The Future of Decking…Is it Man-Made?

I have seen the future of decking….and it is not plastic. From looking over many of the exhibits at the International Builders Show in Orlando, FL, it was apparent there are a ton of composite decking companies there. There were the familiar names and a bunch from overseas countries like China. Despite the elaborate displays …

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Deck Maintenance: How to Shovel Snow off a Deck

It might seem like removing snow off of a deck is a simple task. Take your snow shovel and put your back into it, right!? Just one look at this picture should tell you right away that it’s not that simple.

deck maintenance, shoveling snow
Shoveling snow off your deck will increase its lifepan. Learn how to do it right!

In fact, you can’t just use any ole’ shovel. You also can’t take a shortcut and use rock salt on your deck…that’s a recipe for disaster, no matter what kind of decking you have! You also might not want to let this much snow just sit on top of your deck and melt on its own. This begs the question…

What’s the best way to shovel snow off of a deck?

Think of it this way, shoveling snow on a deck is a lot like the first rule of shaving, “Go WITH the grain, not AGAINST it!” Using a plastic, or rubber-tipped shovel with rounded corners, gently shovel the length of each deck board. If you shovel across, you will scratch, or dent the decking. While you might be able to live with a mistake like that in winter, come Spring and Summer you will regret not taking your time to be careful.

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Brazilian Decking…why is it so special?

Brazilian Decking
You get so much more out of Brazilian Decking than good looks.

People who first find us online often ask, “Why do you sell hardwoods from Brazil and not composite decking?”

Our answer is always the same: “We only sell products that make our customers happy.”

Check out some of the reviews we’ve received that highlight how hardwood leads to solid decks that can be lived on and not slaved over: Ipe Decking Reviews & Testimonials

At Advantage, we work with homeowners, contractors, and builders to ensure they receive only the finest quality hardwood decking from South America, specifically Brazil. Our products are many things. Durable. Reliable. Resilient. Beautiful. Those benefits aren’t mere marketing hype. They’ve been backed by decades of use and proven by science.

Want to know just how durable Brazilian decking really is?

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DIY Deck Building at its Finest – Ipe Deck in Utah

Take one look at this deck… With the right decking, plans, and a heckuva lot of willpower, the owner of this home created one of the nicest decks we’ve seen in a long time. Using 5/4×6 Ipe decking, this deck has all the features one wants in a deck: Durability, Resilience, Low-Maintenance, and Genuine Beauty. …

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Decking Maintenance – How to Winterize a Deck

Preparing A Hardwood Deck for the Winter

Fall is here and many people are starting to prepare their deck for the Winter months. What do you need to do to ensure your garden deck stays healthy?

How to Winterize a Hardwood Deck
Learn the best way to keep your deck healthy during winter.

Keep Gaps Clear of Debris

Leaving your deck dirty and covered with debris over the winter months is a recipe for disaster. If you allow the gap spacing between your deck boards to get plugged up with debris, you won’t just have a lot to clean up come springtime. You might also be looking at a warped deck due to excess moisture being trapped underneath your deck. Proper ventilation will also ensure that mold and decay don’t rear their ugly head. Keep your deck boards looking good by sweeping away dirt, leaves, pine needles or any branches.

Got mold? Use these tips to eliminate mold from your hardwood deck before winter.

Just ask any homeowner who owns a deck how hard it is to get rid mold watch their face get red with frustration. Mold (aka mildew, aka the bane of composite deck owners everywhere) needs to be dealt with as soon as you see it. Mold can grow and prosper during the months when your deck is being used the least. Mold feasts on moisture so snow and melting ice might as well be a t-bone steak with all the fixin’s to mold.

How to get rid of mold on hardwood decking:

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