Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
A well-designed deck does not have to disappear when the sun goes down. Deck lighting adds safety, enhances the overall look of your outdoor space, and allows you to enjoy your deck long after daylight hours. Whether lighting is subtle and tucked away or used as a design feature, the right lighting plan can make …
ThermoWood® vs. Thermally Modified Wood vs. Advantage Thermal™ Understanding the Differences So You Can Make the Best Choice When it comes to specifying or choosing modified wood products for decking, siding, cladding, or other exterior applications, terms like ThermoWood®, Thermally Modified Wood, and Advantage Thermal™ are often used — but they don’t all mean the …
A deck is only as strong as the structure beneath it. While homeowners often focus on the decking surface itself, the framing system—joists, beams, and ledger boards—does most of the work. Protecting that structure is essential to the long-term performance of any deck, whether it is built with tropical hardwoods, composite decking, or traditional lumber. …
As winter approaches with its snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, your outdoor deck faces some serious challenges. Moisture can lead to warping, cracking, or rot, while heavy snow accumulation might strain the structure. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’re passionate about helping you maintain beautiful, durable decks—whether you’re working with our premium exotic hardwoods like Ipe and Garapa, …
Working with hardwood finishes like Ipe Oil® is a great way to protect and enhance your deck, but one part of the process often gets overlooked: disposing of oily rags safely. This is more than a housekeeping step—it’s a critical fire-safety practice. Oily rags are not regular trash. If they’re left in a pile or …
When homeowners and contractors start comparing wood finishes, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Is traditional oil better than WiseCoat®?” The truth is – it depends. Each product performs differently based on your goals, environment, and the type of deck you have. Penetrating Oil (Like Ipe Oil®) Penetrating oils are the classic …
When planning or building a deck, most homeowners focus on the decking material, railing style, or overall design. But one critical factor often gets overlooked: deck ventilation. Without proper airflow, even the highest-quality decking—whether it’s Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, composite, or PVC—can suffer premature failure. In this guide, we’ll break down why deck ventilation matters, …