Fads have a way of repeating themselves. Back in the 50’s, every kid of the male persuasion wanted to get what was called a Mohican haircut. Wanted is the operative word. Most parents wouldn’t entertain such mutilation to their 5-year old. Then in the ‘70’s, the style returned.
Nowadays, it’s pretty mainstream. America is finally growing-up an inch at a time, becoming a touch more tolerant.
In the decking biz, there’s another fad that is in its infancy. It’s called composite decking material. Not a bad product and it still needs to go through the test of time before it cracks the egg-shell of being a trend.
But we have a modest proposal. Before you make a decision, let’s see if we can sway you away from that racing stripe on the top of your head and into something that’s going to last a long time. Something that’s not going to cramp your schedule with too much maintenance.
Step Up to the Jatoba Tent
Most composites are constructed with a modicum of a fossil fuel – oil. With Jatoba, you’re looking at a lifespan of at least a half-century. Unlike composites, it will actually do what nature intended. It will breakdown. When the Coneheads come here from the Planet Remulak, they’re going to have a lot of composites to jettison into space. Jatoba? No big woop.
If you’ve ever listened to the lyrics of the John Mellencamp tune, sing along with us now:
Oh but ain’t that America for you and me
Ain’t that America somethin’ to see baby
Ain’t that America home of the free
Little pink houses for you and me
With Jatoba, each plank is unique. Composites? You’re looking at repeating simulated grain. Your own “little pink houses.”
Specifically Speaking
When you get a shipment of Jatoba, the color will be somewhat medium brown. It could use sun block, because the rays from above will transform it into a red russet hue. Then after sitting in the sun for a few months, it begins to take on a silver-gray tint. You want to keep the red look? Mop on some UV finisher every-so-often. Your lumber expert will give you a good schedule to follow. And, let’s get this clear: You will never need a sealer. Jatoba, as you’ll see in the chart below, is some pretty sturdy stuff:
Final Advantage
It’s hard. It’s bug resistant. It’s not going to rot. It doesn’t drink a lot of water. It’s low maintenance. Other than deciding to let your kid get a Mohawk, choosing Jatoba is a no brainer. One suggestion, if your kid is a little girl, getting that kind of style of coiffure might be setting the wrong signal to her Brownie troop.