I just had a beautiful 700 Square Foot Brazilian Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) Hardwood Dock built. It is simply amazing.
History: I bought my home a year ago. It is waterfront property on Lake Harris in Central Florida. The lake is great for fishing and frequently hosts ESPN Bass Tournaments. The original builder had a seaplane and built a huge 700 square foot plus dock to park it on. This dock had a ramp that led all the way to the lake bed. The original dock was long gone and had in fact been rebuilt by another owner with Pressure Treated Pine or PT. When I bought the home the dock was again in sorry shape.
Original Dock Photo.
Design Goals:
1) Rebuild the dock so that it would last more than a only a few years to insure long term savings.
2) Rebuild the dock so that I could park a large Catamaran on top.
3) Get rid of the steps so that I could avoid tripping.
The Search: Cost savings is my top goal. I wanted something that lasts longer than 5 years. Towards that end I searched and discovered Brazilian Cumaru Decking, also know as Brazilian Teak. I was almost convinced to use one of the new composites until I read about all the lawsuits. Also, there is nothing like the look of real wood. I continued searching and discovered Cumaru, Ipe, Tigerwood, and other exotic hardwoods from Brazil.
Decking: My builder used cumaru hardwood from Brazilian Wood Depot of Atlanta. I called and spoke to the owner of Brazilian Wood Depot. I found out Brazilian Wood Depot has government clearance on all their wood for legal export. The illegal harvesters charge just as much as the legal distributors and pocket the difference.
Work Started: Once we settled upon the cumaru decking the rest of the work was quick. We cut and left many of the original posts. As they were under the dock they would not be visible so it was not worth the time and effort to remove them. The framing was completed with PT as the cumaru would protect it.
The new post installed and the joists are being placed in this photo.
Lessons learned:
1) Use good hardwood decking to insure a Million Dollar look at an affordable price.
2) Have beer for the subcontractors at the end of the day
3) Watch out for gators
Finished Photos
Wally Gator was watching as the cumaru dock was being built.
Closeup of Brazilian Cumaru or Brazilian Teak
Note the custom cut of the wood to account for the complex sloped, curved, and varied length ramp onto the dock. With Trim Head Stainless Steel Screws this dock will last for 50 years.
The wrap is not installed yet. I plan to have a new photo soon showing the final dock.
Looking out on Lake Harris Florida. Now all I need is that catamaran!
Check my other sections as I complete several improvements to my home.