Chapter 15 Hardscapes 409 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. preference, the structure’s end use, and the types of wood available locally. The lumber from some species is more durable than others are and does not require special treatment. Less durable wood is treated with preservatives to improve their weather resistance and make them more rot and insect resistant. This type of wood is referred to as pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is used for hard- scape structure, fl ooring, and railings. Due to its strength and longevity, it is also used as the structural component of hardscapes that will be completed with other wood or composites. See Figure 15-15. Wood hardscapes require annual mainte- nance, including cleaning, sanding, and resealing or staining. Composite lumber is a hardscape material made from wood fi ber and plastic. It is available in a variety of colors and textures and in the same nomi- nal sizes as traditional lumber. Composite lumber does not splinter, is insect repellent, resists molding and rotting, and does not need to be sanded and resealed. It is environmentally friendly as it is often made with recycled mate- rials, but it is also more expensive than most types of lumber used for decking. Concrete Concrete is a traditional material used for hardscapes. Concrete pavers are commonly used but concrete may also be poured and formed on-site. Poured concrete is concrete that is transported wet and poured into prepared forms. The appearance of a poured concrete surface can be modifi ed in various ways. Color can be applied to a dry concrete surface or a liquid or powder pigment can be mixed into wet concrete. Designs and patterns can be stamped on the concrete surface at a specifi c point in the drying time. These patterns may be unique in design or emulate natural stone or pavers, Figure 15-16. Pro Tip Pavers are also rated by ASTM standards. According to ASTM, pavers must be liftable with one hand, have a surface area of less than 101 in2, have a compressive strength of 8000 psi, have less than 5% surface absorption, and comply with tolerances for area covered and thickness. Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-15. A—Wood may be stained to change the color or treated with a clear coating to retain a natural look. B—Composite decking materials often mimic natural woods without the added labor of staining and treating. C—Pressure-treated wood is strong and resists rot and deters insects. It is used as a structural material for many wood or composite hardscapes but is also used to construct flooring, railings, and steps. R. Lee Ivy Goodheart-Willcox Publisher A B C
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Chapter 15 Hardscapes 409 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. preference, the structure’s end use, and the types of wood available locally. The lumber from some species is more durable than others are and does not require special treatment. Less durable wood is treated with preservatives to improve their weather resistance and make them more rot and insect resistant. This type of wood is referred to as pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is used for hard- scape structure, fl ooring, and railings. Due to its strength and longevity, it is also used as the structural component of hardscapes that will be completed with other wood or composites. See Figure 15-15. Wood hardscapes require annual mainte- nance, including cleaning, sanding, and resealing or staining. Composite lumber is a hardscape material made from wood fi ber and plastic. It is available in a variety of colors and textures and in the same nomi- nal sizes as traditional lumber. Composite lumber does not splinter, is insect repellent, resists molding and rotting, and does not need to be sanded and resealed. It is environmentally friendly as it is often made with recycled mate- rials, but it is also more expensive than most types of lumber used for decking. Concrete Concrete is a traditional material used for hardscapes. Concrete pavers are commonly used but concrete may also be poured and formed on-site. Poured concrete is concrete that is transported wet and poured into prepared forms. The appearance of a poured concrete surface can be modifi ed in various ways. Color can be applied to a dry concrete surface or a liquid or powder pigment can be mixed into wet concrete. Designs and patterns can be stamped on the concrete surface at a specifi c point in the drying time. These patterns may be unique in design or emulate natural stone or pavers, Figure 15-16. Pro Tip Pavers are also rated by ASTM standards. According to ASTM, pavers must be liftable with one hand, have a surface area of less than 101 in2, have a compressive strength of 8000 psi, have less than 5% surface absorption, and comply with tolerances for area covered and thickness. Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-15. A—Wood may be stained to change the color or treated with a clear coating to retain a natural look. B—Composite decking materials often mimic natural woods without the added labor of staining and treating. C—Pressure-treated wood is strong and resists rot and deters insects. It is used as a structural material for many wood or composite hardscapes but is also used to construct flooring, railings, and steps. R. Lee Ivy Goodheart-Willcox Publisher A B C

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