be costly, so it’s important to treat these premium woods with proper care so they last a lifetime.

The Flood Company’s CWF-UltraLast™ Premium Natural Finish is specially formulated to penetrate the hard surfaces of tough exotic hardwoods. It helps to seal and stabilize the lumber to minimize cracking, warping and other damage that could be caused by sun and moisture.

However you choose to build and adorn your deck, utilize the best materials that suit your budget. Remember, by taking good care of your deck you’ll be able to extend its life, as well as your enjoyment of the surface.