# AdvantageLumber Blog

> The leading direct seller of luxury hardwood decking, siding, composite decking, PVC decking and more.


## Posts

- [Hardwood Flooring vs. LVP: Which Feels Warmer in Winter?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/28/hardwood-flooring-vs-lvp-which-feels-warmer-in-winter/)
- [How to Prevent Seasonal Movement in Hardwood Floors](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/27/how-to-prevent-seasonal-movement-in-hardwood-floors/)
- [Ipe vs. Cumaru: Which Hardwood Decking Is Best?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/24/ipe-vs-cumaru-which-hardwood-decking-is-best/)
- [10 Backyard Deck Design Ideas for Summer Entertaining](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/23/10-backyard-deck-design-ideas-for-summer-entertaining/)
- [Can You Use Decking Boards as Exterior Wall Cladding?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/22/can-you-use-decking-boards-as-exterior-wall-cladding/)
- [What Causes Deck Boards to Cup, Warp, and Crack?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/21/what-causes-deck-boards-to-cup-warp-and-crack/)
- [Tongue and Groove Porch Ceilings: Wood Species Comparison Guide](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/20/tongue-and-groove-porch-ceilings-wood-species-comparison-guide/)
- [Ipe vs. Composite Decking in Extreme Summer Heat: Which Stays Cooler?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/17/ipe-vs-composite-decking-in-extreme-summer-heat-which-stays-cooler/)
- [Composite vs. PVC vs. Hardwood: Which Decking is Best for Full Sun?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/16/composite-vs-pvc-vs-hardwood-which-decking-is-best-for-full-sun/)
- [How to Protect Your Deck During a Heat Wave](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/15/how-to-protect-your-deck-during-a-heat-wave/)
- [Why Picture Framing Makes Composite Decks Look More Expensive](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/14/why-picture-framing-makes-composite-decks-look-more-expensive/)
- [How to Remove BBQ Grease Stains from Decking](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/13/how-to-remove-bbq-grease-stains-from-decking/)
- [Black Cable Railing Gains in Popularity](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/10/black-cable-railing-gains-in-popularity/)
- [The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing Composite Decking](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/09/the-biggest-mistakes-homeowners-make-when-choosing-composite-decking/)
- [Trex Deck Board Calculator](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/08/trex-deck-board-calculator/)
- [Summer of Slabs: Beautiful Ways to Use Wood Slabs Throughout Your Home](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/07/beautiful-ways-to-use-wood-slabs-throughout-your-home/)
- [Celebrating 250 Years of American Craftsmanship: Building Projects That Stand the Test of Time](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/06/celebrating-250-years-of-american-craftsmanship-building-projects-that-stand-the-test-of-time/)
- [How Hot Does Composite Decking Get in Summer?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/03/how-hot-does-composite-decking-get-in-summer/)
- [Best Decking Materials for Pool Decks: Hardwood vs. Composite vs. PVC](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/02/best-decking-materials-for-pool-decks-hardwood-vs-composite-vs-pvc/)
- [How to Prepare Your Deck for 4th of July Parties](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/07/01/how-to-prepare-your-deck-for-4th-of-july-parties/)
- [Teak Decking: Pros, Cons, and Maintenance Tips](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/30/teak-decking-pros-cons-and-maintenance-tips/)
- [The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Staining a Deck](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/29/the-biggest-mistakes-homeowners-make-when-staining-a-deck/)
- [PVC vs. Composite Decking](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/26/pvc-vs-composite-decking/)
- [Pergola vs. Covered Deck: Which Shade Structure Is Right for Your Yard?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/25/pergola-vs-covered-deck-which-shade-structure-is-right-for-your-yard/)
- [Ipe vs. Thermally Modified Wood: Which Performs Better Outdoors?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/24/ipe-vs-thermally-modified-wood-which-performs-better-outdoors/)
- [The Best Wood Species for Exterior Cladding Projects](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/23/the-best-wood-species-for-exterior-cladding-projects/)
- [World Rainforest Day: The Truth About Sustainable Hardwood Decking](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/22/world-rainforest-day-the-truth-about-sustainable-hardwood-decking/)
- [Deck Lighting Ideas to Transform Your Space for Nighttime Use](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/19/deck-lighting-ideas-to-transform-your-space-for-nighttime-use/)
- [The Truth About Composite Decking Mold and Mildew Resistance](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/18/the-truth-about-composite-decking-mold-and-mildew-resistance/)
- [Why More Builders Are Choosing Steel Deck Framing](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/17/why-more-builders-are-choosing-steel-deck-framing/)
- [How to Clean Composite Decking Without Damaging It](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/16/how-to-clean-composite-decking-without-damaging-it/)
- [Privacy Screens & Deck Skirting: Beautiful Ways to Add Seclusion This Summer](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/15/privacy-screens-deck-skirting-beautiful-ways-to-add-seclusion-this-summer/)
- [Can You Install Hardwood Decking Around a Pool?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/12/can-you-install-hardwood-decking-around-a-pool/)
- [What Makes Advantage Deck Tiles Different From Big Box Store Options?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/11/what-makes-advantage-deck-tiles-different-from-big-box-store-options/)
- [The Best Porch Flooring Options for Coastal Homes](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/10/the-best-porch-flooring-options-for-coastal-homes/)
- [Composite Decking Colors That Stay Cooler in the Sun](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/09/composite-decking-colors-that-stay-cooler-in-the-sun/)
- [World Ocean Day: How Sustainable Decking Choices Can Help Protect Our Oceans](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/08/world-ocean-day-how-sustainable-decking-choices-can-help-protect-our-oceans/)
- [Why Aluminum Deck Framing is Growing in Popularity in 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/05/why-aluminum-deck-framing-is-growing-in-popularity-in-2026/)
- [The Pros and Cons of Hidden Deck Fasteners](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/04/the-pros-and-cons-of-hidden-deck-fasteners/)
- [Trex Decking Fire Rating for 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/03/trex-decking-fire-rating-for-2026/)
- [Top 5 Luxury Building Materials for Budget-Friendly Projects in 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/02/top-5-luxury-building-materials-for-budget-friendly-projects-in-2026/)
- [What Can Thermally Modified Wood Be Used For?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/06/01/what-can-thermally-modified-wood-be-used-for/)
- [Low Ground Clearance Decks Done Right](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/29/low-ground-clearance-decks-done-right/)
- [S4S Lumber Vs. Rough Cut Lumber: Choosing the Right Hardwoods for Your Project](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/28/s4s-lumber-vs-rough-cut-lumber-choosing-the-right-hardwoods-for-your-project/)
- [Hardwood Flooring Trends for 2026: Chevron, Herringbone, and Wide Plank Designs](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/27/hardwood-flooring-trends-for-2026-chevron-herringbone-and-wide-plank-designs/)
- [Deck Lighting for Safety: Preventing Trips, Falls & Nighttime Hazards](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/26/deck-lighting-for-safety-preventing-trips-falls-nighttime-hazards/)
- [Does Hardwood Decking Need Sealing? Understanding the Difference Between End Sealing and Oiling](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/25/does-hardwood-decking-need-sealing-understanding-the-difference-between-end-sealing-and-oiling/)
- [Deck Fasteners & Hardware: Hidden Weak Points That Cause Failure](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/22/deck-fasteners-hardware-hidden-weak-points-that-cause-failure/)
- [Second Story Deck Safety: What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/21/second-story-deck-safety-what-you-need-to-know-before-its-too-late/)
- [Got Carpenter Bee Holes In Your Deck? Must Read! – World Bee Day](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/20/got-carpenter-bee-holes-in-your-deck-must-read-world-bee-day/)
- [The Safest Decking Materials for Families with Kids & Pets](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/19/the-safest-decking-materials-for-families-with-kids-pets/)
- [Get Your Deck Ready for Memorial Day: Quick Upgrades That Wow Guests](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/18/get-your-deck-ready-for-memorial-day-quick-upgrades-that-wow-guests/)
- [Wood Deck Resurfacing vs. Rebuilding: How to Decide What’s Best for Your Outdoor Space](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/15/wood-deck-resurfacing-vs-rebuilding-how-to-decide-whats-best-for-your-outdoor-space/)
- [Deck Footings: Why Foundation Issues Can Lead to Collapse](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/14/deck-footings-why-foundation-issues-can-lead-to-collapse/)
- [Deck Joist Rot: The Silent Deck Killer Most Homeowners Miss](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/13/deck-joist-rot-the-silent-deck-killer-most-homeowners-miss/)
- [When to Call a Professional Deck Inspector – Red Flags You Cannot Ignore](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/12/when-to-call-a-professional-deck-inspector-red-flags-you-cannot-ignore/)
- [Slip-Resistant Decking Options for Pools, Docks & Rainy Climates](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/11/slip-resistant-decking-options-for-pools-docks-rainy-climates/)
- [How to Tell If Your Pressure Treated Deck Frame Is Failing](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/08/how-to-tell-if-your-pressure-treated-deck-frame-is-failing/)
- [Deck Safety Checklist for Homeowners: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/07/deck-safety-checklist-for-homeowners-a-step-by-step-guide/)
- [Is Your Ledger Board Installed Correctly? The #1 Cause of Deck Failure](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/06/is-your-ledger-board-installed-correctly-the-1-cause-of-deck-failure/)
- [Are Old Decks Dangerous? When to Repair vs. Replace](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/05/are-old-decks-dangerous-when-to-repair-vs-replace/)
- [How to Inspect Your Deck Frame for Rot and Structural Failure](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/04/how-to-inspect-your-deck-frame-for-rot-and-structural-failure/)
- [Deck Safety Month: 10 Warning Signs Your Deck May Be Unsafe](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/05/01/deck-safety-month-10-warning-signs-your-deck-may-be-unsafe/)
- [How to Install Trex Decking with Hidden Fasteners: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/30/how-to-install-trex-decking-with-hidden-fasteners-a-step-by-step-guide/)
- [Wood Front Porch Refresh Ideas](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/29/wood-front-porch-refresh-ideas/)
- [TimberTech Decking Cost for 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/28/timbertech-decking-cost-for-2026/)
- [Match Your Hardwood Flooring and Decking: Create a Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Flow](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/27/match-your-hardwood-flooring-and-decking-create-a-seamless-indoor-outdoor-flow/)
- [The Benefits of FSC Certified Hardwoods for Environmentally Conscious Homeowners](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/24/the-benefits-of-fsc-certified-hardwoods-for-environmentally-conscious-homeowners/)
- [7 Things to Know Before Installing Trex Decking](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/23/7-things-to-know-before-installing-trex-decking/)
- [How Sustainable Hardwood Decking Supports Eco-Friendly Living](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/22/how-sustainable-hardwood-decking-supports-eco-friendly-living/)
- [Top Hardwood Species for Exterior Cladding (Ipe, Cumaru, Teak & More)](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/21/top-hardwood-species-for-exterior-cladding-ipe-cumaru-teak-more/)
- [How to Choose the Right Deck Board Size and Layout](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/20/how-to-choose-the-right-deck-board-size-and-layout/)
- [Composite Decking Brands AdvantageLumber.com Likes](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/17/composite-decking-brands-advantagelumber-com-likes/)
- [How Much Does Composite Decking Cost? A 2026 Buyer’s Guide from Advantage Lumber](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/16/how-much-does-composite-decking-cost-a-2026-buyers-guide-from-advantage-lumber/)
- [Thermally Modified Wood vs Pressure-Treated Lumber: Which Lasts Longer?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/15/thermally-modified-wood-vs-pressure-treated-lumber-which-lasts-longer/)
- [Wood Cladding vs Composite Cladding: Which Is Better for Your Home?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/14/wood-cladding-vs-composite-cladding-which-is-better-for-your-home/)
- [Tigerwood Decking: Pros, Cons, and Real-World Performance](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/13/tigerwood-decking-pros-cons-and-real-world-performance/)
- [Wood vs Steel Deck Framing: Which One Should You Choose?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/10/wood-vs-steel-deck-framing-which-one-should-you-choose/)
- [Ipe vs Mahogany Decking: Which Hardwood Is Best for Your Project?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/09/ipe-vs-mahogany-decking-which-hardwood-is-best-for-your-project/)
- [DeckWise Black Stainless Steel Cable Railing – Now Available at AdvantageLumber.com](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/08/deckwise-black-stainless-steel-cable-railing-now-available-at-advantagelumber-com/)
- [Where to Buy TimberTech Decking](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/07/where-to-buy-timbertech-decking/)
- [Trex Deck Boards – Shipped Direct to Your Home](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/06/trex-deck-boards-shipped-direct-to-your-home/)
- [Deckorators Decking Reviews: Is Surestone® the Strongest Composite Decking?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/03/deckorators-decking-reviews-is-surestone-the-strongest-composite-decking/)
- [“Deck Builder Near Me” Searches Are on the Rise — What to Know Before Hiring a Deck Builder](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/02/deck-builder-near-me-searches-are-on-the-rise-what-to-know-before-hiring-a-deck-builder/)
- [Pressure Treated Wood That Lasts 100 Years (No Maintenance Required!)](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/04/01/pressure-treated-wood-that-lasts-100-years-no-maintenance-required/)
- [Trex Transcend vs. Trex Transcend Lineage: What’s the Difference?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/31/trex-transcend-vs-trex-transcend-lineage-whats-the-difference/)
- [Using Decking as Cladding: A Growing Trend in Modern Homes](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/30/using-decking-as-cladding-a-growing-trend-in-modern-homes/)
- [Why Ipe Decking Is Still the Gold Standard in 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/27/why-ipe-decking-is-still-the-gold-standard-in-2026/)
- [Signs Your Deck Framing Is Rotting (And What To Do About It)](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/26/signs-your-deck-framing-is-rotting-and-what-to-do-about-it/)
- [Can You Replace Deck Boards Without Replacing the Frame?](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/25/can-you-replace-deck-boards-without-replacing-the-frame/)
- [Why Black Aluminum Deck Railing Is Still the Most Popular Choice](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/24/why-black-aluminum-deck-railing-is-still-the-most-popular-choice/)
- [Hidden Fasteners and Clean Looks: Why They're Essential for Modern Decking in 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/23/hidden-fasteners-and-clean-looks-why-theyre-essential-for-modern-decking-in-2026/)
- [Spring is The Best Time to Build Your Deck or Fence Project](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/20/spring-is-the-best-time-to-build-your-deck-or-fence-project/)
- [Spring Deck Inspection Guide for Boards, Stairs, Railing & Framing](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/19/spring-deck-inspection-guide-for-boards-stairs-railing-framing/)
- [Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas and Trends for 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/18/outdoor-deck-lighting-ideas-and-trends-for-2026/)
- [ROI Boosters: How New Decking, Railing, or Fencing Increases Home Value](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/17/roi-boosters-how-new-decking-railing-or-fencing-increases-home-value/)
- [The Rise of Bold, High-Contrast Colors in Decking and Railing for Spring 2026](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/16/the-rise-of-bold-high-contrast-colors-in-decking-and-railing-for-spring-2026/)
- [How to Choose the Best Deck Railing for Maximum Views: Glass, Cable, and Slim Aluminum](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/13/how-to-choose-the-best-deck-railing-for-maximum-views-glass-cable-and-slim-aluminum/)
- [Is Aluminum Deck Framing the Future? Cost, Strength, and Waterfront Advantages](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/12/is-aluminum-deck-framing-the-future-cost-strength-and-waterfront-advantages/)
- [Siding and Exterior Cladding Trends: Pairing with Decks for a Cohesive Look](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/11/siding-and-exterior-cladding-trends-pairing-with-decks-for-a-cohesive-look/)
- [Adding Built-In Features to Your Deck: Seating, Planters, Storage, and Lighting](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2026/03/10/adding-built-in-features-to-your-deck-seating-planters-storage-and-lighting/)


## Pages

- [Photo Contest](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/photo-contest/)
- [Real Wood. Real Value.](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/home/)
- [Decking Reviews](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/decking-reviews/)
- [Deck Design](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/deck-design/)
- [About](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/about/)