Is Joist Tape Worth It? What 30+ Years Around Deck Construction Has Taught Us

Joist tape install

If you’re building a deck with pressure treated wood framing, is joist tape worth the extra money and time? For most decks, probably yes. In fact, I think it usually is. And I’ll admit, years ago, joist tape wasn’t something everyone automatically thought about. You framed the deck, installed the boards, and moved on to …

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Should You Oil Your Hardwood Deck in the Fall or Wait Until Spring?

Ipe Oil with Roller

Every fall, homeowners with Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, Teak, and other hardwood decks ask the same question: Should I oil my deck before winter, or should I wait until spring? And I get why people ask. Once the leaves start dropping and the nights get cold, there’s often this feeling that you’ve probably got about …

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Why Architects Are Specifying More Thermally Modified Wood for Exterior Projects?

Thermowood Ash Siding web

Architects have more exterior building materials to choose from than ever. Despite all the composite, PVC, metal, and other manufactured products available today, real wood continues to have a place in modern architecture. One material that is attracting more attention is thermally modified wood. It offers something that’s difficult to find in one material: the …

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Wood Siding vs. Fiber Cement: Why Homeowners Are Reconsidering Natural Wood

cumaru rainscreen vertcal siding straighton 1

When choosing siding, homeowners often compare the low-maintenance appeal of fiber cement with the natural character of wood. Both materials can work well on a home, but they offer very different looks, performance characteristics, and maintenance requirements. Natural wood siding is also more versatile than many homeowners realize. Beyond traditional cedar, today’s options include tropical …

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Deck Lifespan Calculator – How Long Will Your Deck Last?

ipe pool deck web

A new deck can serve your home for decades, although materials, weather, and construction methods all affect its lifespan. With that in mind, our Decking Lifespan Calculator helps you compare the hardwood, composite, PVC, and framing products we sell at AdvantageLumber.com. How Long Does Hardwood Decking Last? To begin with, dense hardwoods naturally resist rot, …

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