Outdoor Living Archives - Page 4 of 4

Get Ready for Decking Season with AdvantageLumber.com

December 16, 2014March 27, 2014 by theipeguy

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.

Gazebo vs. Pergola

July 12, 2017January 1, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

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.

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.

Deck Inspections: Facts

December 16, 2014December 2, 2013 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

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.