How to Frame a Deck for a Picture Frame Border

Framing a deck with a picture frame border involves installing the main deck boards and then adding a border that runs around the perimeter. This border not only adds visual appeal but also helps protect the end grain of the main deck boards from moisture damage. Here are the steps to frame a deck with …

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How to Make Your Framing Last as Long as Your Ipe Decking

Deck Framing with Joist Tape

Ipe decking can last up to 75 years with hardly any maintenance. That’s great! But customers often wonder: what about the framing? Deck framing is usually made of pressure treated pine. It’s cheap, easy to install, and readily available. But pressure treated pine is only rated to last about 15 years. So why would you …

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8 Things to Consider when Planning a Ground-Level Deck

Ground-Level Deck

Ground-level decks are a popular option when designing backyard landscapes. But if you don’t take certain precautions, your dream outdoor living space can quickly become a maintenance nightmare. To ensure you get the most out of your ground-level deck, here are several things to keep in mind during the planning stage. 1. Ground-Level Decks Lack …

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Best Wood Decking for Extreme Climates and Projects

4 Inch Ipe Decking

Building a deck in a climate that sees extreme weather such as extreme heat, extreme cold, hurricanes, lots of rain, ice and snow requires some extra planning to ensure your deck will last and resist unwanted movement such as warping, cupping, bowing and twisting. Dry Climates In dry climates like Arizona, wood decking materials will …

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Are Metal Joists A Good Idea For Brazilian Decking?

Brazilian Decking like Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood is some of the longest-lasting wood around. Not only do these woods make your deck look absolutely stunning, they also last decades longer than other alternatives. Many customers ask if we recommend an alternative framing material, since they want their framing to last as long as their deck.

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What’s the Correct Gap Space Between Boards?!

You’re planning to build your deck, you ask your buddies and read the thousands of deck blogs and everyone seems to give you VERY different answers about what is the proper gap spacing you should be using for all your boards. The reason there’s so many answers is because there are many variables that dictate what gap spacing to use. In short, there’s no one answer that fits all but here are a few things to take into consideration.

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