The Perfect Entertainment Space in Manhattan Beach, CA

Nestled in the beautiful neighborhood of Manhattan Beach, CA is a contemporary home with a newly remodeled backyard. The old backyard was a split between stained, cracked concrete and patches of dirt. Clearly not a pleasant area for spending quality time with family and friends.

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An Outdoor Deck Paradise in Malibu, CA

Malibu is one of the most coveted real estate markets in the country because of California’s famous year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches. Malibu itself is a small city on the Pacific Ocean, so salt and marine layers are part of the daily routine for the residents.

The custom hot tub cover with a custom ipe bench
The custom hot tub cover with a custom ipe bench

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Stay Warm In Fall and Winter on Your Deck With These Houzz Ideas!

Snow and cold airs are here, but when there’s a small break in between the snow fall you should still be able to go outside and enjoy your outdoors.

These are some ideas gathered from our Houzz page, which have features ranging from a fireplace to a gas powered heater, to electrical ceiling heaters. There are some pretty imaginative ways to heat up the deck and there’s a solution to fit any budget.

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Wood of the Month: Aromatic Cedar

Aromatic Cedar

Cedar wood is perhaps one of the most storied woods in history. Cedar’s amazing properties are the reason why it’s prevailed for centuries. During a recent renovation in Newport, RI the contractor needed aromatic cedar to maintain the historical accuracy of the structure. AdvantageLumber.com supplied him with high-quality aromatic cedar to provide the structural support needed.

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Get Ready for Decking Season with AdvantageLumber.com

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Spring is sweeping across the country, and before long you’ll be enjoying balmy summer evenings in your backyard. Now’s the time to upgrade your outdoor living space.

Home improvement spending across the U.S. has risen dramatically. Since the 2008 financial collapse, the industry has been on a steady recovery, and Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies predicts this growth will continue through 2014. Already, home improvement spending is estimated at $144.7 billion, up from $127 billion this time last year. That kind of cash brings outdoor renovations in line with bathroom and kitchen remodeling. It seems everyone agrees: the time to build the deck of your dreams is now, and AdvantageLumber.com is ready to help.

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Gazebo vs. Pergola

Gazebos and pergolas have been around for hundreds of years. Both pergolas and gazebos give decks and backyards a new perspective that is pleasing to the eye and practical.

This gazebo, made out of Ipe, is a gorgeous addition to this home.
This gazebo, made out of Ipe, is a gorgeous addition to this home.

Gazebos are covered areas, usually hexagonal in shape, that offer a complete roof and closed off surroundings. Gazebos at one point were thought of as summerhouses or pavilions. Their privacy and distance from the main home allows them to have an aura of being a home away from home.

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Deck Inspections: Facts

deck inspection tips
Getting your deck inspected can prevent larger headaches in the future.

Did you know that roughly 40% of all the decks in America are deemed safe? When you add in the fact there are an estimated 40 million decks that are over 20 years old and you quickly realize becoming a statistic is a real possibility for many homes.

Just like every aspect of your home needs to be solidly and correctly built, so does your deck. Even though decks appear to be simple and straightforward structures, you should consider them to be a rooms without walls or a roof. It’s an outdoor space that needs to be planted in strong foundations.

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