Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
Hey deck builders, homeowners, and DIY warriors—listen up. At AdvantageLumber.com, we’ve seen thousands of decks over the years, and there’s one mistake that keeps popping up like a bad weed: completely sealing off the underside of your deck with skirting. It looks clean. It looks modern. It hides the “ugly” underbelly of your beautiful new …
One common question we hear from customer about Ash wood is: Is ash a hardwood or a softwood? Spoiler alert—it’s a hardwood, and we’re here to explain why that matters, plus spotlight some of our top-selling ash products that are revolutionizing home improvement in 2025. Understanding Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: Where Does Ash Fit In? First …
📦 1. Acclimation: Critical First Step Proper acclimation ensures that the T&G hardwood decking boards remain tight-fitting after installation. Why acclimate?Hardwood decking is a natural material that will expand and contract based on moisture content and temperature. Failing to properly acclimate may result in gapping, buckling, or cupping. How to acclimate properly: 🛠️ 2. Substructure …
Building a deck is an exciting way to enhance your outdoor living space, but choosing the right material can be a tough decision. Two of the most popular options are composite decking and wood decking, each with its own set of benefits and costs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the price differences between …
When it comes to building a deck, homeowners face a big decision: what material should they choose? Pressure treated wood has long been a go-to option, especially for those who love the look and feel of real wood but are working with a tight budget. It’s affordable and widely available, making it an attractive choice …
When it comes to building decks, furniture, or outdoor structures, Ipe wood often stands out as a top choice. Known for its exceptional durability, rich dark tones, and resistance to weather and insects, Ipe is a premium hardwood that checks all the boxes. However, its premium qualities come with a premium price tag, making it …
When it comes to building outdoor structures like decks, pergolas, or furniture that need to withstand the elements and pesky critters like termites, not all woods are created equal. Some species stand head and shoulders above the rest due to their natural durability, strength, and resistance to rot and termites. In this post, we’ll discuss …