How to Protect Your Deck During a Heat Wave

When temperatures climb into the upper 90s and triple digits, most homeowners start worrying about themselves but your deck is also feeling the heat. It’s important to think about ways to protect your deck. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and intense UV rays can affect every decking material differently, whether you have exotic hardwood, composite, …

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Black Cable Railing Gains in Popularity

black cable railing vs. stainless steel

Black cable railing has evolved from a niche architectural feature into one of the most requested railing styles for modern decks, balconies, docks, and outdoor living spaces. Homeowners, architects, and contractors continue choosing black cable railing because it offers the perfect combination of safety, durability, and nearly unobstructed views. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’ve seen demand for …

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The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing Composite Decking

Composite decking has come a long way over the past two decades. Modern boards are more durable, more realistic looking, and require far less maintenance than traditional softwood decks. But not all composite decking is created equal, and choosing the wrong product can lead to disappointment, unnecessary expense, or even a deck that doesn’t perform …

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Trex Deck Board Calculator

Estimate How Many Trex Deck Boards You Need Use our free Calculator to quickly and accurately determine the number of boards required for your decking project. Planning a new Trex deck? Our free Trex Deck Board Calculator makes it easy to estimate how many deck boards you’ll need before you order materials. Simply enter your …

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Best Decking Materials for Pool Decks: Hardwood vs. Composite vs. PVC

A swimming pool is the centerpiece of many backyards, but choosing the right decking around it is just as important as selecting the pool itself. Your pool deck needs to withstand constant moisture, intense UV exposure, bare feet, chlorine or saltwater, and years of outdoor use while remaining safe and attractive. Fortunately, today’s homeowners have …

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How to Prepare Your Deck for 4th of July Parties

The 4th of July is one of the biggest outdoor entertaining weekends of the year, so it’s a good idea to prepare your deck for the festivities. Friends, family, burgers, hot dogs, fireworks, and someone inevitably asking, “Is that smoke supposed to be coming from the grill?” Before your backyard becomes party central, take a …

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