Deck Joist Spacing: 12″, 16″, or 24″ On Center?

deck building web

When building a deck, 16 inches on center is often considered the standard joist spacing. However, that may not be the right spacing for every decking material or installation. The thickness and type of decking you’re using can change the requirements. A thicker hardwood board, for example, may be able to span 24 inches between …

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Is Joist Tape Worth It? What 30+ Years Around Deck Construction Has Taught Us

Joist tape install

If you’re building a deck with pressure treated wood framing, is joist tape worth the extra money and time? For most decks, probably yes. In fact, I think it usually is. And I’ll admit, years ago, joist tape wasn’t something everyone automatically thought about. You framed the deck, installed the boards, and moved on to …

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Deck Lifespan Calculator – How Long Will Your Deck Last?

ipe pool deck web

A new deck can serve your home for decades, although materials, weather, and construction methods all affect its lifespan. With that in mind, our Decking Lifespan Calculator helps you compare the hardwood, composite, PVC, and framing products we sell at AdvantageLumber.com. How Long Does Hardwood Decking Last? To begin with, dense hardwoods naturally resist rot, …

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How Long Does Hardwood Decking Last? Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Teak & More

Decks by Kiefer Stowe Vt DECK 14

One of the first questions customers ask us when they look at hardwood decking is pretty simple: How long is this stuff actually going to last? Honestly, it’s a fair question. After all, if you’re spending the money to build a deck with Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Teak, or another premium hardwood, you probably don’t want …

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Why Hardwood Decking Can Outlast the Deck Framing Underneath It

deck with ipe oil sm1

Here’s a situation we’ve seen more than a few times over the years. A homeowner builds a beautiful Ipe or Cumaru deck over a traditional pressure treated wood frame. Then, ten or fifteen years later, they look at the deck boards and think, “These still look pretty good.” And I mean really good in some …

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Aluminum Deck Framing + Hardwood Decking

wood vs aluminum deck framing

When homeowners invest in premium hardwood decking, they’re often thinking long term and for good reason. High density hardwood species such as Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, and Brazilian Redwood can provide decades of service when properly installed and maintained. Depending on the species and conditions, many hardwood decks can last 40–75+ years. But there’s an …

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Why More Builders Are Choosing Steel Deck Framing

Steel deck framing web

In the world of outdoor living, decks are more than just an extension of your home they’re an investment in years of enjoyment, family gatherings, and increased property value. Yet for too long, builders and homeowners have faced a frustrating mismatch: premium deck boards designed to last 35+ years paired with pressure treated framing lumber …

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