Outdoor Beauty Meets High Performance Decking
Outdoor Beauty Meets High Performance Decking
SPECIES FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE: GARAPA - GREENHEART - WALLABA FIND INFORMATION ON THIS AND ADDITIONAL SPECIES AT WWW.IWPAWOOD.ORG
People have been drawn to the Ocean City, Maryland, area for generations, with tourists first visiting around 1870. Today, Ocean City stretches along 10 miles of beautiful beach, complete with a classic wooden boardwalk filled with food, games, and shopping. The Residence Inn by Marriott was constructed in 2018 on Assawoman Bay, one block from the Atlantic Ocean. An important part of life in this area is experiencing outdoor living and the beach. This made outdoor spaces a critical part of creating an inn where people want to come and stay a while.
Photography: Greg Powers Photography
The property incorporated a large inground pool, tiki bar, and outdoor grill, all planned into a large 8,000 sq. ft. deck. The wood was installed using a stainless steel hidden fastening system called Black Talon Universal. The system uses deck boards with a custom milled profile that fit into stainless steel clips and screws. This allows for an easier installation process, while creating a seamless, clean look. Surrounded by water, the framing for the deck is attached to pylons driven into the earth. Ultralox Aluminum Railings with horizontal cable and glass panels were also installed.
The decking, originally specified as Ipe, was selected instead to be TigerDeck, a trademarked decking material made from a species known as Tigerwood. According to Brian Payne, Business Development Manager for Fence & Deck Connection, Tigerwood decking was “selected for its unique combination of high impact aesthetics and high performance in adverse exterior conditions, while also being an economical choice.” The deck was designed to age to a silver color, in keeping with the project’s desired look and the very large size of the deck.
“Before we chose Tigerwood to be the primary material that our company manufactures,” explains Bob Hafner, President of TigerDeck, “we did a great deal of research on over 40 woods. We determined that Tigerwood had the right combination of looks, strength, quality, sustainability, and value, allowing us to offer a sophisticated upscale look at a competitive price”. Tigerwood provides a natural resistance to rot and decay and can last up to 40 plus years without any preservatives and minimal maintenance. Tigerwood is also known to be one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods.
The performance of Tigerwood decking can be taken for granted as you sit and enjoy a cocktail at the pool overlooking the water. That’s the beauty of it. The deck blends in seamlessly with the outdoor environment of Ocean City.
Decking Manufacturer: Tigerdeck LLC
TigerDeck® was founded in the U.S. by two lumber experts dedicated to developing a superior hardwood decking system. They proudly state they’re the only company to process and grade Tigerwood to American Lumber Standard Committee standards.
Deck & Railing Installation: Fence & Deck Connection
Founded in 1991, Fence & Deck Connection provides both residential and commercial fencing, decking, and railing installation services in the Mid-Atlantic region. From simple backyard fences to multi-family high rise balcony railing installations, they deliver a commitment to quality and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
General Contractor: Whiting & Turner
Owner: Palmer Gosnel Hospitality
Frequently asked questions
What wood species was used for the Residence Inn Ocean City boardwalk deck?+
The deck was built with TigerDeck, a trademarked decking material made from Tigerwood. It was selected instead of the originally specified Ipe.
Why was Tigerwood chosen over Ipe for the Ocean City deck?+
According to Brian Payne of Fence & Deck Connection, Tigerwood was selected for its unique combination of high-impact aesthetics, high performance in adverse exterior conditions, and economical pricing. The deck was also designed to age to a silver color to match the project's desired look.
How long does Tigerwood decking last without preservatives?+
Tigerwood provides natural resistance to rot and decay and can last up to 40-plus years without any preservatives and with minimal maintenance. It is also known as one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods.
What hidden fastening system was used to install the Tigerwood decking?+
The wood was installed using a stainless steel hidden fastening system called Black Talon Universal. The system uses deck boards with a custom milled profile that fit into stainless steel clips and screws, creating a seamless, clean look.
How large is the deck at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Ocean City?+
The project features an 8,000 sq. ft. deck that incorporates a large inground pool, tiki bar, and outdoor grill. Because the property is surrounded by water, the deck framing is attached to pylons driven into the earth.
What makes TigerDeck LLC unique as a decking manufacturer?+
TigerDeck was founded in the U.S. by two lumber experts dedicated to developing a superior hardwood decking system. They state they are the only company to process and grade Tigerwood to American Lumber Standard Committee standards.