Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
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, …
Tropical hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Plantation Teak are some of the most durable decking materials available. They resist rot, insects, and moisture, and many even carry a Class A fire rating. That density, however, makes them a little tricky when it comes to finishing. Film-forming sealers that work on softwoods often can’t bond …
If you’ve ever priced out premium hardwood decking like Ipe, Garapa, or Cumaru in 16- to 20-foot lengths, you already know the struggle. Big-box stores and most local lumberyards simply don’t stock anything longer than 12 or 14 feet—and when they do special-order long material, the price is usually eye-watering and the delivery options are …
If you’ve ever priced out a deck or porch project, you already know that the railing is rarely the cheapest part of the build – but it’s almost always the part people notice first. A beautiful railing turns a simple deck into a statement. A flimsy or dated one drags the whole outdoor space down. …
A beautiful deck starts with proper care. Whether your deck is hardwood, softwood, or composite, a consistent maintenance routine can extend its lifespan and keep it performing at its best. At AdvantageLumber.com, we want your deck to look exceptional year after year, and using the right maintenance products makes all the difference. Below are the …
At AdvantageLumber.com, we get a lot of questions about wide composite decking. Homeowners love the bold, modern look that wider planks deliver — fewer seams, a cleaner appearance, and a luxurious feel underfoot. The two sizes customers ask about most often are 8-inch wide and 12-inch wide composite deck boards. After years of selling, installing, …