Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
If you’re building or repairing a deck, you’ve likely wondered: Can you use aluminum flashing with pressure-treated lumber? The short answer is yes—but with some important caveats to ensure longevity and safety. At Advantage Lumber, we get this question a lot, especially from homeowners and builders focusing on ledger flashing. The ledger board, which attaches …
This deck framing diagram is a detailed illustration that shows and labels each part of a deck. Below the illustration you’ll find a description of each deck framing component. Why Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Framing Lasts Less and Changes in Treatments Pressure-treated wood deck framing no longer lasts as long as it once did due to …
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 …