Why You Should Never Paint a Deck – And What to Do Instead

peeling deck paint

1. The All-Too-Common “Paint It and Forget It” Myth When a weather-worn deck starts to look tired, many homeowners reach for a gallon of solid-color (opaque) latex paint, convinced a thick film will lock out the elements for good. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Painting a deck may give you a uniform color—but it also …

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The Best Flooring Options for Your Porch

At AdvantageLumber.com, we often hear from homeowners seeking the perfect flooring for their porch—whether it’s a screened-in retreat, a three-season unheated space, or a standard open porch with a roof. The good news? A porch is essentially a deck with a roof, and that roof opens up a world of durable, low-maintenance flooring options. Specifically, …

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What Is the Price Difference Between Composite and Wood Decking?

Decking Prices 2025

Building a deck is an exciting way to enhance your outdoor living space, but choosing the right material can be a tough decision. Two of the most popular options are composite decking and wood decking, each with its own set of benefits and costs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the price differences between …

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Concrete Front Porch Makeover Ideas

Concrete Porch Wood Deck

Your front porch is the first impression guests have of your home, and a dated or worn concrete porch can detract from your curb appeal. Fortunately, with a little creativity and the right materials, you can give your concrete front porch a stunning makeover. In this blog post, we’ll look at innovative ideas to resurface …

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Cedar vs. Pressure-Treated Wood: Which Is Better?

Cedar Wood Deck

When choosing materials for outdoor projects like decks, fences, or pergolas, two popular options often come up: cedar and pressure-treated wood. Both have their strengths, but which is better? To answer this, we’ll compare their properties, dive into the history and evolution of pressure-treated wood, and explore why cedar—especially premium grades like clear vertical grain—often …

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Portico vs. Porch: Understanding the Differences and Why Hardwoods Are the Go-To Choice

Ipe Wood Portico

When it comes to enhancing the curb appeal and functionality of a home’s exterior, homeowners often debate between adding a portico or a porch. While both structures serve as welcoming entryways and provide shelter, they differ in design, purpose, and scale. Additionally, many homeowners are turning to premium hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Teak …

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