Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
ThermoWood® vs. Thermally Modified Wood vs. Advantage Thermal™ Understanding the Differences So You Can Make the Best Choice If you’re wondering what is thermally modified wood, this introduction will help clarify the key concepts. When it comes to specifying or choosing modified wood products for decking, siding, cladding, or other exterior applications, terms like ThermoWood®, …
A deck is only as strong as the structure beneath it. While homeowners often focus on the decking surface itself, the framing system—joists, beams, and ledger boards—does most of the work. Protecting that structure is essential to the long-term performance of any deck, whether it is built with tropical hardwoods, composite decking, or traditional lumber. …
As winter approaches with its snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, your outdoor deck faces some serious challenges. Moisture can lead to warping, cracking, or rot, while heavy snow accumulation might strain the structure. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’re passionate about helping you maintain beautiful, durable decks—whether you’re working with our premium exotic hardwoods like Ipe and Garapa, …
Working with hardwood finishes like Ipe Oil® is a great way to protect and enhance your deck, but one part of the process often gets overlooked: disposing of oily rags safely. This is more than a housekeeping step—it’s a critical fire-safety practice. Oily rags are not regular trash. If they’re left in a pile or …
When homeowners and contractors start comparing wood finishes, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Is traditional oil better than WiseCoat®?” Another frequent topic is oil vs water finish, as people want to understand the differences and benefits of each option. The debate around oil vs water finish is ongoing, especially when it …
When planning or building a deck, most homeowners focus on the decking material, railing style, or overall design. But one critical factor often gets overlooked: deck ventilation. Without proper airflow, even the highest-quality decking—whether it’s Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, composite, or PVC—can suffer premature failure. In this guide, we’ll break down why deck ventilation matters, …
Tropical hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Plantation Teak are some of the most durable decking materials available. They resist rot, insects, and moisture, and many even carry a Class A fire rating. That density, however, makes them a little tricky when it comes to finishing. Film-forming sealers that work on softwoods often can’t bond …