Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
When building a deck, one of the most critical decisions is determining the spacing of your deck joists. The answer to “How far apart should deck joists be?” depends on two key factors: the type of deck boards you’re installing and your local building codes. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed …
When building a deck, every detail matters—especially when it comes to protecting the structural integrity of your investment. One often-overlooked but critical component is butyl tape, a self-adhering, waterproof flashing tape designed to shield your deck’s substructure from moisture and rot. Let’s discuss what butyl tape is, why it’s essential for your deck joists, and …
In recent years, the decking industry has witnessed a significant shift in homeowner preferences, with metal deck framing emerging as a popular alternative to traditional pressure-treated lumber. This growing demand is driven by a combination of durability concerns with modern wood treatments and the superior longevity offered by metal options. Today, there are two primary …
If you’re planning a deck project in 2025, you might want to brace yourself for some news: imported steel deck framing is about to get hit with tariffs that could increase prices by 25% or more. A significant portion of steel deck framing comes from Asia, and these new tariffs will likely drive up costs …
When building a deck, the choice of framing materials plays a critical role in determining the structure’s longevity, performance, and aesthetics. While pressure-treated lumber has been the go-to material for decades, engineered Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) deck beams are emerging as a superior alternative for many applications. Below, we’ll explore the key benefits of using …
A common question among homeowners and deck builders is whether Trex manufactures a composite deck framing system that resists rot, like their composite deck boards. The short answer is no; Trex does not currently offer structural composite deck framing. Most homeowners building a Trex composite deck use traditional pressure-treated lumber for the framing. While pressure-treated …
When building a new deck, homeowners typically spend a lot of time selecting decking materials—whether to go with hardwood, composite, or PVC decking. However, the framing that supports your deck is equally important. Traditionally, pressure-treated lumber has been the default choice for deck framing. But today, more homeowners are exploring alternatives like aluminum deck framing, …