Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
Preserving the rainforest is a concern shared by companies, countries, and individuals all over the world. The rainforests are a unique niche in which an abundant array of species live and thrive. Not only is the rainforest a habitat for animals and wildlife, but it also provides an abundant amount of oxygen to our atmosphere. Unfortunately, because of economic and political pressures, ecological priorities are often pushed aside.
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.
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.
The oldest wildlife protection statute in the U.S. is the Lacey Act. Enacted in 1900 and named after John F. Lacey, the Lacey Act was created to fight against illegal trafficking in wildlife, fish and even some plants. In 2008, the Lacey Act was expanded to include the certain logging practices and all plants. It …
All wood breathes, no matter what kind it is. The fibers that make up the wood absorb and release moisture. It’s required that before you begin installation, you allow the decking to acclimate to your local environment. This helps prevent large expansion and contraction of the wood once it’s installed. The proper way to acclimate …
When it comes time to purchasing decking material, you need to make sure that you buy from a company with a commitment to sustainable forestry. AdvantageLumber.com is fortunate to be one of those companies that are authorized by the Rainforest Alliance™ to sell FSC® certified decking.
Doing a full comparison between Ipe and Pressure Treated Pine for decking is like comparing Kobe beef and a McDonald’s beef patty. Pressure treated pine works well as the frame of your decking but not as the decking itself. Pressure treated pine lasts only for about 5-10 years and must be constantly stained and finished. Ipe on the other hand, is an all-natural wood, proven to last over 75 years without any chemical treatment. The Coney Island boardwalk was in service since the 1940s! Boards from that landmark boardwalk have been reclaimed and reused for many applications from patio furniture to indoor flooring.
Every piece of lumber is unique. No one tree is the same. Every board in your deck is going to have different characteristics. Once installed, you want to give your deck the proper maintenance it needs to increase its lifetime and your overall enjoyment. Be rest assured, even though a deck made of Brazilian hardwoods is proven to outlast and outperform softer materials, giving it a little attention once in a while is a good thing (After all, even a Lamborghini needs its oil changed and tires rotated!) Here are some guidelines to follow to maintain the lifetime and beauty of your hardwood deck.