How Buying Direct from the Mill Saves You Money on Home Renovation Projects During August

tigerwood pavilion ceiling 1

August can be an interesting month in the building material business, especially for those starting Home Renovation Projects. I’ve always thought August tends to sneak up on people. One minute you’re talking about Memorial Day projects, and the next minute somebody’s asking whether they can get their deck finished before Labor Day. For one thing, …

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The Best Decking Material for Temperature Swings (Late Summer to Fall)

tigerwood decking2024

Late summer can put a deck through some pretty rough conditions. For example, a deck might bake in 90 degree sun during the afternoon, then face cool nights only a couple of weeks later. In fact, in some parts of the country, you can get a pretty good temperature swing in a single day. It’s …

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Budget Friendly Deck Improvements for Late Summer

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Late summer is one of our favorite times of year to work on a deck. By this point, you’ve probably spent enough time outside to notice the little things you’d like to change. Maybe the deck needs some attention. Maybe the railing looks dated. Maybe you could use better lighting around the stairs. Or maybe …

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10 Backyard Deck Design Ideas for Summer Entertaining

TimberTech Vintage Weathered Teak Decking Impression Rail Express Black Glass Infill

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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Why Picture Framing Makes Composite Decks Look More Expensive

Trex Picture Frame Deck with Step

Not all composite decks have the same visual impact. A simple design feature called picture framing can make a deck look cleaner, more custom, and significantly more expensive. A picture frame border gives a composite deck clean lines, hides exposed board ends, and creates the kind of finished look that’s often associated with custom-built, high-end …

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Pergola vs. Covered Deck: Which Shade Structure Is Right for Your Yard?

Ipe Pergola web

Your backyard is more than just grass and a fence it’s an extension of your home. Adding a shade structure like a pergola or covered deck can transform it into a functional outdoor living space for dining, relaxing, or entertaining. But which one is the better fit? At AdvantageLumber.com, we supply premium exotic hardwoods like …

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Low Ground Clearance Decks Done Right

tigerwood deck tiles

Low ground clearance decks often called ground level or low profile decks offer a sleek, modern look that blends seamlessly with your yard. They eliminate the need for tall stairs or railings in many cases, making them ideal for accessible outdoor living, small backyards, or covering unsightly concrete patios. However, building one successfully requires careful …

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