Accoya vs. Thermally Modified Ash: Which Wood Is Better for Exterior Cladding?

adv thermal ash sidingrainscreen

When choosing wood for exterior cladding, durability and dimensional stability are just as important as appearance. Accoya and thermally modified ash are both designed to perform better outdoors than untreated wood, but they get there in different ways. Accoya stands out for its exceptional stability and resistance to moisture-related movement, while thermally modified ash offers …

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How Much Does Aluminum Deck Railing Cost?

SEL Timberlake 007 SD SIG Mesh Railing BK porch web

If you’re planning a new deck or replacing an old railing, you’ve probably noticed aluminum deck railing showing up everywhere. And for good reason. It’s strong, attractive, requires very little maintenance, and can last for decades without the headaches you get with traditional wood railings. But here’s the question we hear from homeowners all the …

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Trex vs. TimberTech vs. Deckorators Railing: Which System Is Best for Your Deck?

Trex Select Railing

When homeowners start planning a new deck, they usually spend most of their time choosing the decking. They’ll compare colors, look at wood grain patterns, research warranties, and debate whether to go with composite, PVC, or natural hardwood. Then comes the railing. I’ve been in the decking industry for 20 years, and I can tell …

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How Much Ventilation Does a Deck Need?

deck with ipe oil sm

When planning a new deck, it’s easy to get caught up in choosing the right decking, railing, and layout. But there’s another detail worth thinking about before construction begins: how much airflow the deck will have underneath. Without enough ventilation, moisture can linger around the boards and framing, potentially leading to wood movement, decay, and …

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Happy Halloween! The Scariest Deck Problems We’ve Seen: 10 Deck Building Mistakes That Can Come Back to Haunt You

rotting pressure treated wood framing web scaled

Halloween is here, and while most people are busy decorating their homes with skeletons, cobwebs, and jack o’ lanterns, we’ve got something a little scarier to talk about. Deck Building Mistakes… After more than 20 years in the decking industry, I’ve seen some pretty frightening things. I’m not talking about haunted houses or ghosts hiding …

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