What is the Best Wood for a Fence in California?

Ipe Wood Horizontal Fence

When it comes to building a durable, attractive, and long-lasting fence in California, choosing the right wood is crucial. Factors such as climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences play an essential role. Below, we’ll explore the pros, cons, and lifespans of popular wood options for fences in California, including Redwood, Cedar, Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, and …

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Will Termites Eat Treated Wood?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when building a deck, fence, or other outdoor structure is whether termites will eat treated wood. While pressure-treated wood is designed to resist decay, pests like termites can still pose a challenge under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know. Termites and Treated Wood: What You …

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The Benefits of Using Engineered LVL Deck Beams Compared to Standard Pressure-Treated Framing

Pressure Treated LVL Deck Beams

When building a deck, the choice of framing materials plays a critical role in determining the structure’s longevity, performance, and aesthetics. While pressure-treated lumber has been the go-to material for decades, engineered Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) deck beams are emerging as a superior alternative for many applications. Below, we’ll explore the key benefits of using …

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Tips for Choosing the Best Composite Decking

Trex Rocky Harbor Decking with Composite Railing

Building a deck is an exciting project, whether it’s an extension of your living space, a poolside retreat, or a stylish waterfront dock. Choosing the right composite decking material can make all the difference, especially in terms of durability, comfort, and maintenance. Here are some expert tips to help you pick the best composite decking …

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Trex Deck Framing – Does Trex Offer Rot Resistant Deck Framing?

steel deck framing

A common question among homeowners and deck builders is whether Trex manufactures a composite deck framing system that resists rot, like their composite deck boards. The short answer is no; Trex does not currently offer structural composite deck framing. Most homeowners building a Trex composite deck use traditional pressure-treated lumber for the framing. While pressure-treated …

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Why Aluminum Deck Framing is Worth Considering for Your New Deck

TimberTech Aluminum Deck Framing

When building a new deck, homeowners typically spend a lot of time selecting decking materials—whether to go with hardwood, composite, or PVC decking. However, the framing that supports your deck is equally important. Traditionally, pressure-treated lumber has been the default choice for deck framing. But today, more homeowners are exploring alternatives like aluminum deck framing, …

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Why Building a Deck Entirely Out of Black Composite Decking is a Bad Idea

When designing a deck, color choice is a critical decision, and while black composite decking may seem sleek and modern, it’s not always a practical option. The number one reason black composite decking isn’t a good idea? Heat. Dark-colored decking absorbs a lot of heat from the sun, making it uncomfortably hot and, in the …

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