How to Choose a Deck Railing

Trex Signature Glass Railing

Deck railings are more than just a safety feature—they’re a defining element of your outdoor space, blending functionality with style to enhance your home’s curb appeal and value. Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an existing one, selecting the right railing involves considering factors like material durability, maintenance needs, aesthetic preferences, and compliance …

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How to Prepare Your Deck for Winter Season

deck maintenance, shoveling snow

As winter approaches with its snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, your outdoor deck faces some serious challenges. Moisture can lead to warping, cracking, or rot, while heavy snow accumulation might strain the structure. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’re passionate about helping you maintain beautiful, durable decks—whether you’re working with our premium exotic hardwoods like Ipe and Garapa, …

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How to Care for Hardwood Siding

Hardwood siding is a timeless choice for enhancing the beauty and durability of your home’s exterior. At AdvantageLumber.com, we specialize in premium exotic hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, Teak, and others such as Brazilian Redwood and Mahogany. These species offer unmatched resistance to rot, insects, and weathering, making them ideal for siding applications. However, …

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Oil vs. WiseCoat®: Which Is Better?

When homeowners and contractors start comparing wood finishes, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Is traditional oil better than WiseCoat®?” The truth is – it depends. Each product performs differently based on your goals, environment, and the type of deck you have. Penetrating Oil (Like Ipe Oil®) Penetrating oils are the classic …

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Deck Ventilation 101: Why Airflow Matters for Deck Longevity

Horizontal Deck Skirting

When planning or building a deck, most homeowners focus on the decking material, railing style, or overall design. But one critical factor often gets overlooked: deck ventilation. Without proper airflow, even the highest-quality decking—whether it’s Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, composite, or PVC—can suffer premature failure. In this guide, we’ll break down why deck ventilation matters, …

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How to Avoid the Most Common Hardwood Deck Finishing Mistakes

Tropical hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Plantation Teak are some of the most durable decking materials available. They resist rot, insects, and moisture, and many even carry a Class A fire rating. That density, however, makes them a little tricky when it comes to finishing. Film-forming sealers that work on softwoods often can’t bond …

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