Can You Use Aluminum Flashing with Pressure-Treated Lumber?

Ledger flashing

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 …

Read more

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?

IMG 8199 conv 1

Building a deck can transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis, perfect for barbecues, relaxation, and family gatherings. But before you grab your tools and start hammering away, there’s a crucial question to address: Do you need a permit? The short answer is—it depends. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether a permit is required, …

Read more

AdvantageLumber.com Tongue & Groove Porch Decking Installation Guide

ipe wood porch web

📦 1. Acclimation: Critical First Step Proper acclimation ensures that the T&G hardwood decking boards remain tight-fitting after installation. For a successful Tongue & Groove Porch Decking Installation, it’s essential to follow preparation steps carefully. Why acclimate?Hardwood decking is a natural material that will expand and contract based on moisture content and temperature. Failing to …

Read more

Convert Square Feet to Linear Feet with this Calculator

iStock 1482907781 web

When planning your new deck, accurate measurements are crucial to avoid delays, overspending, or shortages in materials. One of the most common questions DIYers and contractors alike ask is:“How do I convert square feet into linear feet to figure out how many deck boards I need?” In this post, we’ll walk you through how to …

Read more

The Best Deck Board Straightener: Hardwood Wrench by DeckWise Takes the Top Spot

HWW clip install 6950

Building a deck is a rewarding project, but warped or bowed deck boards can turn it into a frustrating ordeal. A reliable deck board straightener is essential for achieving a flawless, professional finish. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’ve tested countless tools and gathered feedback from our extensive customer base to identify the best deck board straighteners on …

Read more

What is Butyl Joist Tape and Why Use it On Your Deck Framing?

Joist tape install

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 …

Read more