Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
Deck railings come in more styles than ever before. While some designs are meant to serve as a bold architectural feature, other projects call for the opposite approach. When your deck overlooks water, mountains, woods, or a beautifully landscaped backyard, the goal is often to minimize the railing so the view takes center stage. If …
If you live in a northern climate — whether that’s New England, the Upper Midwest, or the mountain regions — your deck needs to withstand repeated freeze–thaw cycles every year. When water seeps into decking material and temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands. As it thaws, it contracts. Over time, this constant expansion and …
Winter can be brutal on your deck. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and constant moisture exposure can quietly take a toll on decking boards, framing, railings, and fasteners. That’s why a thorough deck inspection in spring is essential. Even if everything looks fine at first glance, hidden damage could lead to costly repairs—or worse, structural failure—if …
Building a hardwood deck is one of the most rewarding outdoor projects you can undertake—blending natural beauty, long-lasting performance, and timeless appeal. But choosing the right wood species means understanding how each performs in real-world conditions: from daily foot traffic to sun exposure, moisture cycles, and maintenance expectations. In this decking comparison guide, we break …
As we settle into 2026, outdoor living spaces are evolving faster than ever. This is transforming backyards into functional extensions of the home. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’re excited to see homeowners prioritizing durability, sustainability, and style in their deck projects. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a simple upgrade, this year’s trends focus on creating …
A well-designed room does more than look beautiful. It feels intentional. If your home office feels flat or your bedroom lacks warmth, the answer may not be new furniture or another coat of paint. It may be texture. Depth. Natural material. Exotic wood accent walls built with solid hardwood shiplap or tongue-and-groove planks add architectural …
Wood is an incredible material. It is strong, beautiful, and naturally engineered. But it is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture depending on its environment. In a living tree, water can make up more than half the total weight of the wood. Once that tree is milled into lumber, controlling that moisture becomes …