Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?

deck build

Building a deck can transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis, perfect for barbecues, relaxation, and family gatherings. But before you grab your tools and start hammering away, there’s a crucial question to address: Do you need a permit? The short answer is—it depends. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether a permit is required, …

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Board Foot Calculator

square feet to linear feet calculator

Here’s how you calculate the board footage of a board: Here’s the quick way to figure board footage (BF): Formula:BF = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12(If length is in inches, divide by 144 instead.) Steps: Example: A 2×6×10′ (actual 1.5″ × 5.5″ × 10′)BF = (1.5 × …

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Can You Put Deck Tiles Directly on Grass?

deck tiles installed over grass

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t—And What to Do Instead Deck tiles offer a fast and attractive solution for outdoor flooring, but placing them directly on top of grass is a bad idea. While it might seem like a quick weekend DIY project, skipping the right foundation can lead to safety hazards, durability issues, and disappointing results. …

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The Most Popular Deck Tiles for 2025: Ipe, Teak, Tigerwood, and Iroko

As outdoor living spaces continue to gain popularity, homeowners and designers are turning to durable, stylish, and easy-to-install deck tiles to transform patios, balconies, and rooftops. In 2025, four hardwood species stand out as the top choices for deck tiles: Ipe, Teak, Tigerwood, and Iroko. These premium materials, available from AdvantageLumber.com, combine natural beauty, exceptional …

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AdvantageLumber.com Tongue & Groove Porch Decking Installation Guide

📦 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 …

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Deck Framing Diagram

deck build

This deck framing diagram is a detailed illustration that shows and labels each part of a deck. Below the illustration you’ll find a description of each deck framing component. Why Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Framing Lasts Less and Changes in Treatments Pressure-treated wood deck framing no longer lasts as long as it once did due to …

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Wood Ceiling Plank Calculator

Here’s a handy calculator to figure out how to convert square feet to lineal feet. This will help you determine how many lineal feet of wood ceiling planks you’ll need to cover your ceiling: Ceiling Plank Square Foot Calculator Length (ft): Width (ft): Board Face Width (inches): Waste Factor: 10% Calculate Wood Ceiling Ideas from …

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