10 Backyard Deck Design Ideas for Summer Entertaining

Summer is when your backyard becomes the heart of your home. If you’re looking for fresh deck design ideas, this list of 10 deck design ideas features inspiration for every type of gathering—whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July cookout, neighborhood barbecue, pool party, or simply enjoying dinner outdoors with family, a well-designed deck can …

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Can You Use Decking Boards as Exterior Wall Cladding?

Trex Cladding

Homeowners and architects are always looking for creative ways to create a seamless indoor outdoor design. One of the fastest growing trends is using decking boards as exterior wall cladding to match a deck, porch, outdoor kitchen, or privacy wall. The answer is yes, many decking boards can make excellent exterior wall cladding when installed …

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Ipe vs. Composite Decking in Extreme Summer Heat: Which Stays Cooler?

ipe vs composite decking

If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a deck in the middle of July, you already know one thing: Not all decking materials handle heat the same way. At AdvantageLumber.com, one of the questions we hear every summer is: “Does composite decking really get hotter than Ipe?” The short answer is yes, in most cases it …

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Composite vs. PVC vs. Hardwood: Which Decking is Best for Full Sun?

decking heat test

When you’re building a deck, summer is when your investment gets put to the test. Long days, intense UV exposure, triple digit surface temperatures, backyard barbecues, pool parties, bare feet, kids, and pets all reveal how well your decking material really performs. The three most popular premium decking options today are: Each has advantages, but …

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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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