International Wood International Wood 2005 | Page 42

“Cumarú makes for a great walking platform because its density provides mass. It just feels better to walk on.” HILL GOODMAN “We build the entire marina in sections here and flatbed it to the site,” says Sound Marine president Mark Johnson. “The entire process begins with CAD software, and all of the lumber is processed on high- tech milling equipment. Because of the density of cumarú, you can’t just nail it together. You actually have to countersink the screw holes; you literally cannot screw the heads in flush on their own. “It’s also incredibly durable,” says Johnson. “You can drop an- chors and chains, or drag coolers across it and it won’t scratch, and it doesn’t splinter or wear in traffic areas. There have been so many improvements in the last 10 years in the materials used in floating dock systems, it really pays to use a more durable walking surface. “And cumarú has a nice rich look that complements expensive wa- terfront property.” Sound Marine builds “monolithic” systems, meaning there are no hinge joints anywhere. The open-web truss frames are built from southern yellow pine, providing vertical flexibility and lateral stability. “Southern yellow pine is flexible enough to absorb movement from the wake of a passing boat or choppy water,” says Hill Goodman, VP of business development for Sound Marine. “cumarú makes for a great walking platform because its density provides mass. The more mass you have on a floating dock, the slower it reacts to waves, and the more stable it feels as a walking platform. You can feel the dif- ference between the cumarú and southern yellow pine or composites. It just feels better to walk on.” Goodman says Brazilian hardwoods have become the preferred decking choice for Sound Marine’s customers. It sells for about the same as composites, and is only about 10 percent more expensive than treated southern yellow pine. When you factor in its longevity, cumarú’s value multiplies further, Johnson says. “They decked the Atlantic City boardwalk back in the 1940s with Brazilian hardwoods, and it’s still holding up. I don’t think anyone knows how long these species will last once installed, but they’re getting more and more popular. Five years ago, Brazilian hardwoods Clarke Veneers and Plywood is known for its variety and quality in wood products. Serving the hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, and furniture industries with globally sourced wood products from well managed natural and plantation forests. P.O.BOX 4876, JACKSON, MS 39296 PHONE: [phone] FAX : [phone] E-MAIL: [email protected] www.clarkeveneers.com 42 IMPORTED WOOD • VENEER • PLYWOOD • LUMBER • ENGINEERED WOOD • INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS F ine Wood Products E NVI R O N M E NTA L R E S P O N S I B I LIT Y